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Hiša Franko

Kobarid

Self-taught Slovenian chef plates the nation’s exemplary produce

On the Pass

Ana Roš

Pastry Chef

Maša Salopek

Where have you heard that name before? Chef Ana Roš put Slovenia on the gastronomic map after being voted The World’s Best Female Chef in 2017 and starring in her own episode of Netflix’s cult series, Chef’s Table. Pronounced Hi-sha Franko, the restaurant is located in the stunning surrounds of the Soča Valley and has drawn visitors to Slovenia from all over the world.

About the chef: Roš was destined to be a diplomat, having completed a degree in international diplomatic studies before life brought her to the kitchen of Hiša Franko in the Soča Valley. She taught herself to cook and now specialises in intricately made fresh pasta and dishes that focus on produce from within a few kilometres of Hiša Franko.

On the menu: Roš and her team offer a tasting menu named ‘Reincarnation’ based on seasonal produce, which may start with the restaurant’s white asparagus with truffle and milk skin, or beef tongue pastrami, oyster and seaweed crystals. The rest of the menu might include anything from the chef’s corn beignet, fermented cottage cheese smoked trout roe and wild chives, to the lake trout with apple, sour cabbage and trout belly praline.

All in one: Hiša Franko is actually a big house in the countryside where Roš runs not only the restaurant, but also ages Tolminc cheese and runs a wine bar during the summer months. Local beer and t-shirts made from ecological material (designed by Slovenian artist Mateja Benedetti) are available at the on-site shop.

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