10 Serbian dishes that you must try while you are in Serbia

Serbian cuisine is something worth traveling around Serbia for. Regardless of whether you are from Serbia or some other country, you have certainly not tried all the well-known tastes of Serbia.

No matter how hard you try, every part of Serbia has its specialties, a dish that you may not have heard of, which means that there is always room to further explore, try and love.

However, everyone who has tried at least one specialty of Serbian cuisine is well aware of the fact that Serbian food is varied, often well-spiced, but above all delicious!

The perfect combination of taste and aroma is something that will undoubtedly make you want to visit Serbia again, and once again, and once again...

In order to show you at least a part of what Serbian gastronomy has to offer, today we have prepared a very short list of 10 Serbian dishes that you absolutely must try when you are in Serbia.

Although the list of all specialties is incredibly long, we have selected 10 that are well known and that you will love.

Well, if you’re ready, let’s get started!

1. Roštilj

Roštilj certainly occupies a high position on the list of favorite specialties in Serbia. Pljeskavica and ćevapi or ćevapčići are one of the most popular dishes, regardless of the occasion, time of year or anything else.

Although it may seem simple, you have to be a master to prepare a roštilj.

First of all, preparing meat for roštilj is a great secret of the masters who make it, and you will certainly not find the roštilj you try in Serbia anywhere else.

According to some rumors, good ćevapi can be easily tested. Namely, when you drop a ćevapčić from about half a meter high on a plate, it will bounce. It’s a sign that the roštilj master did the job right way.

When it comes to destinations known around the world for exceptional roštilj, Leskovac is certainly number 1. You should visit this city in the south of Serbia, especially in August, when the Roštiljijada Festival is held every year, an event dedicated to roštilj preparation.

In addition to fantastic flavors, you will have a unique opportunity to attend a fast eating of hot peppers competition, but above all, making the biggest pljeskavica in the world!

By the way, Leskovac' roštilj masters already have the Guinness record for the biggest pljeskavica.

2. Gibanica

When gibanica is mentioned, everyone immediately thinks of the traditional Serbian specialty made from hand-made crusts, with the addition of cheese or kajmak.

This is exactly the kind of dish you should be looking for. Because, after all, that is what is traditional and what is well known to everyone as a dish of fantastic taste.

However, although it may not be well known enough, there is gibanica in a few dozen variants. For example, it is possible to find gibanica with cabbage, spinach, if it is a salty pie, or with poppy seeds or some kind of fruit when it comes to sweet pies.

No matter what kind of gibanica you try, this Serbian dish should be on your menu while traveling in Serbia.

3. Čvarci

"Pork chips," "Pig candy," or just čvarci (greaves). It is all the same name for čvarci that you can hear about and that you can try in different parts of Serbia.

Just like gibanica, čvarci can be found in several forms and variants. First of all, duvan čvarci ("tobacco greaves") are widely known. This specialty is related to Valjevo and its surroundings, and it is quite certain that a visit to this area should not pass without the experience of eating fine čvarci.

In general, čvarci are made in all parts of Serbia, from the south to the north, from the east to the west. But, the Valjevo region and of course Srem, Banat and Bačka are very famous for these golden nuggets of fatty meat.

4. Pečenje

Pečenje is also being prepared throughout Serbia. Of course, again in several variants, from pork, veal or lamb, and no matter what you prefer, the masters of preparing pečenje will make it possible for you.

Above other areas where fresh and hot pečenje is ready and served every day, Čačak and its surroundings may stand out.

This part of western Serbia is known for numerous places where you can taste pečenje and masters of preparation of this specialty.

However, if you were to continue downstream on the West Morava, you would certainly not stay hungry because there are also places that serve fantastic pečenje, as well. But more on that, some other time.

5. Sarma

Sarma is also a well-known dish that leaves no one indifferent. Although the dish itself is known in other Balkan countries, it is prepared differently in each.

For example, sarma typical for Serbia is prepared by wrapping finely minced or chopped meat (different types) in sauerkraut leaves.

So, if you have never seen or heard of sarma before, you will recognize it that way.

6. Karadjordje's steak

Karadjordje's steak is 100% made in Serbia. Before you try this specialty, you need to know the story of how it came to be.

Namely, in 1956, this dish of special taste and appearance was created by culinary professor Milovan Mića Stojanović. Of course, as it usually is, the best things happen by chance.

This was also the case with Karadjordje's steak when one of the guests at the restaurant where Professor Mića worked ordered Chicken Kiev.

In the absence of the necessary ingredients, the professor used cream and steak and made the now far more popular Karadjordje's steak. Today, this extremely tasty dish can be prepared from both veal and pork.

So, now that you have all the necessary prior knowledge, you can order Karadjordje's steak with confidence.

7. Kajmak

Kajmak is fantastic, no matter which part of Serbia you visit!

You simply have to try this dairy specialty and you have to buy extra quantities to take home. If you have read carefully, it has just been said that kajmak is a part of Karadjordje's steak. In addition, kajmak can be eaten on any occasion and at any time of the day.

The great thing about kajmak is that it is not made in many places in the world (according to some sources, besides Serbia, only in Mongolia), so a visit to Serbia is a unique experience in terms of gastronomy.

In Serbia, according to the stories of experienced gourmets, the best kajmak is made in Čačak and its surroundings. If you want to buy extra quantities to take away, then buy from small producers who make this specialty with love. Only in this way can you be sure that the kajmak is the right one and with the right taste.

Another interesting thing is that kajmak has a very long tradition and history in Serbia. Namely, according to certain sources, this creamy specialty was prepared in the Middle Ages, at the ruling court of Nemanjić dinasty.

8. Ajvar

There is nothing like homemade Serbian ajvar from carefully grown paprika!

True, ajvar is a special delicacy that is probably the most traditional among traditional dishes and side dishes.

Ajvar is interesting because it can be eaten as a standalone dish, but you can also combine it with other dishes because it goes well with any combination.

Of course, ajvar has another name, and that is pinđur. So if you come across that name, know that it is the same thing, only in the other part of Serbia.

Leskovac is the most famous for ajvar. Apart from a roštilj, this area in the south of Serbia is also known for quality paprika products.

Therefore, a great recommendation is to combine Leskovac' roštilj and Leskovac' ajvar for a full experience of the Serbian south!

9. Prebranac

Prebranac, "gravče na tavče" or baked beans - these are all names for a delicacy that is also prepared throughout Serbia and which is very popular.

Foreign tourists who come to Serbia are fascinated by this dish, primarily because of the taste, but also because of the way it is prepared.

Of course, we must mention that it can be prepared in several variants, with meat, without meat, but the essence is in beans, which is an indispensable ingredient of this dish.

10. Komplet lepinja

For the end of the day, one of the delicacies of western Serbia. Indeed, western Serbia is very specific in its culinary specialties, and there are quite a lot of them, and we have already mentioned some of them.

However, another one that you must try if you travel to this part of Serbia and especially around Užice and Zlatibor is a komplet lepinja.

Guaranteed, this will be the best lepinja (bun) you've ever tried! And probably the most unusual because the combination of flavors that the komplet lepinja brings can hardly be described in words. It simply has to be tried and experienced.