Sarajevo, the vibrant capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a place rich in history, culture and, of course, unique culinary delights. With a blend of Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian and Balkan influences, Sarajevan cuisine offers a varied and satisfying gastronomic experience. Here's what to eat when you visit this fascinating city.
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Ćevapi
You can't talk about Sarajevo without mentioning the famous ćevapi. These small delicacies of beef or lamb, flavored with spices such as cumin, are usually served with raw onion and ajvar, a sauce made from roasted peppers. ćevapi are the quintessential street food and a taste is a must for anyone visiting Sarajevo.
Burek
Burek is another iconic dish of Bosnian cuisine. It is a tasty pie filled with minced meat, cheese or potatoes, wrapped in a thin layer of dough. Eating a piece of freshly baked hot burek from one of the local bakeries is an experience that will delight your taste buds.
Begova čorba
For a true immersion in traditional Ottoman cuisine, try Begova čorba, a rich soup made with chicken, vegetables, and a generous amount of cream. This soup is a tribute to Ottoman-era cuisine and represents one of the finest delicacies Sarajevo has to offer.
Grilled Fish
Sarajevo may be inland, but don't be fooled: thanks to the surrounding rivers and lakes, fresh fish is still an available treat. Try the grilled fish, often served with side dishes such as salata, a salad of tomatoes and peppers.
Japrak
Japrak is a traditional Bosnian dish consisting of vine leaves stuffed with beef and rice. This dish is often accompanied by yogurt and represents an excellent combination of flavors and textures.
Bosnian sweets
The sweetness of Bosnian cuisine is something that you absolutely must not overlook. Try one of the traditional desserts such as baklava, a walnut and honey strudel, or tufahija, a delight made with walnuts, sugar and pomegranate.
Bosanski Kava
Bosnian coffee, a real specialty that is traditionally served by pouring it from a small bronze jug into a small cup called Fildzan. The coffee is also accompanied by a sugar bowl with sugar cubes and some traditional Ottoman sweets called Lokum. The consumption of Bosnian coffee is a real ritual and is sipped slowly.
Rakija
Don't forget to accompany your meals with a traditional drink such as rakija, a fruit brandy typical of the Balkans. Often served as an aperitif or digestif, rakija is an integral part of the Bosnian culinary experience.
Sarajevo is a food lover's paradise, offering a wide range of dishes that represent its history and cultural diversity. As you explore the streets of the city, let yourself be carried away by these unique flavors that make Sarajevo cuisine an unforgettable experience. Happy gastronomic journey!
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