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Top Balkan Food and Drinks to Taste
The Balkans are a paradise for food lovers and culinary enthusiasts. The region’s local cuisine blends rich traditions and unique flavors formed during centuries of cultural exchange. Balkan cuisine isn’t just about food – it’s about history, hospitality, and the joy of gathering around the table.
What is Balkan food?
Balkan cuisine is a rich tapestry of flavors, reflecting Southeast Europe’s diverse cultures and histories. It is typical for a region covering 11 countries meaning that you can see variations of the same meals in the different locations.
What is common, though, is that the food is fresh, using locally sourced ingredients, including meats like lamb, pork, beef, vegetables, cheeses, and dairy products. The food is not too spicy. Often, the dishes are seasoned with paprika, spearmint, garlic, and parsley.
Balkan food and drinks blend flavors from the Ottoman Empire, Austria, Italy, local flavors, and the ancient Balkan population – Thracians, Romans, Byzantines, Illyrians, and Slavs.
The love for Balkan cuisine is so immense that it often escalates through celebrations and food festivals across the region.
These are the top must-try Balkan foods and drinks, ranked by our team based on our experiences as travelers, foodies, and professional guides for many years. Each cuisine on this list is typical for the area and has a special meaning for us as locals.
Must-Try Balkan Foods
1. Banitsa / Burek (Cheese Pastry)
Why It’s #1: Banitsa isn’t just food; it’s a tradition. Growing up in Bulgaria, this pastry was a staple at family breakfasts and festive gatherings. Banitsa is more than delicious – it symbolizes home and comfort.
What It Is: A savory pastry using thin layers of dough, such as filo, filled with feta cheese, eggs, and yogurt. Meat and spinach versions are also common. It is often eaten for breakfast.
Where You’ll Find It: Banitsa remains a popular street food in Bulgaria, commonly enjoyed for breakfast. Variations of this dish can also be found in other Balkan countries.
Sweet Versions: Some include pumpkin, apples, or walnuts, perfect for a holiday treat.
Also known as: Burek in most Balkan countries, Tiropita or Spanakopita in Greece, and gibanica in Serbia.
2. Cheverme (Slow-Roasted Meat)
Why We Love It: Nothing beats the aroma of meat roasting over an open fire. Cheverme, traditionally prepared during celebrations, is the ultimate slow-cooked dish. The crispy skin and tender meat make it unforgettable.
What It Is: A whole lamb or pig slowly roasted over an open fire. In some regions, goat is also popular. Cheverme is often the centerpiece of traditional celebrations and festivals, especially in the mountains.
Best Spots to Try: Villages in Bulgaria, Serbia, and North Macedonia offer the most authentic experiences.
Tip: Combine it with bread, a fresh salad, and a local wine for a yummy experience.
Also known as: Janje na Ražnju, Peka in Croatia, Jablanica in Bosnia and Herzegovina
3. Lyutenitsa / Ajvar (Red Pepper Spread)
Why We Love It: Lyutenitsa is a popular vegan dip with a rich flavor. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it is often paired with fresh bread, grilled meat, or cheese. The name “lyutenitsa” comes from the word “lyuto,” meaning “spicy,” though it can be mild or hot depending on the recipe.
What It Is: A rich and slightly spicy spread made from roasted red peppers, tomatoes, and garlic. Eggplant is a common addition. It is used as a dip, a spread for bread, or a condiment for grilled meats and other dishes.
Where to Find It: It is available in the supermarkets and local stores. Many households prefer homemade lyutenitsa and make it for themselves during the Autumn season. Across the Balkans, variations of lyutenitsa exist with some differences in the ingredients.
Tip: Look for homemade versions at local markets for the most authentic taste.
Also known as: ajvar in Serbia and North Macedonia, and pinjur in North Macedonia.
4. Shopska Salad (Fresh Salad)
Why We Love It: Balkan salads showcase the region’s love for fresh, seasonal ingredients. In Bulgaria, the most typical variation is called Shopska Salad. It’s accepted as a national culinary symbol, representing the local tastes. Variations of the salad exist throughout the Balkans, often under different names and slight recipe tweaks.
