Must-try Dishes
Njeguški Pršut - Smoked Ham - This local delicacy consists of salt-cured and smoked pork ham, known for its rich flavor. It’s commonly enjoyed as part of a traditional breakfast alongside local cheeses and homemade bread, ideally during a leisurely Sunday brunch.
Burk – Fried Pastry - A flaky pastry stuffed with cheese, spinach, or sometimes potatoes, then deep-fried to crispy perfection. You’ll often find locals snacking on these as street food while exploring the vibrant markets, especially in the late afternoon.
Grdobina - Monkfish Stew - A hearty stew made with monkfish, tomatoes, and an assortment of local spices, simmered until flavors meld. Locals often savor this dish at lunch during family gatherings, creating a warm, communal atmosphere around the table.
Raštan - Swiss Chard with Potatoes - This local specialty features sautéed Swiss chard and potatoes, seasoned with olive oil and garlic, offering fresh, rustic flavors. It’s a favorite among locals, particularly during the winter months when it’s served as a comforting main dish.
Crni Rižot - Black Risotto - Made with cuttlefish ink, rice, and tender pieces of seafood, this dish is both striking and satisfying. Although a common menu item, locals typically order it on special occasions, appreciating its unique taste and deep color.
Kalj - Stewed Lamb - This slow-cooked dish combines lamb with onions, tomatoes, and a medley of spices, creating a deeply flavored, tender meal. It’s particularly popular for family dinners, often served with a side of homemade bread to soak up the savory gravy.
Proja - Cornbread - A simple yet filling cornbread baked with cheese and sometimes sour cream, offering a rustic taste of Montenegrin cuisine. It’s enjoyed year-round, especially with stews or grilled meats, making it a staple at any gathering.
Babičasto Povrće - Braised Vegetables - A seasonal dish featuring a mix of root vegetables braised in a savory sauce, perfect for cooler months. Often served at local festivals, it reflects the region’s agricultural heritage, showcasing the abundance of fresh produce.
Desserts & Drinks
Rakija - Ракија (fruit brandy) - A potent spirit made primarily from fermented fruits like plums or grapes, often homemade. Typically enjoyed as a welcoming drink at family gatherings or celebrations.
Kafa - Кава (strong coffee) - This is a thick, strong coffee prepared in a džezva (a small pot), served unfiltered and often enjoyed with sugar. It's a daily ritual for locals, who sip it slowly while catching up with friends, especially in the morning or after meals.
Limunada - Лимонада (lemonade) - A refreshing mix of freshly squeezed lemons, sugar, and sparkling water served cold, perfect on hot summer days. You'll find vendors selling it in abundance by the beaches, particularly during warm afternoons.
Baklava - Баклава (sweet pastry) - Layered pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup, resulting in a flaky and rich texture. Commonly enjoyed during special occasions or festivals, it's often served with a cup of coffee on the side.
Sladoled - Сладолед (ice cream) - A creamy, super-rich homemade ice cream available in a variety of local flavors like fig or walnut, served cold. Perfect for cooling off after a day at the beach, especially when temperatures soar in July and August.
It’s all quite simple here. Mostly, the menu in most cafes is repetitive. In Budva, I didn't see a single fancy salad. Everything reminds me of a vegetable platter. There are about four types of soups: meat, fish, tomato, and mushroom. I couldn’t find borscht or cold soup. On the other hand, the bread is delicious. Fresh, crunchy, and aromatic. You could eat it by the loaf. The meat dishes are delightful. Pork, beef, chicken, lamb. Montenegrins are meat lovers, despite being a coastal country. Fish is considerably more expensive, and you either find it at specialty seafood restaurants or buy fresh at the market.
Anyone visiting Montenegro should definitely try prosciutto, goat and cow cheese, local wine, brined olives, and fruits.
Food is relatively inexpensive. A meal at a restaurant will cost between $4 and $8, depending on what you order. »
Desserts aren't plentiful; you won't find many cakes or pastries, which might explain why the locals are generally slender. There aren't many chubby individuals, nor are there young guys with beer bellies, even though the beer is good.
In the photo on the left: fried calamari, served with vegetables, cost $8, the meat dish with vegetables also $8, and the salad (tomatoes, cucumbers, cheese) for $2. »
A few words about wine: much better than the local option - the white Croatian wine. 🍷 »