12 Famous Food Of Bosnia You Must Try In 2024

The present-day regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina should be noticed by those planning their next European excursion. Unlike the more well-known holiday destinations, such as Madrid and Lisbon, not many travellers know of the diverse and rich history of the country.

From the days of the Ottoman Empire to the collapse of the Soviet Union, Bosnia absorbed plenty of cultural influences, many of which found their way into what people got accustomed to consuming. Whether you desire the spices of the Mediterranean or a delicious stew full of rich gravy, there are all those Food of Bosnia.

So, if you plan to take a vacation to the North Adriatic Sea, don’t forget to check each item off your list. It shall provide you with a culinary journey with the best Bosnian dishes available almost anywhere within the country.

List Of 12 Best Food Of Bosnia

As per the Islamic dietary Laws, there are very few dishes in Bosnia that contain any veggies. Primarily, most of the dishes have meat in them. So, if you are non-vegetarian, then Bosnian cuisine will be a delight for you.

• Begova Corba | The Magic Potion
• Bosanski Lonac | Authentic Cuisine Element
• Ćevapi | All-rounder Dish
• Burek | The Mingling Meat!
• Tarhana | Soupy Delight!
• Kačamak | Not for the lovers of spices
• Meze | The Starter Dish
• Halva | A Dry Fruit Surprise
• Baklava | The King of Desserts
• Šerbe | The Refresher
• Bosnian Smoked Cheese | The Must-Have Food
• Musaka | The Bosnian Lasagna

1. Begova Corba | The Magic Potion

The Begova Corba (which translates to “Bey’s stew”) is a staple throughout the country during the harsh winter months. While the main ingredients constitute a simple soup with meat and vegetables, each recipe holds a grand tale that has been passed on through generations.

It is a comforting, warm indulgence in stark contrast to the falling mercury in the Bosnian outdoors. If you’re looking for traditional Bosnian food, this is the perfect dish to start.

• Best place to try Begova Corba: The soup is best consumed with some freshly baked bread. You can try out any restaurant within city limits, but the ASDŽ Aščinica in Sarajevo earns quite a repute with visitors for its unique flavour.
• Average Begova Corba price: Don’t expect to pay more than 30 BAM per person if you plan to order Begova Corba along with a few sides. The price may rise in a few upscale restaurants in Banja Luka and Zenica.

2. Bosanski Lonac | Authentic Cuisine Element

Another one of the authentic Bosnian recipes that tells you all about the nation’s culinary heritage. In fact, it’s one of the first main course dishes that tourists try when learning to cook Bosnian recipes. The process is simple: simmering your choice of seasonal vegetables and meat in a melting pot. Finish off with your desired seasoning and cheese.

• Best place to try Bosanki Lonac: While it’s straightforward to make Bosanki Lonac by yourself in any kitchen, several restaurants in Tuzla and Travnik may oblige you with a unique taste. If you want to try out the most hearty version, visit Restoran Škica in Mostar.
• The average price for Bosanki Lonac: A Bosanki Lonac meal for two can vary between 30 and 60 BAM, depending on the restaurant. But, if you try to cook one yourself, it can cost you less than 15 BAM.

3. Ćevapi | All-rounder Dish

A simple dish with meat and patties that includes varying ingredients depending on where you travel in Eastern Europe. In Bosnia, the dish includes a stuffing of beef, lamb, or chicken, depending on which one you order. A typical serving includes 5-10 portions, which makes it an excellent dish to pack for your treks into the Dinaric Alps.

• Best place to try Ćevapi: Across Bosnia, you can find several joints called Ćevabdžinica that have Ćevapi on their menu. While no restaurant will deny you a serving, these local street-level shops are the best way to experience the local taste.
• Average price for Ćevapi: You can get a decent portion of Ćevapi for 20-40 BAM.

4. Burek | The Mingling Meat!

A guide to local food experiences in Bosnia wouldn’t be complete without a Burek recommendation. It’s a special meat-filled pastry that includes two different types of cheese for an exclusive treat for your tongue. Vegetarians may choose to replace the meat filling with mashed potatoes or zucchini.

• Best place to try Burek: Buregdžinica Bosna serves the best Burek in Sarajevo. If you’re looking for a good restaurant in North Bosnia, be sure to check out the Piterija Ivo in Zagreb.
• Average price of Burek: A neat portion of Burek shall set you back around 30 BAM in the cities and 20 BAM in a rural establishment.

5. Tarhana | Soupy Delight!

Originally an Armenian dish, the Tarhana is a dried food ingredient that you can find from Northern Asia to the Middle East. It has also become a massive part of the Bosnian culinary heritage over the decades, often accompanied by a side of broth, soup, or milk.

The best advice is to buy a few packets from your local food store and cook them with some milk and soup yourself. Still, if you insist on eating out, it should be a part of the menu regardless of the eatery you visit.

• Best place to try Tarhana: The capital of Sarajevo has numerous restaurants that offer Tarhana as part of their menu. Nevertheless, the best taste you can experience is at the Snack Bar Garden in Tuzla, as you have it for breakfast with the sun rising over the hills.
• Average price for Tarhana: Packets for Tarhana go for no more than 5 BAM in Bosnia and Herzegovina. You can have it for 8 BAM if you want to order it from a decent restaurant.

