Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, isn’t just a destination for history and culture enthusiasts but a true heaven for food lovers. Through the narrow streets of Baščaršija and the broader city area, you’ll encounter a wealth of flavors that span centuries. Here is a list of must-try dishes during your visit to Sarajevo.
Unique Bosnian dish - ćevapi
When it comes to exploring the culinary treasures of Sarajevo, ćevapi undoubtedly takes center stage. These small, succulent minced meat kebabs, typically crafted from a blend of lamb and beef, are a true emblem of Sarajevan cuisine. It is one of the must-try dishes in Sarajevo. For an authentic experience, go on a culinary journey to the renowned “Ćevabdžinica Željo” located in the heart of Baščaršija, the city’s historic bazaar. Beyond Željo, there are other revered ćevapi havens scattered throughout Baščaršija. You can visit ćevabdžinica Hodžić, ćevabdžinica Petica, Fan Ferhatović, Mrkva, or one of many others.
Burek and other pies
Burek, Sarajevo’s second culinary gem, captivates with its crispy crust and diverse fillings. Burek is a pie with meat and it is the most special pie for Bosnians. Burek is called the king of pies. This pie is usually served with yogurt. In other countries, all pies are called burek, but in Bosnia and Herzegovina burek is just a meat pie, other pies – with potatoes, cheese, and other things are called pita.
Buregdžinica Bosna or Buregdžinica Oklagija in Baščaršija offer an exceptional meat-filled burek that is unmissable. Burek is more than a dish, it’s a culinary heritage passed down through generations.
Pies are made by stretching the dough, filling it, and rolling it up. Then the long roll with the filling is coiled into a spiral on the pan and baked until it’s crispy.
Bey's Soup - Taste of History
Bey’s Soup or Begova čorba, a rich broth with lamb, vegetables, and spices, offers a unique flavor experience. Visit the restaurant “Inat kuća” to savor this traditional delight.
For an authentic experience of Bey’s Soup, “Inat Kuća” stands as an iconic destination. This charming restaurant, nestled in the heart of Sarajevo, captures the essence of Bosnian hospitality and culinary tradition. The name itself “Inat Kuća” translates to “Spite House”, an intriguing nod to the building’s storied history. You can also learn about that here.
Dolma - stuffed vegetables
Bosnian Dolma, stuffed vegetables, represents a delicious dish with rich aromas and diverse textures. This traditional Bosnian dish is often prepared with vegetables such as peppers, eggplants, and tomatoes, and the vegetables are stuffed with minced meat and rice. You can try this meal in many restaurants, and one of them is Dveri. Dolma is one of the must-try dishes.
Vegetarian options
All pies except for burek are vegetarian, and there are also many other vegetarian options in Sarajevo restaurants. One of the Baščaršija restaurants where you can try vegetarian options is Barhana.
Traditional sweets
Baklava, with its scrumptious layers of thin pastry, walnuts, and honey, stands as one of the most renowned desserts. Not originating in the Balkans, Bosnian baklava is one of the must-try dishes in Sarajevo.
Tufahija is a traditional delight, featuring walnuts and cooked apples, and offers a genuine treat for fruit enthusiasts.
Small cookies made from flour, walnuts, and honey, hurmašice can be found in nearly all traditional patisseries. These bite-sized delights are a perfect sweet treat.
You can try traditional sweets in every pastry shop, like Baklava shop, Saraj, Saray Bosna, and Carigrad…
Visit Sarajevo with an empty stomach and surrender to these flavors that bring to life the rich history and tradition of this incredible city. Sarajevo’s cuisine isn’t just food – it’s an experience!
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