Sarajevo Food Guide | Insider Tips & Must-Try Dishes

Sarajevo Food Guide: Insider Tips & Must-Try Dishes

Are you planning a trip to Sarajevo and eager to experience the city’s vibrant culinary scene? You’re in the right place! This Sarajevo food guide is your ultimate companion, packed with insider tips, must-try dishes, and everything you need to navigate the delicious world of Bosnian cuisine. Get ready for a gastronomic adventure where East meets West, and where every bite tells a story.

A Culinary Journey Through Time: The History of Sarajevo’s Cuisine

Sarajevo’s food scene is a rich tapestry woven from centuries of history and cultural exchange. The city’s strategic location, at the crossroads of empires, has shaped its culinary identity. Ottoman influences are deeply ingrained, with dishes like ćevapi, burek, and sarma holding a special place in the hearts of locals. Austro-Hungarian rule also left its mark, introducing new ingredients and techniques. The Bosnian War, though a tragic chapter, didn’t diminish the resilience of Sarajevo’s culinary spirit. Today, Sarajevo’s food scene is a testament to the city’s ability to embrace its past while forging a delicious, modern identity. From the traditional ćevabdžinicas (grilled meat restaurants) in Baščaršija to innovative restaurants, Sarajevo offers a unique dining experience.

Local Specialties - “Must-Try” Dishes

Prepare your taste buds for a culinary adventure! Sarajevo’s cuisine is a symphony of flavors and textures, offering a range of dishes that reflect its unique history and culture. Here are some must-try dishes:

Ćevapi (Grilled Minced Meat Rolls): The quintessential Bosnian street food!

Description: Small, skinless rolls of grilled minced meat (usually a mix of beef and lamb), served inside a warm somun (flatbread), often accompanied by chopped onions and kajmak (clotted cream). The meat is intensely flavourful from the grill.
Origin/History: Ćevapi’s origins are linked to the Ottoman Empire, and it’s a dish that every local has enjoyed.
Where to Find It: A bustling ćevabdžinica in the Baščaršija (Old Bazaar) area.

Burek (Savory Pie): The flakey pastry filled with meat.

Description: A layered, flaky pastry, typically filled with minced meat (burek sa mesom), cheese (sirnica), spinach (zeljanica), or potato (krompiruša). It’s usually served hot and is often eaten with a side of yogurt.
Origin/History: Originally a Turkish pastry, it has become a favourite in Bosnia, with each region having its own variation.
Where to Find It: Bakeries (pekara) and street food stalls throughout the city.

Sarma (Cabbage Rolls): A comforting, traditional dish.

Description: Cabbage leaves (usually pickled) wrapped around a mixture of minced meat (beef and/or pork), rice, and spices. It’s slow-cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce.
Origin/History: Sarma is common throughout the Balkans and has influences from Ottoman cuisine. It is often a centrepiece in the winter months.
Where to Find It: In traditional Bosnian restaurants or at family homes.

Begova Čorba (Bey’s Soup): A creamy and rich soup.

Description: A thick, creamy soup traditionally made with chicken, vegetables (such as carrots and celery), and okra. It’s seasoned with spices and often finished with kajmak or sour cream.
Origin/History: This soup is said to have originated in the Ottoman era and was served to the Bey (regional governor).
Where to Find It: At traditional Bosnian restaurants, as a starter to your meal.

Bosanski Lonac (Bosnian Pot): A hearty stew.

Description: A slow-cooked stew made with various types of meat (beef, lamb, or sometimes pork), potatoes, vegetables (such as carrots, onions, and peppers), and spices. Each family has their own secret recipe.
Origin/History: A traditional dish that has its roots in rural life, made with whatever ingredients were available.
Where to Find It: At family-run restaurants where they’ll tell you their secret recipe, this dish is a must try.

Tufahije (Stewed Apples): A sweet treat.

Description: Whole apples, stewed in syrup and filled with a walnut-based cream. They’re often topped with whipped cream.
Origin/History: Tufahije are a dessert of Turkish origin, but have become a favourite in Sarajevo.
Where to Find It: Cafes and restaurants that serve traditional desserts.

Kafa (Bosnian Coffee): A rich and aromatic coffee.

Description: Strong, unfiltered coffee, similar to Turkish coffee, served in a small, traditional pot (džezva) with a fildžan (small cup). It’s often accompanied by a piece of lokum (Turkish delight).
Origin/History: The coffee culture in Sarajevo is a legacy of the Ottoman Empire.
Where to Find It: Everywhere! Cafes, restaurants, and even street vendors. The Baščaršija area has many traditional coffee houses.

