10 Serbian dishes you must try

Serbia is famous for its rich cuisine, where each region adds its own unique touches to traditional dishes. These 10 dishes will help you immerse yourself in the local culture and understand why Serbian food is so popular among expats and tourists.

## Čevapi: national meat assortment

Small grilled sausages made from a beef-pork mix, served with onions, ajvar (spicy pepper sauce) and flatbread. In Belgrade they are made softer, while in Niš they often include lamb. A portion in restaurants in the capital costs 5-7 EUR (550-770 RSD), in Novi Sad - 1-2 EUR cheaper.

## Pljeskavica: Serbian hamburger with a local twist

A flat patty of beef and pork, grilled and served in flatbread with onions, cheese and sauces. The classic "Leskovac pljeskavica" from Leskovac is generously seasoned with hot pepper. Street stalls charge 3-5 EUR (330-550 RSD), while sit-down restaurants charge 7-9 EUR (770-990 RSD). Try it at "Pljeskavica kod Ivana" (Belgrade) or "Kod Kamene" (Niš).

## Sarma: cabbage rolls with meat

Ground pork and beef are wrapped in sauerkraut leaves or grape leaves, then stewed with smoked meats. The dish is especially popular in winter, but you can find it on menus year-round. Average price per portion - 6-8 EUR (660-880 RSD). In some establishments, for example in "?", it is served with sour milk or ajvar. Ask the waiter which leaves are used.

## Karađorđević schnitzel: royal meat dish

A huge veal cutlet, breaded and fried, served with potatoes or rice. The dish is named after Prince Karađorđe and is considered one of the most luxurious in Serbian cuisine. In high-end restaurants the price starts at 12 EUR (1320 RSD), in mid-range venues - 8-10 EUR (880-1100 RSD). Be sure to check that the meat is truly veal without any sinew.

## Gibanica: layered cheese pie

Thin pastry layers layered with cheese and baked to a golden crust. Often served for breakfast or a light lunch, accompanied by sour milk or coffee. In bakeries a portion costs 2-3 EUR (220-330 RSD), in restaurants - 4-5 EUR (440-550 RSD). Try it at "Žito" or "Balkanska ulica" (Belgrade).

## Burek: layered pastry with filling

Pastry sheets filled with cheese, meat or potatoes - a typical breakfast or snack. Street stalls charge 1.5-2.5 EUR (165-275 RSD), restaurants - 3-4 EUR (330-440 RSD). Recommended places: "Buregdžinica" (Belgrade) and "Bureg" (Novi Sad).

## Pčenič: sweet pastry with local traditions

Serbian cookies are part of the cultural heritage. The most popular varieties are cake, pogacha and flaky "urnebes" with nuts. In confectioneries a portion costs 1-3 EUR (110-330 RSD), in dessert-focused restaurants up to 5 EUR (550 RSD). Try them at "Pelivan" or "Štrukli".

## Rakija: national alcoholic drink

A strong spirit distilled from plums, grapes, apples or pears. Alcohol content is usually 40-60 % ABV. A 0.5 l bottle in shops costs 5-15 EUR (550-1650 RSD), and a shot (50 ml) in bars - from 2 EUR (220 RSD). Recommended bars: "Rakija Bar" (Belgrade) and "Rakija klub" (Novi Sad).

## Where to try these dishes in Serbia

For a first encounter, street food offers authentic flavor at affordable prices. In Belgrade be sure to stroll through Skadarlija, where traditional restaurants are concentrated. In Novi Sad stop by "Kod Kamene" for pljeskavica, and in Niš - "Pljeskavica kod Ivana".

If you prefer a more refined experience, choose restaurants with good reviews: in Belgrade - "?", "Rastko", "Magnus"; in Novi Sad - "Vinogradska 1910"; in Niš - "Čuki".

## Useful links

- Learn more about Serbian traditions in the [Serbia culture](/culture) section
- Plan restaurant routes with the [Serbia transit map](/transit-map)
- Explore local products in the [Serbia markets](/docs) section

External resources:
- Official website of the Serbian tourism organization [www.serbia.travel](https://www.serbia.travel)
- Map of Serbian restaurants with reviews [www.tripadvisor.com](https://www.tripadvisor.com)