Discover Sarajevo's Authentic Cuisine: Local Dishes, Restaurants & Recipes

Discover Sarajevo's Authentic Cuisine: Local Dishes, Restaurants & Recipes

Welcome to Sarajevo, the capital city of Bosnia and Herzegovina, where food is an essential part of the local culture. Known for its rich history and diverse influences, Sarajevo offers a unique culinary experience that seamlessly blends Eastern and Western flavors. From hearty meat dishes to savory pastries and sweet desserts, you're in for a treat!

Local Dishes to Try

When visiting Sarajevo, be sure to sample these traditional dishes:

• Cevapi: This iconic dish consists of small grilled sausages made from a combination of beef and lamb, served with freshly baked somun bread, diced onions, and creamy kajmak cheese.
• Bosnian Tufahija: A traditional Bosnian dessert made with poached apples filled with a walnut mixture and drizzled with a sweet syrup. It's a true delight for anyone with a sweet tooth.
• Burek: A beloved pastry filled with various ingredients like minced meat, cheese, or spinach. The flaky layers of dough make it an irresistible snack or breakfast option.
• Bosanski Lonac: Literally translated as "Bosnian pot," this hearty stew made with mixed meat and vegetables is cooked slowly in a pot until the flavors meld together perfectly.
• Baklava: Originating from the Ottoman Empire, this sweet pastry consists of layers of filo pastry filled with ground nuts, sweetened with a syrup or honey. It's a must-try dessert in Sarajevo.

Where to Eat in Sarajevo

Sarajevo is home to a variety of restaurants, cafes, and street food stalls offering authentic Bosnian cuisine. Here are a few places to check out:

• Inat Kuća: Located near the riverbank, this traditional restaurant serves classic Bosnian dishes in a historic building filled with charm.
• Dveri: Situated in the heart of the old town, Dveri offers a menu inspired by the country's rich culinary heritage, using high-quality local ingredients.
• Tač Mahal: Known for its delicious kebabs and grilled dishes, Tač Mahal showcases the influence of Ottoman cuisine in Sarajevo.
• Klopa: If you're looking for a more casual dining experience, Klopa is a popular spot that serves Bosnian street food favorites like cevapi and burek.

These are just a few suggestions, but don't be afraid to explore the local streets and follow your senses to discover hidden gems and try street food delicacies.

Recipes to Try at Home

If you want to recreate the flavors of Sarajevo in your own kitchen, here are a couple of traditional recipes you can try:

Cevapi:

Ingredients:

• 500g ground beef
• 500g ground lamb
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground lamb, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into finger-shaped sausages.
3. Grill the cevapi on medium-high heat for about 5 minutes on each side or until cooked through.
4. Serve the cevapi hot with fresh somun bread, diced onions, and a dollop of kajmak cheese.

Baklava:

Ingredients:

• 400g filo pastry sheets
• 300g ground walnuts
• 150g melted butter
• 200g sugar
• 200ml water
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the ground walnuts with half of the sugar.
2. Brush a baking dish with melted butter, then layer 4 sheets of filo pastry, brushing each sheet with melted butter.
3. Sprinkle a layer of the walnut mixture over the pastry.
4. Repeat the process of layering pastry sheets and sprinkling the walnut mixture until all the ingredients are used.
5. Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamond-shaped pieces.
6. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
7. While the baklava is baking, prepare the syrup by combining the remaining sugar, water, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes.
8. Once the baklava is cooked, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the hot syrup over it, allowing it to soak into the layers.
9. Let the baklava cool completely before serving.