Dining Etiquette and Cultural Norms

Navigating the Sarajevo dining scene is part of the fun! Understanding local customs will enrich your experience:

Tipping: Tipping is customary, though not always expected. If you’re happy with the service, a tip of around 10% is standard. Rounding up the bill is also common.
Greetings: When entering a restaurant, a simple “Dobar dan” (Good day) or “Zdravo” (Hello) is appropriate. If you know your waiter you can say “Ćao!” (Ciao!), which is a casual greeting.
Ordering and Courses: It’s perfectly acceptable to order a single course (e.g., ćevapi). However, Bosnian meals often start with soup (čorba), followed by a main course and a dessert. Ordering multiple courses is common for dinner.
Pace of Dining: Dining in Sarajevo tends to be a relaxed and leisurely experience. Don’t expect to be rushed. Settle in, enjoy the company, and savour your meal.
Table Manners: Using cutlery is expected. Don’t be afraid to ask for help with the menu if needed. It’s also acceptable to share food with others at your table.
Bread: Bread (usually somun or lepinja) is almost always served with meals and is often used to scoop up sauces or gravies. Don’t be shy about using it!
Getting the Waiter’s Attention: It’s normal to signal to the waiter to get their attention, or to wait until they come over to you. Don’t be afraid to use a simple hand gesture or say “Izvolite” (Excuse me).

Key Local Ingredients to Know

Understanding key ingredients is the first step to becoming a Sarajevo food expert. Here’s what you need to know:

Kajmak (Clotted Cream): A thick, creamy dairy product, similar to clotted cream, with a slightly salty flavour. It’s used as a condiment with many dishes, especially ćevapi and burek. If you can’t find it, use double cream or Greek yogurt with a pinch of salt for a similar taste and texture.
Ajvar (Roasted Red Pepper Relish): A flavorful relish made from roasted red peppers, often with eggplant, garlic, and oil. It has a smoky, slightly sweet taste. Served as a side dish, a spread on bread, or an ingredient in sauces. If you can’t find it, use roasted red peppers, mixed with a little garlic and olive oil.
Somun (Flatbread): A soft, fluffy, and slightly chewy flatbread, often baked in a wood-fired oven. It’s a staple with ćevapi. Use pita bread as a substitute.
Suho Meso (Dried Meat): Air-dried and sometimes smoked meat (usually beef or lamb). The flavour can vary. It is common to eat Suho Meso cold as part of an appetizer, or added to stews and soups. If you can’t find it, prosciutto or other cured meats can be used, though the flavour is slightly different.

5 Facts You May Not Know About Sarajevo

Want to impress your dining companions? Here are a few fun facts about Sarajevo that add extra flavour to your trip:

Sarajevo hosted the Winter Olympics in 1984, leaving behind a legacy of infrastructure and a spirit of unity that was tragically shattered by the war.
The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo in 1914 is considered the spark that ignited World War I.
Sarajevo is sometimes called the “Jerusalem of Europe” because of its unique mix of cultures, religions, and historical influences.
The Latin Bridge, one of the city’s most famous landmarks, is where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated.
Sarajevo has a strong coffee culture, and traditionally, coffee is served in a small pot called a džezva and poured from a height to create a rich crema.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sarajevo Food

Is it safe to eat street food in Sarajevo?

Generally, yes. Look for stalls and vendors that are busy, and that look clean. The ćevapi and burek are usually very safe, fresh and popular choices.

Are vegetarian and vegan options readily available?

While meat is a staple, vegetarian options like vegetable stews, spinach burek, and salads are available in most restaurants. Vegan options are becoming more common.

What are the best times to visit Sarajevo for food?

The spring and autumn months offer pleasant weather and a chance to try fresh seasonal ingredients.

Are there any food tours in Sarajevo?

Yes, there are many walking food tours that take you to different places, so you can taste the local food.

How much money should I budget for food per day?

Food in Sarajevo is very affordable. You can easily eat well for £20-£30 per day.

Conclusion: Savoring the Flavours of Sarajevo

Sarajevo’s culinary scene is a captivating blend of history, culture, and incredible flavours. From the sizzling ćevapi to the comforting sarma, there’s a dish to delight every palate. Explore the markets, sample the local specialties, and embrace the relaxed dining customs. Don’t hesitate to experience the tastes of Sarajevo. Share your favourite Sarajevo dish in the comments below and your thoughts on what we missed! Bon appétit!