Must-try Dishes
Prebranac - Baked beans - Savory layers of white beans, onions, and smoked paprika slow-cooked to a flavorful finish. This hearty dish is usually enjoyed as a comforting lunch or dinner, often paired with fresh bread.
Ćevapi - Grilled minced meat - Mini sausages made of a mix of beef and lamb, seasoned and grilled to perfection. Locals often savor them at casual gatherings, typically served with chopped onions and sour cream in a soft lepinja bread.
Ajvar - Pepper spread - A thick sauce made from roasted red peppers, eggplant, and garlic, often enjoyed as a side dish or condiment. It's a popular addition to meals throughout the year, particularly during summer barbecues with friends and family.
Pasulj - Bean soup - A robust soup made from white beans, smoked meats, and spices, simmered until rich and hearty. Belgrade locals often serve it at family gatherings, especially during colder months for a filling dinner.
Proja - Cornbread - A dense and slightly sweet cornbread made from cornmeal, sometimes mixed with cheese or greens for extra flavor. You'll find it as a typical breakfast dish or snack alongside stews; I recommend enjoying it fresh out of the oven when possible!
Pečenica - Roasted pork belly - Crispy and tender strips of roasted pork belly, seasoned and slow-cooked until golden. This local specialty is a celebratory dish often served at festive occasions, usually accompanied by homemade pickles.
Kafanska Pita - Savory pie - A delicious pie filled with cheese, spinach, or potatoes, wrapped in flaky dough and baked until golden brown. You’ll find locals enjoying it during casual lunches, often paired with yogurt for a refreshing touch.
Čorba od bundeve - Pumpkin soup (seasonal) - Silky smooth soup made from pumpkin and spices, perfect for fall. It’s a favorite warming dish on chilly days, and locals often gather to enjoy it at harvest festivals, served hot with crusty bread.
Desserts & Drinks
Raki - Ракija (fruit brandy) - A potent distilled spirit, typically made from plums or grapes, often enjoyed ice-cold in small shots. Traditionally shared during gatherings, locals will sip it alongside appetizers, celebrating friendships and storytelling.
Kafa - Кава (Turkish coffee) - Thick and strong coffee brewed in a cezve, served unfiltered with grounds settling at the bottom. East Europeans usually enjoy their coffee in the morning or after meals, often accompanied by a sugar cube or two (but don't stir!).
Malina - Малине (raspberry juice) - A refreshing cold drink made from blended fresh raspberries and water, usually sweetened to taste. It’s especially popular in hot summer days and can be a delightful choice at street markets, where it perfectly accompanies a warm pastry.
Palačinke - Палачинке (crepes) - Thin pancakes often filled with various delights like Nutella, jam, or walnuts, served hot off the skillet. A staple at family gatherings, you’ll find them in many cafes or street corners, commonly ordered as a sweet snack (but ordering “palačinke” in the plural is the typical mistake).
Slatko - Слатко (sweet preserves) - A thick, fruity preserve made from seasonal fruits, usually served in a small dish with a spoon, often as a gesture of hospitality to guests. It’s especially prominent during celebrations, such as weddings, where it symbolizes sweetness and good fortune for the newlyweds.
