As a traveler to Belgrade, you’re in for a treat. The city’s rich Serbian cuisine is a delicious reflection of its history and cultural influences. From traditional soups to grilled meats and sweet pastries, every dish tells a story of this fascinating country. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the top 10 must-try dishes in Belgrade.
1. Soup: The Heart of Serbian Cuisine
Soup is a staple in Serbian cuisine, often served as an appetizer to prepare your palate for the main course. This traditional dish typically features beef and lamb offal, simmered with butter and sour cream. It’s a comforting start to any meal, and you can find variations made with chicken or mutton too.
In Serbia, soup is not just a side dish; it’s an integral part of the meal. The most popular soups in Belgrade include:
- Čevapijka (a hearty beef broth)
- Sarma (a cabbage leaf-stuffed meat soup)
- Pileta (a creamy mushroom soup)
2. Ćevapčići: Grilled Meatballs of the Balkans
These Turkish-inspired meatballs are a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Made from ground beef and lamb, they’re seasoned with spices and grilled to perfection. You’ll find ćevapčići on menus throughout Belgrade, perfect for lunch or dinner.
In Serbia, ćevapčići is often served with a side of flatbread, onions, and ajvar (a roasted red pepper sauce). Some popular places to try ćevapčići include:
- Ćevapčići Mali Kalemegdan (Traditional restaurant with a view of the Fortezza di Belgrado)
- Gostilna Na Ovčji Kapusi (Cozy café serving traditional Serbian dishes)
3. Srpska Gibanica: A Savory Pastry
This Serbian classic is a must-try when in Belgrade. The gibanica is a layered pastry filled with cheese, cream, and eggs, similar to lasagna. Pair it with a cold beer for the ultimate dining experience.
In Serbia, gibanica is often served as an appetizer or side dish. Some popular variations include:
- Gibanica s lepinom (a layered pastry with cheese, cream, and ham)
- Gibanica s kuširnikom (a layered pastry with cheese, cream, and eggs)
4. Sarma: An Eastern-Inspired Delight
Sarma is an involtino made from cabbage leaves, stuffed with ground meat, rice, and spices. This traditional Serbian dish is both flavorful and visually appealing, making it a great choice for lunch or dinner.
In Serbia, sarma is often served as a main course, accompanied by a side of polenta or bread. Some popular places to try sarma include:
- Gostilna Na Ovčji Kapusi (Cozy café serving traditional Serbian dishes)
- Kafe Zlatibor (Elegant restaurant serving modern Serbian cuisine)
5. Pljeskavica: The Balkan Burger
This popular dish is a mix of lamb, beef, pork, and veal, grilled to perfection with onions. It’s often served as a main course, but you can also find it on menus as a snack or light meal.
In Serbia, pljeskavica is often served with a side of fries or salad. Some popular places to try pljeskavica include:
- Ćevapčići Mali Kalemegdan (Traditional restaurant with a view of the Fortezza di Belgrado)
- Gostilna Na Ovčji Kapusi (Cozy café serving traditional Serbian dishes)
6. Podvarak: A Winter Warmer
During the colder months, this traditional Serbian dish is a staple in many households. Made with sour cabbage, pancetta, and roasted pork or duck, podvarak is a hearty side dish perfect for lunch or dinner.
In Serbia, podvarak is often served as an appetizer or side dish. Some popular variations include:
- Podvarak s kuširnikom (a winter warmer made with sour cabbage, pancetta, and eggs)
- Podvarak s lepinom (a winter warmer made with sour cabbage, pancetta, and ham)
7. Palačinke: Hungarian-Inspired Crepes
For dessert, try these sweet crepes filled with chocolate, cream, or jam. A popular choice among locals, palacinke are a delicious way to end your meal in Belgrade.
In Serbia, palacinke are often served as a snack or light meal. Some popular variations include:
- Palacinke s čokam (crepes filled with chocolate and whipped cream)
- Palacinke s kuširnikom (crepes filled with cheese, cream, and eggs)
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8. Riblja Čorba: Fish Broth from the Danube
This fish broth is an excellent appetizer, made with freshwater fish and spices. It’s a taste of the region’s aquatic heritage, and you’ll find it on menus throughout Belgrade.
In Serbia, riblja čorba is often served as an appetizer or side dish. Some popular variations include:
- Riblja čorba s kuširnikom (fish broth made with freshwater fish and eggs)
- Riblja čorba s lepinom (fish broth made with freshwater fish and ham)
9. Karađorđeva Šnicla: A Hearty Steak
For meat lovers, this Serbian favorite is a must-try. Stuffed with cheese, pancetta, and kajmak, this pan-fried steak is the perfect main course for lunch or dinner.
In Serbia, karađorđeva šnicla is often served as a main course, accompanied by a side of fries or salad. Some popular places to try karađorđeva šnicla include:
- Gostilna Na Ovčji Kapusi (Cozy café serving traditional Serbian dishes)
- Kafe Zlatibor (Elegant restaurant serving modern Serbian cuisine)
10. Burek: A Turkish-Inspired Breakfast Treat
Start your day in Belgrade with a traditional burek, a flaky pastry filled with cheese or meat and spices. This popular breakfast dish has spread throughout the Balkans, but it’s still a favorite among locals.
In Serbia, burek is often served as a breakfast or snack item. Some popular variations include:
- Burek s čokam (a flaky pastry filled with chocolate and whipped cream)
- Burek s kuširnikom (a flaky pastry filled with cheese, cream, and eggs)
Where to Eat in Belgrade: Top Picks for Local Specialties and Street Food
From traditional cafés to modern restaurants, Serbian cuisine is on full display in Belgrade. Here are some top picks for local specialties and street food:
- Tri Šešira: A cozy café serving local specialties at reasonable prices.
- Ćevapčići Mali Kalemegdan: Traditional restaurant with a view of the Fortezza di Belgrado, offering Serbian specialties.
- Gospodar Jovanova: Elegant and refined international cuisine from Casa Nova.
Conclusion
Belgrade’s rich Serbian cuisine is a reflection of its history and cultural influences. With this culinary journey, you’ve discovered the top 10 must-try dishes in Belgrade. Whether you’re looking for hearty meat dishes or sweet pastries, every bite tells a story of this fascinating country.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the most popular Serbian dish?
- Ćevapčići is often considered the most popular Serbian dish.
- Can I find fish broth in Belgrade?
- Yes, riblja čorba is a common fish broth found on menus throughout Belgrade.
- What is the difference between gibanica and lasagna?
- While both are layered pastries, Serbian gibanica typically features cheese, cream, and eggs, whereas Italian lasagna is made with ground beef, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
- Is pljeskavica a traditional Serbian dish?
- Yes, pljeskavica is a traditional Serbian dish that originated in the country’s south.
Bonus Tips
- Try to eat at local restaurants or cafés instead of touristy places.
- Be adventurous and try new dishes and flavors.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations from locals or restaurant staff.
