At Makarun, some of the most important work happens far away from the spotlight of the kitchen.

For more than ten years, baba Tanja has been hand-rolling makaruni for our restaurant, preserving a tradition that has existed in the village of Pupnat on the island of Korčula for more than 300 years.

Every single makarun is shaped by hand, slowly and carefully, exactly as generations before her prepared them.

There are no machines involved. Only experience, rhythm, patience, and hands that have repeated the same movement thousands upon thousands of times.

On some days, baba Tanja can roll up to nine kilograms of makaruni while quietly watching television at home — a skill that to outsiders looks effortless, but in reality takes decades to master.

At Makarun, we believe these small human details matter. Handmade pasta carries a texture, irregularity, and emotion that cannot be replicated industrially.

Beyond preparing makaruni for our kitchen, baba Tanja also leads public workshops where visitors can learn how traditional makaruni are shaped and understand the cultural importance behind them.

For us, preserving tradition is not about displaying it behind glass. It is about keeping it alive through everyday practice.

Without her hardworking hands, Makarun would not truly be Makarun.