Top 5 dishes of Serbian cuisine

Whether you are a discerning foodie or a fussy eater, you are bound to find your new favourite dish at a table of Serbian delicacies. Throughout its history, Serbia represented a crossroads between the prospering West and the traditional East, which is perfectly reflected in its cuisine. The tastes of the Ottoman Empire are still present in the famous bourek or sarmice (wine leaves or cabbage stuffed with rice, veggies or minced meat) and honeyed desserts. At the same time, the Serbian version of goulash echoes the rule of Austria-Hungary in the northern part of the country.

Among the myriad influences, traditional Serbian meals persisted and are today perfected in Serbian homes, local kafanas and restaurants that take pride in providing the best culinary experience.

What is Serbian cuisine?

The good news is, you don’t have to know Serbian history to enjoy its cuisine. All you need to do is have a bite of some proja (bread made with corn flour) or gibanica (traditional pie with cheese), and you will be transported to the garden of delightful Serbian starters.

When you move on to the main course, always expect an ample portion of whatever you ordered. With hearty meat dishes such as punjena paprika (peppers stuffed with minced meat), sarma, ćevapi, or Karađorđe steak you can never go wrong. These wholesome meals will give you a real taste of Serbian home cooking.

On the other hand, if you are more on the veggie side, feel free to indulge yourself in all kinds of pies – spinach, cheese, mushroom, rice, as well as sweet pies with pumpkin, apples or berries. Dishes like đuveč (casserole made with tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, rice, chili), prebranac (kidney beans slow-cooked with vegetables), along with šopska salad (tomatoes, cucumbers, cheese and seasoning) will also offer the authentic taste you’re after.

What is the National dish of Serbia?

The title of the national dish of Serbia ought to be the Serbian sarma. The name “sarma” comes from the Turkish verb meaning “to wrap” or “to roll” and yet, the recipe has come a long way since the Ottoman times and in Serbia it is served as the main dish (unlike in Türkiye, where it is a cold starter).

Sarma is traditionally prepared by wrapping either wine leaves or fermented cabbage leaves around a savoury filling of minced meat (usually pork, beef, or a mix), rice, chopped onion and carrots, enriching it all with some spices. The rolls are then slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce, sometimes accompanied by smoked meats for added depth of flavour. As you can see, the preparation takes time and the result is therefore all the more rewarding. What you get on the plate is a superb delicacy that shows you the richness of Serbian cuisine in just one melting mouthful.

What makes sarma the national dish? Beyond its irresistible flavour, sarma is a dish of togetherness, the most common family meal made in large batches and served during holidays and special occasions.

How to Make Serbian Ćevapi?

We can thank globalisation for delivering local food to our markets, even doorsteps. That’s why another popular Serbian dish – ćevapčići – comes frozen and ready-to-eat in many of Europe’s supermarkets. However, if you’d like to bring a taste of Serbia into your home by making ćevapi yourself, you’ll be surprised how easy the recipe is. Firstly, let’s make sure you’ve got everything you need:

  • 500g minced beef
  • 500g minced pork
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • a pinch of paprika or cayenne for added spice

The way Serbian mothers and gourmet fathers make ćevapi is not without a large bowl, where all ingredients are intermixed. So, chop the garlic and combine it with the minced meats of your choice, baking soda, adding salt and pepper to taste. Nothing ensures a quality mixture such as a tough kneading by hand – don’t be scared to roll up your sleeves!

Once the mixture is ready, it’s time to shape the ćevapi into their signature sausage-like form. A good tip ahead is to wet your hands to prevent sticking. When you have all the little ćevapi arranged on a tray, cover them and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or better, overnight) to let the flavours develop.

Ćevapi are supposed to be grilled, so make sure to grill them to perfection by preheating a grill or grill pan to high heat. They will be ready in about 3 to 4 minutes on each side but you will be certain when you see them evenly browned.

Finally, serve your ćevapi with warm bread or lepinja, freshly chopped onions, and a dollop of kajmak (Serbian clotted cream) for a uniquely Serbian experience.

In the Mood for Some Street Food?

When it comes to Serbian fast food, one name stands out: pljeskavica! This comfort dish is often referred to as the “Serbian burger,” but it is so much more than that. Namely, pljeskavica is a large, flat patty made from a mixture of minced meats (beef, pork, or lamb), seasoned with salt, pepper, and spices like paprika or garlic. It’s prepared on a grill and served in a fluffy homemade bun, with as many toppings as you like. There are plenty of options to choose from, the most popular being chopped onion, ajvar (red pepper spread), kajmak, as well as fresh or pickled vegetables.

If you are tired of dancing all night and craving some good old pizza, you can also try pizzas with a very Serbian twist – kajmak instead of mozzarella, extra bacon rashers and prosciutto. It’s exactly like it sounds, fireworks on your taste buds.

A Cherry on Top

The thing everyone loves about Serbia is its bakeries. Not only do they offer various kinds of breads, buns, sandwiches and savoury pretzels, but a whole world of sweet pastries as well. If you have a sweet tooth, you are in for a real treat in Serbia.

Like every culture, Serbia too has its version of fried dough, it’s the beloved krofne (doughnuts). You can savour these golden doughnuts with domestic jam or chocolate, or enjoy their fluffiness with just a dash of powdered sugar on top.

Another classic dessert from the Balkans is tulumbe. These Oriental sweets are syrup-soaked pastries, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside – a perfect nibble that goes well with a cup of coffee or tea.

If you are a fan of strudels, a poppy or walnut strudel is a must! With its flaky layers of pastry and mildly sweet filling, this dessert captures the essence of Serbian baking and is found in almost every bakery, and every market.

Which dish are you most excited to try? Whether you’re cooking at home or visiting a Serbian restaurant, these iconic recipes are sure to leave a lasting impression. Share your culinary adventures with us, and let us know your favourites!

Prijatno! (Bon appétit!)

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