6. Kačamak | Not for the lovers of spices

Kačamak is a cornmeal porridge that is most popular in Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It’s similar to the Italian polenta but much more suitable for those intolerant of spices. Many people from the old days considered it a poor man’s meal, but it has surged in popularity as each restaurant in Bosnia adds ingredients and sides to make it more succulent.

• Best place to try Kačamak: You have to try the Kačamak served in Restoran Kajmo in Vidrići. They serve it as a fresh pudding, and you can swap the sour milk for your choice of beverage.
• The average price for Kačamak: No restaurant within Bosnia will charge you more than 8 BAM for a Kačamak, even if you decide to include sides.

7. Meze | The Starter Dish

Meze is a platter of appetizers that traces its origin all the way back to the Persian empire. It has something for anyone’s taste, making it the perfect starter if you’re part of a tourist group. Restaurants in South Bosnia even offer you a fresh catch of the day to make your meal more savoury.

• Best place to try Meze: Each meze platter differs in taste depending on the town you visit. However, the Capital Restaurant in Sarajevo has the most options.
• Average price for Meze: You can have Meze in any town in Bosnia for less than 20 BAM.

8. Halva | A Dry Fruit Surprise

This is a dessert that made its way to Bosnia from Middle and Southeast Asia. A popular Indian dish, Bosnian Halva modifies the taste a bit with sunflower seeds and peanuts. It’s often a celebratory dish that friends and family distribute to each other during auspicious times.

• Best place to try Halva: There’s no question about where to eat in Bosnia, as Halva is available in sweet shops throughout the country. If you’re looking for a fresh portion for the best price, you can try out the Caffe slastičarna Badem in Sarajevo.
• Average price for Halva: You don’t need to visit a restaurant or cafe to order Halva. One can order multiple servings in various flavors for less than 40 BAM online in most towns within Bosnia.

9. Baklava | The King of Desserts

Despite being popular as a Middle Eastern dessert, Baklava is also quite a flavorsome sweet in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The layered filo pastry is often renamed as Ružice in the region, so now you know what to order when you don’t find Baklava on the menu.

• Best place to try Baklava: Baklava is often included in the name of the shops or cafes that serve it alongside your preferred beverages. The Baklava Shop in Travnik is the best place to try its unique roll-like form, similar to a kebab.
• The average price for Baklava: You can consume a hearty portion of Baklava for less than 10 BAM in Bosnia.

10. Šerbe | The Refresher

Šerbe (called “sharbat” in Persian) is a beverage distilled from fruit or flower petals. As with other dishes on this list, you can experience an exquisite taste within Bosnia. Local shops are often stocked with seasonal extracts that you can drink with milk or soda.

• Best place to try Šerbe: Cafe Nostalgia in Mostar offers a wide range of Šerbe, changing its offerings each season.
• The average price for Šerbe: About 10 BAM for a 300 ml bottle.

11. Bosnian Smoked Cheese | The Must-Have Food

Bosnian smoked cheese is just the opposite of American smoked cheese. It’s light, dry, and good for the heart. Many bakeries across the region offer it as a standalone product, although tourists often prefer it with bread or other assortments.

• Best place to try Bosnian smoked cheese: You must try out the cafes in and around the Blidinje National Park in the mountains of Dinarides for the best Bosnian smoked cheese.
• The average price for Bosnian smoked cheese: 500 grams of Bosnian smoked cheese wouldn’t cost over 5 BAM.

12. Musaka | The Bosnian Lasagna

Musaka is a dish that premiere restaurants in the Balkans live and die for. Most of those in Bosnia often have a middle layer of mashed potatoes sandwiched between custard and your choice of meat.

• Best place to try Musaka: The Restoran Libertas in Sarajevo serves one of the best Musaka in all of the Balkans.
• The average price for Musaka: You can get a decent portion for two at around 40 BAM.

Read More : Places To Visit In Bosnia 

Why should you just read about these dishes here when you can go and experience their taste in Bosnia? Here is our recommendation: get ready to go, and we will handle the rest.

At Adotrip, we serve you with information, Flights, Hotels, Tour Packages, VISA assistance, and travel insurance under one roof. You just need to go!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Food Of Bosnia

Q1. What are some popular Bosnian dishes?
A1. When in Bosnia, you should try

• Cevapi
• Burek (börek)
• Dolma
• Sarma
• Pilav (pilaf)
• Gulaš (goulash)

And others!

Q2. What is the significance of cevapi in Bosnian cuisine?
A2. Cevapi in Bosnian cuisine holds a rich history and cultural significance. It arrived in around 1500, and it was introduced to the Balkans in the Ottoman Empire.

Q3. Are there any vegetarian or vegan options in Bosnian food?
A3. Though it is a bit tough to find, there are some food items for vegetarians, such as rice and some well-seasoned vegetables.

Q4. How does Bosnian coffee differ from other types of coffee?
A4. Unlike the other coffees in the world, Bosnian coffee is stronger as it is not filtered.

Q5. Can you explain the influence of Ottoman cuisine on Bosnian food?
A5. Bosnia comes under the Balkan nations, and Ottomans deeply influence the Balkan nations. They introduced several types of ingredients, cooking techniques, and dishes to the region, which are still popular today.