Sarajevo, the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a treasure trove of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. The city’s unique blend of peace and war, diverse populations, and religions has given rise to a rich and flavorful tradition that originated from humble beginnings. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary tour of 10 must-try foods in Sarajevo, Bosnia.
A Brief History of Bosnian Cuisine
Bosnian cuisine is a melting pot of Ottoman, Mediterranean, and Central European flavors, shaped by the country’s complex history. The Ottoman Empire’s occupation of the region in the 14th century introduced new ingredients and cooking techniques that blended with local traditions to create a distinct culinary identity.
The Role of Food in Bosnian Culture
Food plays a significant role in Bosnian culture, bringing people together across ethnic, religious, and linguistic boundaries. Traditional meals are often shared among families and friends, fostering a sense of community and bonding. The cuisine is also deeply influenced by the country’s geography, with local ingredients such as meat, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables playing a crucial role in many dishes.
1. Ćevapčići – The National Dish of Bosnia
Ćevapčići, named after the Persian word kebab, meaning “roasted meat,” is a staple dish in Bosnian cuisine. These oblong-shaped meatballs are made from a mixture of ground beef, pork, and lamb, along with onions, served inside a pita bread or on their own with white onions, lemon juice, ajvar (a spicy pepper sauce), and kajmak, a local cheese.
Recommended for: lunch, dinner, snack
Cost: €7.00 per person
2. Pljeskávica – The Bosnian Burger
Pljeskávica is an alternative to ćevapčići, the local version of a burger. This meat patty is made from a mixture of ground meats (usually beef and pork), marinated in garlic, onion, pepper, and paprika before being flattened and cooked.
Recommended for: lunch, dinner, snack
Cost: €6.00 per person
3. Burek – A Pastry Fit for a King
Burek is a pastry similar to the Turkish börek that’s popular throughout the Balkans. The filling can be either sweet or savory, with the Bosnian version typically consisting of cheese, minced meat, and spinach.
Recommended for: always
Cost: €3.00 per person
4. Musaka – A Taste of the Mediterranean
Musaka is a traditional dish from the Balkans, Turkey, and Greece, similar to our Sicilian eggplant parmesan. It consists of layers of eggplant, potatoes, and ground meat, topped with a creamy bechamel sauce.
Recommended for: lunch or dinner
Cost: €6.00 per person
5. Bósanski Lónac – A Hearty Soup
Bósanski Lónac is a traditional Bosnian soup that’s rich in flavor and features many different variations. The basic recipe consists of beef or lamb, cabbage, potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, parsley, garlic, and black pepper.
Recommended for: lunch or dinner
Cost: €5.00 per person
6. Sógan Dolma – Stuffed Onions
Sógan Dolma literally means “stuffed onions.” It consists of onions stuffed with a mixture of ground meat, rice, tomato sauce, paprika, vinegar or lemon juice, and other spices. The onions are then boiled in broth.
Recommended for: lunch or dinner
Cost: €4.00 per person
7. Sarma – Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Sarma are stuffed cabbage rolls filled with a mixture of ground meat, rice, and cereals. Before being filled, the cabbage leaves are blanched in boiling water seasoned with meat, herbs, onion, and spices.
Recommended for: lunch or dinner
Cost: €5.00 per person
8. Bakláva – A Sweet Treat
Bakláva is a sweet dessert that originated from Turkey. It consists of layers of phyllo dough soaked in honey syrup, filled with pistachios, walnuts, or hazelnuts.
Recommended for: always
Cost: €1.50 per person
9. Bosanski Kava – Traditional Coffee
Bosanski Kava is a traditional Bosnian coffee served from a small bronze pot called fildzan. The coffee is accompanied by sugar and traditional Ottoman sweets called lokum.
Recommended for: always
Cost: €1.00 per person
10. Tufahije – Stuffed Apples
Tufahije are stuffed apples filled with walnuts, boiled in water and sugar syrup, also of Turkish origin. The name tufajija comes from the Arabic word tuffaha, meaning apple.
Recommended for: always
Cost: €4.00 per person
Where to Eat in Sarajevo
Here are some recommended places to eat in Sarajevo:
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Pivnica HS Sarajevo
A historic brewery that serves excellent food and beer.