What It Is: A mix of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and a generous topping of grated white cheese. It’s often paired with rakia. It is considered Bulgaria’s national salad as it was used in the 1950s to promote Bulgarian cuisine to travelers. The salad’s primary ingredients mirror the colors of the Bulgarian flag.
Tip: Start a meal with a Shopska salad pairing it with a glass of rakia for the ultimate local experience.
5. Yogurt and Cheese (Milk-Based Foods)
What It Is: Yogurt and cheese are central to Balkan cuisine, with each country offering its varieties. Other popular milk-based options are sutliash (rice pudding), katak, tarator, kaymak, and fresh milk.
Why We Love It: From creamy yogurt to tangy white cheese, these products are used in salads, pastries, and desserts. Bulgaria is renowned for its yogurt, which is considered one of the healthiest in the world, thanks to its content of Lactobacillus bulgaricus bacteria. Regular consumption is associated with improved digestion and longevity.
Cheese Varieties: Try sirene (white cheese) or kačkavalj (yellow cheese) as part of a salad or pastry.
Tip: Try a simple plate of sirene, fresh bread, and lyutenitsa.
6. Ćevapi and Pljeskavica (Balkan Barbecue)
Why We Love It: Smoky, juicy, and full of spices, these meats are typically served with flatbread, onions, and ajvar. These dishes originated during the Ottoman era and have become icons of the region.
Where It’s Best: Serbia and Bosnia & Herzegovina are famous for their exceptional barbecue.
Variations: Ćevapi (grilled minced meat sausages), Pljeskavica (grilled minced meat patty), Ražnjići (Meat Skewers), Souvlaki (Greek-style Skewers), Janje na Ražnju (lamb on a spit), Prase na Ražnju (pork on a spit), Uštipci (grilled meatballs)
Grill Festival: Each September, Leskovac, Serbia, hosts a six-day festival called Roštiljada. It celebrates the art of grilling with a variety of barbecued meats and local music. Visitors can witness competitions, taste grilled specialties, and see the biggest pljeskavica in the world (weighing more than 80 kg).
7. Pogacha and Lepinja (Traditional Breads)
What It Is: Freshly baked bread is a cornerstone of Balkan meals, ranging from soft flatbreads to crusty loaves.
Why We Love It: Bread is the heart of every Balkan meal. Whether it’s soft and round pogacha or chewy flatbread lepinja, these baked goods are always fresh and delicious.
Cultural Significance: Bread often symbolizes hospitality and is served at every meal. Offering bread and salt to guests is a traditional greeting in many Balkan countries, symbolizing the host’s willingness to share their sustenance. Special bread variations are prepared for Christmas rituals, ceremonial celebrations, and weddings.
8. Honey
What It Is: A golden treat used as a natural sweetener for desserts and tea, spread on a slice of bread, or even drizzled over yogurt or cheese.
Why We Love It: Balkan honey is rich, natural, and delicious. Many people in villages still produce honey in traditional ways, giving it unique flavors like wildflowers, forests, or acacia. Its quality and health benefits make it a favorite in every household.
Where to Find It: Local farmers’ markets and roadside stands are the best places to find authentic, homemade honey.
9. Seasonal Fruits & Vegetables
What They Are: Seasonal eating is a way of life in the Balkans. Summer brings juicy watermelons, cherries, strawberries, peaches, figs, and many more, while autumn offers crisp apples, pears, grapes, and pumpkins. Vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers dominate summer dishes, while roasted peppers and hearty root vegetables take the spotlight in colder months.
Why We Love Them: The Balkans usually consider the seasons when choosing food. The flavors are unbeatable when eaten in season. Locals take pride in their fresh produce, often grown in small family farms.
Where to Find Them: Farmers’ markets and local shops sell fresh and seasonal produce.
