Serbian Food – 14 Traditional Dishes as Recommended by a Local
Are you planning a visit to Serbia in the future, and want to learn as much as you can about Serbian food?
Or maybe you’ve heard plenty of good things about Serbian food and want to try cooking some of the recipes at home.
If so, our guide to Serbian food, covering 14 traditional dishes and recipes, will have even the most casual of foodies licking their lips in anticipation.
We’ve compiled this list under the expert guise of a local Serbian foodie and writer. The following dishes and recipes cover foods for meat-eaters, vegetarians, vegans, and those of us who have a sweet tooth.
No matter what your palate, there’s something for everyone on this mouth-watering list of Serbian foods you simply have to try when you visit this beautiful country.
Introduction to Serbian Food
Serbian national cuisine is one of the lesser-known cuisines in the world. And that is a real shame for travel foodies, as Serbian dishes are wholesome and delicious.
The country’s cuisine is influenced by many nations from Europe and the Balkan region. Serbian food is an exciting mixture of native, Greek cuisine, Bulgarian cuisine, Turkish cuisine, and Hungarian cuisine.
This cultural fusion has helped develop original and delicious flavors, truly unique to Serbia.
Serbian cuisine includes diverse, bold, and sometimes spicy dishes. Most of the ingredients used are fresh, simple, and inexpensive.
Serbians love their meat and dairy, and these foods are common throughout native foods. However, you’ll also find plenty of grains, bread, and delicious vegetables in various dishes.
But all this talk of food is making me hungry. So let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular and traditional dishes in Serbian cuisine.
1 – Ajvar

Ajvar is a roasted red pepper spread. It’s commonly enjoyed spread on a slice of thick, crusty bread.
Ajvar is eaten as a side dish or appetizer. Some Serbians also eat it at breakfast, due to its quick preparation time and various nutrients.
It is also a must-have condiment with barbecue meats, cabbage, and many other dishes.
Homemade ajvar is a popular sight in many Serbian homes. Many families still make multiple jars of it at home and store it for the winter months.
Ajvar has a spicy taste, due to the peppers used, dashed with a hint of sweetness. Roasted tomato or eggplant can also be added, to add richness or sweetness to the taste.
Serbians refer to it as ‘vegetable caviar’ because of its rich, delicious taste. Ajvar is one of Serbia’s most popular and traditionally important foods. Read More…