Escaped from Serbia, then opened 'Ježev prolaz' with a friend in Zagreb: 'They followed and bugged me, I had to leave'

Zagreb's Tkalčićeva street now hosts "Ježev prolaz," a unique eatery dedicated to tropical fruit salads, launched by Andreas Bebić and Andrej Obradović less than two months ago. The shop offers seven distinct fruit salad combinations, featuring exotic produce such as pineapple, pitaya, papaya, lychee, and carambola.

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Exotic fruits we source from Exotic King. We have excellent cooperation with them and they have proven to be the best in terms of freshness. And other fruits, those that have already become common here, we buy at Dolac.

The fruits are sourced from "Exotic King" for exotic varieties and local markets like Dolac for more common produce. Popular salad choices include "Golden Passage," a mix of pineapple, banana, papaya, kiwi, red grapes, and carambola, and "Dragon Paradise," which combines pitaya, papaya, pineapple, kiwi, lychee, red grapes, and carambola. Another favorite is the "Royal Jež," featuring pitaya, papaya, lychee, carambola, red grapes, and pineapple.

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We are satisfied with the start. What pleases us most is that people return after trying our salads once. However, it is noticeable that Zagreb is empty in the summer. We believe we would do even better on the coast during this period as the season is ideal for such a product. We expect it to be even better from September.

Customers have praised the salads, with some even remarking that the portions are too large. The owners are pleased with the customer loyalty, noting that many patrons return after their first taste. However, they acknowledge that business slows during the summer months as Zagreb empties out, contrasting it with the potential for higher sales on the coast during this season.

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We wanted to have something of our own and stand out with our offer. Besides, due to the technical conditions in the space, we couldn't cook, so hot dishes were immediately out. Partial inspiration was poke, only we wanted to make a sweet version.

Looking ahead, Bebić and Obradović are optimistic about increased business starting in September. They are also planning a winter menu, though they remain tight-lipped about the specifics. Currently, the menu includes coffee and hot chocolate, and they are experimenting with a base of skyr or mascarpone for their salads, sweetened with fructose or honey and flavored with natural extracts. Leftover exotic fruit is transformed into "Slushy," a refreshing frozen drink.

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Sweet cheese is life.