1. CEVAPI (GRILLED MINCE PATTIES)
Evapi is a popular dish in Bosnia and throughout the region. When I went on a walking tour in Sarajevo, my guide told me that cevapi is one of the only two things on which everyone agrees and that it should be depicted on the Bosnian flag.
2. BUREK & OTHER TYPES OF PITA (STUFFED PIES) – ESSENTIAL BOSNIAN FOOD
Burek, which was introduced from Persia via Turkey, became a popular dish throughout the former Ottoman Empire and is still a popular street food in Bosnia to this day. In the early 1460s, Sarajevo saw the establishment of the first buregdinica, a specialised bakery that only prepares burek. Sarajevans have never looked back.
3. DOLMA, SARMA, PUNJENA PAPRIKAS & JAPRAK (STUFFED VINE LEAVES & VEGETABLES)
Stuffed vegetables are another popular Bosnian dish, particularly in areas where meat consumption is low. Every Sarajevo restaurant menu includes at least a few options from this family, including:
4. BEGOVA CORBA (CHICKEN & VEG SOUP)
Begova orba (‘Bey’s soup’ or ‘Bey’s stew’) is another Ottoman import adapted by Bosnians. It’s a nutritious soup made with chicken, dried okra, and various vegetables like celery and carrots that’s a winter staple. It’s cooked slowly over a low heat, as all good things are.
Bosnian
5. BOSANSKI LONAC (MEAT & VEG STEW)
Bosnia’s national dish, Bosanski lonac, or ‘Bosnian pot,’ is cooked long and slow over a low heat, as is typical of all meat dishes. It is traditionally made with beef and various seasonal vegetables, such as cauliflower, potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, parsley, garlic, and/or peppers.
6. ROSTILJ (MIXED BBQ)
Rostilj, or mixed grill, is a popular option on most menus and a safe bet if you’re not sure what to order. The protein-heavy platter typically includes cevapi, sudzuk beef sausages, steak and/or grilled chicken, along with french fries or baked potatoes and a salad or slaw.
7. GRAH (BEAN SOUP)
Beans are widely used in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s cuisine, including in grah, another thick and flavorful soup. This one is made by simmering Peruano beans with onions, carrots, peppers, and occasionally a hunk of slow-cooked beef.
8. KLEPE (FILLED DUMPLINGS)
Klepe are small and soft steamed dumplings with a simple filling of seasoned minced meat (lamb or beef) and onion, Bosnia’s answer to ravioli. In some restaurants, a cheese version is available.