Tip: Don’t miss the tomatoes in summer – their rich flavor and aroma are unforgettable. Pair them with local white cheese for a simple yet delicious treat.
10. Jams & Pickled Food (Turshiya)
What They Are: Jams and pickled foods are a reflection of the Balkan tradition of preserving the best flavors of summer and fall. Homemade jams are crafted from seasonal fruits like plums, apricots, sour cherries, and figs, while vegetables like peppers, cucumbers, and cabbage are pickled for the colder months.
Why We Love Them: Jams offer a sweet touch to breakfasts or desserts, while pickled vegetables bring a tangy punch to meals, especially in winter. These staples are a true taste of Balkan households.
Where to Find Them: Farmers’ markets and local shops often have a wide range of jams and pickled goods. Look out for homemade options in small jars for the most authentic experience.
Tip: Pair plum jam with bread or pancakes or try pickled peppers as a side dish.
Must-Try Balkan Drinks
1. Rakia
What It Is: A fruit brandy made from various fruits like plums, apricots, quinces, pears, or grapes. Rakia is the most iconic drink in the Balkans. The alcohol content of rakia can range from 40% to 50%. Rakia is typically sipped slowly from small glasses, often accompanied by salads or appetizers called meze. It is an important part of special life events like weddings, funerals, folklore celebrations, etc.
Why We Love It: Strong and aromatic, it’s often served as a welcome drink or paired with appetizers. Offering rakia to guests is a traditional gesture of hospitality across the Balkans.
Tip: Try homemade rakia for a more authentic (and stronger) experience! Store-bought rakia is widely available, but homemade rakia is highly prized. Families take pride in their recipes, often passed down through generations. It’s common to hear debates over whose rakia is the best.
Fun Fact: In many Balkan countries, rakia is believed to have medicinal properties. Locals use it to treat colds, disinfect wounds, and even as a massage rub for joint pain.
2. Ayran (Savory Yogurt Drink)
What It Is: A refreshing mix of yogurt, water, and salt, perfect for balancing rich or greasy dishes. Its probiotic content makes it good for digestion.
Why We Love It: Ayran is a staple drink with meals and a great way to cool off in summer.
Tip: Combine with hot banitsa or burek.
Fun Fact: Ayran is very often consumed by locals in the mornings after having rakia the previous day.
Also known as: Dhallë, Jogurt.
3. Balkan Wines
What It Is: Balkan wines are rich in flavor and tradition. The region has thousands of years of winemaking history. You’ll find everything from bold reds to fresh whites.
Why We Love It: Wines are made from local grape varieties like Vranec, Plavac Mali, Mavrud, and Prokupac. Special grape varieties like Teran, Žilavka, and Smederevka are only found in certain Balkan regions. The Balkans’ varied climate, diverse soils, and ancient winemaking traditions create the perfect conditions for producing high-quality wines.
Tip: Visit wineries in Istria (Croatia) for crisp whites, Tikveš (North Macedonia) for full-bodied reds, or Melnik (Bulgaria) for unique flavors. Some wineries offer tastings where you can learn about their traditions.
Fun Fact: The ancient Thracians in the Balkans were some of the first winemakers in history, starting over 7,000 years ago. Today, Balkan wines are getting noticed worldwide for their quality.
Great Wine Regions: Melnik Region, Bulgaria; Skopje Region, North Macedonia, Fruska Gora Region, Serbia; Istria Region, Croatia; Podgorica Region, Montenegro; Nišava Region, Serbia; Pag Island, Croatia; Herzegovina Region; Peljesac district, Croatia.
Must-Try Balkan Desserts
If you have a sweet tooth, the Balkans will not disappoint. The region is home to delicious traditional desserts. These are our top picks for the sweeter side of Balkan cuisine.
1. Šampita (Meringue Cake)
What It Is: A light and fluffy dessert featuring layers of meringue on a thin pastry base, sweetened with sugar syrup.
Where to Find It: Widely enjoyed in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia.
