Eat Your Way Through The Balkan Region: All The Foods You Have To Try

The Balkan region is a food lover’s paradise. It offers a rich and diverse cuisine that is sure to satisfy everyone’s appetite. From hearty stews and grilled meats to sweet treats — don’t count your calories when you come here! So, pack your appetite and start exploring the best Balkan cuisine. Here are just some of the foods that you shouldn’t miss out on. 

Ćevapi in Balkan Cuisine

This dish is a staple of Balkan cuisine and is made from ground beef or lamb that is grilled and most commonly served on pita-style bread with onions, cheese, and ajvar. This dish is the epitome of comfort food and is sure to leave you feeling satisfied and full. There are different portions available, and there are also slight variations of this meal in every Balkan country. Bosnians love to eat it with kajmak, onions, and ajvar. And it’s served on a bread called lepinja. Croatians, on the other hand, serve it most commonly with french fries. 

Burek

Burek is a savory pastry that is filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables. It is a popular breakfast food in the Balkan region and is often served with yogurt. Burek is a great option for a quick and satisfying meal on the go. You’ll find places that sell Burek almost anywhere, as this is probably the most popular street food in this region. It’s quick and inexpensive but oh-so tasty. 

Grilled meat and hearty stews

The Balkans are known for their hearty stews and grilled meats that are both filling and flavorful. One of the most popular dishes is Serbian goulash, a hearty stew made with beef, paprika, and vegetables. Bosnian ajvar stew, made with roasted red peppers and eggplant, is another must-try dish. Grilled meats, such as pork chops, beef kebabs, and lamb chops, are also a staple and are often served with roasted vegetables and potatoes.

Sarma in Balkan Cuisine

Sarma is a dish made from stuffed cabbage leaves filled with a mixture of meat, rice, and spices. The dish is then slow-cooked in tomato sauce to create a flavorful and hearty meal. Sarma is a traditional Balkan dish that is popular throughout the region. It’s not for everyone, but it can give you a true taste of Balkan cuisine.

Tulumba

Tulumba is a type of fried dough pastry that is especially popular in Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina. It’s a sweet and crunchy treat that is often soaked in syrup and served with a slice of lemon. Tulumba is the perfect way to end a meal or satisfy a sweet craving. But be warned — it’s incredibly sweet. It could be a bit too much during hot summer days. 

Rakija 

How could you go to the Balkans and not try rakija? This is a type of brandy that is popular in most Balkan countries and is often made from fruits such as plums, apricots, or pears. It is a strong alcoholic beverage that is often served as an aperitif before a meal. Balkan people love their rakija, and they will often offer you their homemade version of it. But be careful with it, this drink is not for lightweights.