We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, offers a wide range of delicious traditional Serbian dishes that reflect the country’s rich culinary heritage. Be prepared to eat a lot of meat in various forms. Here are ten Serbian foods you should try when visiting Belgrade:
10 Serbian Foods to Try
1. Ćevapi
This famous street food consists of small, grilled sausages made from a mixture of beef and pork. It’s a must-try dish in Belgrade, served in pita bread or as a platter with onions and kajmak or kaymak (a creamy dairy product).
Where to try it: Almost every restaurant in town!
2. Pljeskavica
Like a hamburger, pljeskavica is a grilled meat patty made from ground beef, lamb, and pork. It’s typically served in a lepinja (a particular type of bread) with various toppings such as kajmak, ajvar (red pepper relish), and onions.
3. Karađorđeva šnicla
Named after the Serbian military leader Karađorđe, this dish consists of a breaded and fried veal or pork cutlet stuffed with kajmak and rolled. It’s often served with French fries or mashed potatoes.
Where to try it: Monument or Zavicaj
4. Sarma
A beloved Serbian comfort food, sarma is made by wrapping pickled cabbage leaves around a filling of ground meat (usually a mix of beef and pork), rice, and spices. The rolls are then slow-cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce.
Where to try it: Almost every restaurant!
5. Ajvar
Although not a main dish, ajvar is a popular Serbian condiment that deserves mention. It’s a roasted red pepper relish made from peppers, garlic, oil, and vinegar. It adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to various dishes.
Where to try it: Every restaurant or even grocery in town!
PRO TIP: Jarred ajvar makes for a fabulous Serbian souvenir.
6. Kajmak
Kajmak is a creamy and rich dairy product similar to clotted cream. It’s made by slowly simmering unpasteurized milk until a thick layer of cream forms on the surface. Kajmak is often served with grilled meats, bread, or as a spread.
7. Burek
There are two schools of thought about burek: either it should be cheese, or it should be meat. But, of course, these days, this traditional pastry comes in many different versions, including vegetables and combinations.
The main ingredients used to make burek include thin layers of dough, usually made from phyllo dough or filo pastry, which is rolled or layered to create a round or rectangular shape. The dough is then generously filled with various savory ingredients.
Traditionally a breakfast or snack, you can eat burek any time of day (I ate many of them!).
Where to try it: Street stands and bakeries everywhere!
8. Knedle Dessert Dumplings
These little dumplings consist of a round piece of dough, usually stuffed with plums. After boiling, the knedle are dusted with cinnamon and sugar or coated in toasted breadcrumbs. They’re served warm with butter, sour cream, or a fruit sauce.
Where to try it: Look for specialty dumpling spots, like Ferdinand Dumplings or Good Dumplings.
10. Moskva Cake
Created at the Moskva Hotel, the Moskva Cake is a sponge cake with a creamy filling containing sour cherries and hazelnuts. It makes for the perfect afternoon snack or dessert. Try it with Serbian coffee!
Where to try it: There’s only one place – the Moskva Hotel Café!
Serbian Drinks to Try
Serbian Coffee
Serbian coffee is not made for to-go cups! Pull up a chair at your favorite location and prepare for a relaxing experience. Serbian coffee is made by boiling the water, stirring in the coffee, and bringing it to a boil again. It will be brought to you in the traditional copper pot. A good cup will have a bit of foam at the top. The coffee is unfiltered, so be forewarned! Your mug will be delivered with sugar cubes and a piece of ratluk (Turkish delight).
PRO TIP: Serbians truly enjoy their coffee experience. Order your coffee, then take a seat. In most places, they’ll bring your coffee to you. You pay at the end of your experience. Don’t be in such a rush – chill out with your coffee!
Rakija
Rakija is made through distillation, which involves fermenting various fruits to produce alcohol and then distilling the liquid to increase its alcohol content. The most commonly used fruits include plums (slivovitz), grapes (loza), apricots (kajsijevača), and quince (dunjevača), among others. The choice of fruit contributes to the unique flavor profile of the rakija.
Traditional rakija is strong – traditionally 40 to 50% alcohol by volume. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll try a homemade version with a lower ABV and is easier to drink.
PRO TIP: Rakija should be sipped. It is frequently served with a glass of water, so pace yourself!
Wine
Serbians have been making wine since ancient times. The northern part of the country is known for its white wines, while the southern part produces red wine. Serbian wine is gaining in popularity, and the country hosts various festivals yearly.
The fortified Bermet wine is produced in the city of Sremski Karlovci. The wine is fortified with a distilled spirit (usually grape brandy) and then flavored with a secret blend of herbs and spices, including cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, vanilla, and other aromatic ingredients. This combination of herbs and spices gives Bermet its characteristic taste and aroma.
Where to Eat in Belgrade
Zavicaj
You know you’re in an authentic Serbian restaurant when while the menu has pictures (a sure sign it is a tourist trap), locals also use it as a gathering post. The waitstaff at Zavicaj explains the meals in more detail since some Serbian terms do not translate well.
Moscow Hotel
The Moskva Hotel is world-renowned for its cafe and bakery. After a day of sightseeing, stop by in the afternoon to try the famous Moscow Cake with traditional Serbian coffee!
Hotel Beograd Cafe
If you’re looking for a coffee house with delicious pastries, look no further than the Hotel Beograd Cafe. Melt-in-your-mouth croissants are baked throughout the day. So take a seat and relax for a bit.
Monument
There will be some groans over this one since it is a chain, but Monument is a good option for groups that want a mix of traditional meals and Western standards.
PRO TIP: Avoid restaurants around tourist spots (like Republic Square). You’ll find subpar food at higher prices. Wander just a bit down the road to discover genuinely remarkable places.
Final Thoughts on Serbian Foods (& Drinks) to Try
These ten Serbian foods will give you a taste of Belgrade’s diverse and flavorful cuisine. Enjoy exploring the culinary delights of this vibrant city!
Check out these additional posts:
- Free Things to Do in Sofia, Bulgaria
- Pristina Itinerary: One Day in Kosovo
- Discover Budapest: Everything to Know
- Is a Visit to Therme Bucharest Worth It?
Happy travels,
Annick, The Common Traveler
Raised as a third culture kid living in South America and Europe, Annick caught the travel bug early. As an empty-nester, Annick enjoys sharing her tips for traveling for those with champagne taste and beer budgets.