Must-Try Dishes in the Balkans and Where to Find Them
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Discover the unique cuisine of the Balkans! Must-try dishes and recommendations from Gezpoint, from meatballs and börek to desserts and seafood.
Dear Gezpoint travellers and food lovers!
A bridge between Europe and Asia, the Balkans are a unique region where different cultures, histories and natural wonders come together—and one that promises unforgettable memories not just for the eyes, but for the taste buds too. This ancient land, steeped in history at every turn, is also home to a rich and varied feast of flavours known as Balkan cuisine. The Gezpoint team is ready to take you on a gourmet journey into the heart of the Balkans. Get ready, because in this article we’ll discover the dishes you must try in the Balkans and the best places to find them!
The Magic of Balkan Cuisine: A Taste of History and Culture
The Balkans have been shaped by the influence of great empires such as the Ottoman Empire, Austria-Hungary and Venice, lending their culinary culture incredible variety. Each nation added its own touch, creating a blend of flavours that leaves a lasting impression. Traditional Balkan dishes are generally meat-heavy and are enriched with vegetables, pastries and dairy products. So get your forks and spoons ready—we’re setting off on this culinary route!
1. Burek: The Undisputed King of Balkan Tables
“Burek” and the Balkans go hand in hand! Made with paper-thin layers of pastry filled with ingredients such as minced meat, cheese, potatoes or spinach, then baked until golden brown, burek is one of the region’s most iconic dishes. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s “_pita_” and Serbia’s “_burek_” stand out for their different folding and baking techniques.
Where to Eat It: You’ll find a “_buregdžinica_” (burek shop) on practically every corner in the narrow lanes of Baščaršija in Sarajevo. Local bakeries in Mostar and Belgrade also offer great breakfast options. Be sure to try a portion of minced meat burek, and don’t forget to ask for “_yogurt_” on the side!
2. Ćevapi (Grilled Minced Meat Sausages): This Is the Flavour at the Heart of the Balkans!
One of the first dishes that comes to mind when talking about Balkan cuisine is undoubtedly “Ćevapi.” These small, finger-shaped grilled meat sausages, made from a mixture of minced meat and cooked over charcoal, are prepared with a different twist in each country across the region. They’re usually served with flatbread called “_lepinja_,” chopped onion and “_kajmak_” (a creamy dairy spread).
Where to Eat Them: Legendary ćevabdžinica restaurants such as “Željo” and “Ferhatović” in Sarajevo serve some of the best ćevapi in Bosnia and Herzegovina. “Walter” restaurant in Belgrade is another delicious option with a modern twist. Be sure to discover the difference between Sarajevski ćevap and Banja Luka ćevap!
3. Ajvar: The Legend of the Red Pepper
Made with the perfect combination of roasted red peppers and aubergine, “Ajvar” is one of the Balkans’ best-known spreads. Enjoyed at breakfast and alongside main courses, Ajvar has a special place among the region’s gourmet delicacies. It comes in both mild and spicy varieties.
Where to Find It: You can find homemade ajvar in almost any supermarket or local market. Ajvar made especially in North Macedonia and Serbia is renowned around the world for its quality.
4. Pljeskavica: A Feast of Flavour
“Pljeskavica,” which could be considered Serbia’s national dish, is a large, flat grilled patty. It’s made with minced meat seasoned with spices and is usually served with plenty of onion, kajmak and various sauces. It’s no exaggeration to call it the Balkan version of a hamburger!
Where to Eat It: Traditional “_kafana_” venues (restaurant-taverns) and street-food spots in Belgrade’s Skadarlija district are among the best places to try pljeskavica.
5. Tavče Gravče: North Macedonia’s Oven-Baked Beans
“ T avče Gravče,” the famous bean dish from North Macedonia, is a true culinary icon. This hearty dish is made by combining dried beans with tomato sauce and spices, then slowly cooking them in a clay pot. It’s especially warming on cold days.
Where to Eat It: You can find delicious “Tavče Gravče” at restaurants around Lake Ohrid and traditional eateries in Skopje.
6. Peka: The Bounty of a Wood Fire from the Adriatic Coast
Popular along the Adriatic coast of Croatia and Montenegro, “Peka” is the name of a special cooking technique. Meat (lamb or beef) or octopus is placed with vegetables beneath a bell-shaped lid and slowly cooked in its own juices over hot embers. The result is incredibly tender and flavourful.
Where to Eat It: Konobas (tavern-restaurants) in coastal cities such as Dubrovnik, Split and Kotor are ideal places to enjoy this unique experience. You’ll usually need to order it in advance.
7. Njeguški Pršut: Montenegro’s Smoked Treasure
Montenegro’s famous “Njeguški Pršut” is thinly sliced pork ham that has been salted and air-dried. It’s served as an appetiser with olive oil and local cheeses, and pairs wonderfully with wine.
Where to Find It: The village of Njeguši, near the Bay of Kotor, is the birthplace of this delicacy. You can find freshly sliced pršut at local markets and delicatessens.
8. Begova Čorba: Bosnia’s Restorative Touch
“Begova Čorba” (Bey’s Soup) is one of the most elegant and nourishing starters in Bosnian and Herzegovinian cuisine. Made with chicken, okra, carrots and rice, this creamy soup is both hearty and delicious.
Where to Eat It: You can find this soup at many traditional aščinica (local eateries) and fine-dining restaurants in Sarajevo.
9. Tavë Kosi: Albania’s Lamb Feast with Yogurt
“ T avë Kosi,” a dish unique to Albania, is made by baking lamb with rice and a garlic-yogurt sauce. The slight tanginess the yogurt adds to the meat makes this dish unforgettable.
Where to Eat It: Local restaurants in Tirana and traditional eateries in historic cities such as Berat are wonderful places to try “Tavë Kosi.”
10. Trileçe: A Sweet Dance of Three Milks
Popularised in part by migrants from Türkiye to the region, but especially loved in Albania and Montenegro, “Trileçe” is a light, sponge-like cake soaked in a mixture of three kinds of milk (cow, goat and buffalo). It’s usually topped with caramel sauce.
Where to Eat It: You can find this light and delicious dessert in patisseries in Tirana and cafés in Podgorica.
11. Rakija (Fruit Brandy): A Taste of the Balkan Spirit
“Rakija” is the Balkans’ traditional, potent fruit brandy. It’s distilled from a variety of fruits, including plums (“_šljivovica_”), grapes (“_lozovača_”) and apricots. It’s usually enjoyed as an aperitif before a meal or during social gatherings.
Where to Try It: You can enjoy rakija at local restaurants, kafanas and bars in almost every Balkan country. Buying homemade rakija from a small local shop is another authentic experience.
Discover the Balkans’ Mouthwatering Routes with Gezpoint!
The Balkans will nourish your soul not only with their historic and natural wonders, but also with the unique flavours they have to offer. Every dish has a story behind it, and every restaurant holds flavours passed down through generations. At Gezpoint, we’d be delighted to guide you on this gourmet journey.
Unique Experiences Await!
Remember, eating in the Balkans is about more than just satisfying your appetite: it’s also a way to understand a culture, connect with people and make new friends. With Balkan tour packages specially put together by Gezpoint, you can savour these dishes where they’re made and create unforgettable memories as you discover the region’s hidden gourmet spots.
Don’t wait any longer to discover the Balkans’ enchanting cuisine with Gezpoint and set off on an adventure that will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds!
Explore Gezpoint’s Balkan tours now and embark on a flavour-filled adventure!