Meet Šime Sušić – Your MasterChef Gourmet Guide
Šime at a Glance
MasterChef Winner Champion of Croatia’s first MasterChef, known for refined seafood dishes
Educator Geography teacher in Zagreb, creator of the food-geography elective
Adventurous Explorer Kayaked 1,200 km across 47 Croatian islands, cooking with locals
Culinary Passion Specializes in fresh, seasonal dishes reflecting coastal Croatia
Šime Sušić earned his culinary fame as the winner of Croatia’s first MasterChef in 2011, captivating judges with inventive dishes—particularly his signature poached fish with asparagus, anchovies, and chili—despite having the least professional cooking experience among finalists
Since then, he has continued to enrich Croatia’s gastronomic identity through both cooking and education.
Though many expected him to pursue a restaurant career, Šime chose a different path—dedicating himself to education as a geography and history teacher in Zagreb. There, he created an elective course called “geography of food”, blending culinary love with academic insight
His passion for both cooking and the sea led to an incredible kayak expedition: paddling over 1,200 km in 47 days, visiting all 47 inhabited Croatian islands, and cooking with local communities to celebrate Croatia's food heritage
Since 2015, he's served as the gourmet guide for sea kayaking trips around Rab and the Adriatic
Why Šime Makes This Tour Extra Special
With his creative approach and insistence on top-quality ingredients—homegrown, fresh, seafood-forward—Šime brings restaurant-level cooking to outdoor adventures. His signature dishes include grilled Adriatic fish, seasonal vegetables from a permaculture garden, truffle-infused olive oils, and celebrated Croatian cheese and sweets.
Authentic Local Insight
Born in Zagreb to Dalmatian parents from Rab and Hvar, Šime brings a deeply personal connection to the region. Expect stories, traditions, and culinary customs spanning the Adriatic — shared authentically over every meal and paddling session.
Expert Kayak Explorer
Not only a chef, Šime is also an accomplished sea kayaker. His coast-to-coast adventure across Croatia reflects his spirit of exploration—and now he shares that energy guiding you through hidden coves and scenic shores around Rab
Experience with Šime Includes:
- Freshly caught fish made on-site, paired with vegetables you might just pick yourself
- Nightly themed gourmet dinners highlighting regional specialties and wine pairings
- Interactive culinary experiences: tasting, cooking demonstrations, and foodie storytelling
- Insight into food origins, agriculture, and how geography influences flavor
With Šime Sušić at the helm, your gourmet kayaking adventure becomes more than a tour—it’s a fully immersive culinary journey. Under his guidance, every paddle day ends in a memorable dinner, rich in flavor, story, and connection to the Adriatic.