Why We Love It: Its airy texture and subtle sweetness make it a refreshing treat after a hearty meal.
Tip: Look for local bakeries offering homemade versions for an authentic taste.
2. Trileçe (Milk Cake)
What It Is: A light and spongy cake soaked in three types of milk—evaporated, condensed, and cream—often topped with caramel or fruit glaze.
Where to Find It: Popular in Albania, but you’ll also find it in Turkey and other Balkan countries due to its Ottoman influence.
Why We Love It: Trileçe is irresistibly moist and sweet, with its melt-in-your-mouth texture making it a dessert that’s hard to forget.
Tip: Pair it with a strong Turkish or Balkan coffee for the perfect balance of sweet and bitter.
3. Papanași (Fried Doughnuts with Cheese and Jam)
What It Is: A delightful Romanian dessert made of fried or boiled doughnuts, often filled with fresh cheese and topped with sour cream and fruit jam.
Where to Find It: Most popular in Romania, but variations can also be found in Moldova.
Why We Love It: Papanași offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, with its creamy cheese and fruity jam. It’s the ultimate comfort dessert.
Tip: Try it fresh from a traditional restaurant in Romania for the best experience.
Why Balkan Food Is Special
Balkan cuisine is more than just food—it’s a reflection of the region’s history, culture, and hospitality. From slow-cooked meats to fresh salads and delicious pastries, each dish tells a story. Whether you’re exploring local markets or enjoying a family feast, you’ll discover a unique culinary experience in every bite.
Typical Balkan Meals Loved by Locals
1. Sarma
What It Is: Cabbage leaves stuffed with a mix of minced meat, rice, and spices, then slow-cooked in a tomato-based sauce.
Where to Find It: Common in Serbia, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Bosnia.
Why Locals Love It: A hearty, comforting dish, often prepared for holidays and family gatherings.
2. Musaka
What It Is: Layers of potatoes (or eggplants in some variations), minced meat, and creamy béchamel sauce baked to perfection.
Where to Find It: Popular in Bulgaria, Serbia, and Greece (Moussaka).
Why Locals Love It: A versatile and filling dish, ideal for lunch or dinner.
3. Cevapi (Ćevapčići)
Where to Find It: A favorite in Bosnia, Serbia, Croatia, and North Macedonia.
Why Locals Love It: A go-to comfort food and a highlight of Balkan barbecue.
4. Tarator
Where to Find It: Particularly popular in Bulgaria and Albania.
Why Locals Love It: Light and refreshing, perfect for hot summer days.
5. Tavče Gravče
Where to Find It: North Macedonia’s national dish.
Why Locals Love It: A simple yet rich vegetarian dish.
6. Grilled Trout
What It Is: Fresh trout, seasoned and grilled to perfection, often served with lemon and potatoes.
Where to Find It: Popular in Bosnia, Montenegro, and Albania.
Why Locals Love It: A fresh and light option, especially near rivers and lakes.
7. Kapama
Where to Find It: Popular in Bulgaria.
Why Locals Love It: A hearty, traditional winter dish.
8. Pilav (Pilaf)
Where to Find It: Common across the Balkans, with slight variations in each country.
Why Locals Love It: A flavorful, one-pot meal.
9. Punjene Paprike (Stuffed Peppers)
Where to Find It: A staple in Serbia, Bulgaria, and North Macedonia.
Why Locals Love It: A classic family dish, full of flavor.
10. Mămăligă
What It Is: Mămăligă is a Romanian cornmeal dish, similar to polenta, often served with cheese, sour cream, or stews.
Where to Find It: You’ll find mămăligă in every restaurant in Romania, especially in rural areas like Maramureș or Transylvania.
Why Locals Love It: Loved for its simplicity and tradition, mămăligă is a comforting staple tied to family and cultural roots.
Want to taste the best of Balkan cuisine?
Join us for a private Balkan tour with our local guides. Explore history, nature, and magnificent sights. Learn about traditional cooking methods, and enjoy meals the way locals do.