Address: Franjevačka 15
Phone: +38761488019 -
Inat Kuca
A traditional institution in the city, serving authentic dishes.
Address: Veliki Alifakovac 1
Phone: +38733489767 -
Ćevabdžinica Željo
An informal restaurant where you can try some of the best ćevapi in town.
Address: Kundurdžiluk 19
Phone: +38733441200 -
Miris dunja Baščaršija
A cafe in the heart of the old city where you can enjoy a cup of Bosnian coffee.
Address: Čizmedžiluk 9
Phone: +38762922900 -
Caffè Tito
A communist-themed cafe dedicated to Josip Tito, the last leader of Yugoslavia.
Address: Zmaja od Bosne 5
Phone: +38761208881
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Tips and Tricks for Dining in Sarajevo
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Try local ingredients: Bosnian cuisine is known for its emphasis on locally sourced ingredients, such as meat, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables.
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Don’t be afraid to try new things: Bosnian food is often spicy or sour, but it’s also incredibly flavorful and satisfying.
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Eat with locals: Eating with locals will give you a deeper understanding of the culture and traditions behind the cuisine.
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Respect local customs: Respect for local customs and traditions is essential when dining in Sarajevo.
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Learn some basic Bosnian phrases: Learning a few basic phrases like “Hello” (Zdravo), “Thank you” (Hvala), and “Goodbye” (Doždov) will go a long way in showing respect for the culture.
Conclusion
Sarajevo is a city that seamlessly blends East and West, tradition and innovation. The cuisine reflects this unique blend of cultures, with dishes that are both familiar and exotic. By trying these 10 must-try foods, you’ll get a taste of the real Sarajevo. So come and explore the flavors of Bosnia, and discover why this city is one of the most fascinating culinary destinations in Europe.
Useful Words and Phrases
- Zdravo (Hello)
- Hvala (Thank you)
- Doždov (Goodbye)
- Molitva (Please)
- Molitišu (Excuse me/Sorry)
- Da/Ne (Yes/No)
- Koliko košta? (How much does it cost?)
- Mogu…da/mogo se? (Can I…please?)
Bosnian Cuisine: A Glossary of Ingredients and Terms
- Ćevapi: Minced meat sausages, usually made from beef, pork, or lamb.
- Burek: A flaky pastry filled with cheese, minced meat, or spinach.
- Musaka: A layered dish made with eggplant, potatoes, and ground meat.
- Bósanski Lónac: A hearty soup made with beef, cabbage, potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, parsley, garlic, and black pepper.
- Sógan Dolma: Stuffed onions filled with a mixture of ground meat, rice, tomato sauce, paprika, vinegar or lemon juice, and other spices.
- Sarma: Stuffed cabbage rolls filled with a mixture of ground meat, rice, and cereals.
Festivals and Celebrations
Sarajevo is known for its vibrant festivals and celebrations, which often feature traditional food and drinks. Some popular events include:
- Eid al-Fitr: A celebration marking the end of Ramadan.
- St. John’s Festival: A festival honoring St. John the Baptist, with traditional music, dance, and food.
- Bosnia Day: A national holiday celebrating Bosnia’s independence.
Local Ingredients and Markets
Sarajevo is famous for its bustling markets, where you can find fresh produce, meat, dairy products, and other local ingredients. Some popular markets include:
- Baščaršija Market: A historic market in the heart of the old city.
- Željo Market: A modern market offering a wide range of fresh produce and local specialties.
Bosnian Cuisine: A Tour Through Time
Bosnian cuisine has a rich history, with influences from Ottoman, Mediterranean, and Central European traditions. Some popular dishes that have stood the test of time include:
- Ćevapi: Minced meat sausages that date back to the Ottoman Empire.
- Burek: A flaky pastry filled with cheese or minced meat that has been a staple in Bosnian cuisine for centuries.
Conclusion
Sarajevo is a city that seamlessly blends tradition and innovation, with a culinary scene that reflects its rich history and cultural diversity. By trying these 10 must-try foods and learning about local ingredients and markets, you’ll get a deeper understanding of the culture and traditions behind Bosnian cuisine. So come and explore the flavors of Bosnia, and discover why this city is one of the most fascinating culinary destinations in Europe.
