Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country located in the Balkan Peninsula which has more to it than beautiful sceneries and heritage. It’s a place that enchants tourists with its taste, especially through the perspective of street food. Everything from the cobblestone streets of Sarajevo to the riverside markets of Mostar, Bosnian street food is a vibrant mix of Turkish, Mediterranean, and Slavic origins. If you are interested in finding out what people of Bosnia eat, then the street food will not only fill your stomach but also give you a glimpse into the Bosnian culture.
For any traveler who is thinking of visiting Bosnia for instance those who are applying for Bosnia Visa from Dubai, the culinary tour is a must try. The selling of foods on the street is a tradition here and you will find various food sellers and markets that sell delicious foods that are unique to the region. It is the best method to discover the Bosnian culture since these foods are traditional and are served in every Bosnian home.
From the barbeque smell of grilled meat to the sweet smell of freshly baked cakes, Bosnia has something to offer in its street foods. These are some of the delicious street foods that you would want to be served anytime you are in the mood for some delicious foods or snacks. Well, without further ado, here are the eight most delicious Bosnian street foods you should try while in the country.
Here are the 8 Bosnia street foods that you should not miss when you visit Bosnia to get the real Bosnian experience.
1. Ćevapi (Grilled Minced Meat)
Of all the Bosnian foods, Ćevapi is possibly the most well-known street food and for a good reason. These small succulent grilled sausages, prepared from minced beef or lamb are best eaten with warm somun, chopped onions and a good dollop of ajvar – a tangy red pepper paste. It is also one of the most preferred snack or meal in the region due to the right combination of the taste and texture. If you are in Sarajevo, Mostar or anywhere else you can be sure that Ćevapi are grilled to perfection wherever you look.
Pro Tip: Wash it down with a chilled local beer or a delicious yogurt beverage called domaći jogurt for the best effect.
2. Burek (Savory Pastry)
Burek is a yummy snack that is available in almost all Balkan countries but it is a Bosnian food icon. This is a flaky, golden brown dough layered with minced meat but it may also be made with cheese, spinach or potatoes. The dough is tender, and the layer is very thin, which makes it crispy, while the filling is quite savoury. Burek is consumed as a snack or more commonly as a meal during lunch or dinner.
Where to Find It: Seek out the old-fashioned bakeries or shop counters where burek remains a specialty, in addition to pita breads.
3. Sufle (Bosnian Donut)
If you are in a mood for something sweet, then sufle or bosanski krafni is the Bosnian donut you should try. They are typically sold as a ball of dough that has been deep-fried, with a crispy outside layer and a light inside, and may contain jam or cream in the middle. They are then coated with powdered sugar and this makes them attractive to anyone who loves sweet foods.
Perfect For: A fast dessert which you can take while walking through the beautiful streets of the city or while shopping at the local markets.
4. Pita (Stuffed Pie)
Well, Pita is also another type of savory pastry that you should not miss. While burek is made of a thin layer of dough rolled around a savory filling of cheese, potatoes, pumpkin or all of the three, pita is made of a thick layer of dough which contains a stuffing of cheese, potatoes, pumpkin or all the three, or none at all. The dough is stretched into thin layers and baked to a crispy golden brown, but still has a soft inside making it ideal for any time of day snack.
Variations: There is pita with cheese (sirnica), potato (krompiruša) and with meat (mesna pita).
5. Grilled Fish (Riba na Roštilju)
There is no sea in Bosnia, but rivers and lakes supply fresh fish like trout which is a familiar street food. Riba na roštilju, which translates to grilled fish, is typical in riverside towns and cafes, and it entails perfectly prepared fish grilled on charcoal. It is usually garnished with fresh herbs, a dash of olive oil, served with steamed vegetables or a basic bread.
Best Places to Try It: This dish is best enjoyed in regions that have rivers such as the Neretva River in Mostar or the Vrbas River in Banja Luka.
6. Pastrmajlija (Bosnian Flatbread)
Pastrmajlija is a type of Bosnian flatbread that is covered with seasoned spiced meat usually pork or beef and baked to a golden brown colour. This dish is often compared to pizza, but it is denser and the star here is the meat and the layer of dough. It is a dish which is commonly served in restaurants as well as in street food vendors all over the country.
Pairing: Pastrmajlija is usually eaten with plain yogurt or a simple green salad because of the heavy taste.
7. Japrak (Stuffed Grape Leaves)
Japrak is well-known Bosnian dish, which is usually prepared for family events, holidays etc. These vine leaves are well packed with a combination of rice, minced meat and spices, rolled and boiled for some time. The dish is traditionally garnished with a spoonful of yogurt which complements the light and subtle taste of the dish. For anyone who wants to try something other than the typical fast food or local street fare this is a rich and satisfying meal.
Fun Fact: Japrak is commonly taken as a relish or a small bite during festival seasons and occasions.
8. Klepe (Bosnian Dumplings)
Klepe are Bosnian dumplings that are made from minced meat (preferably beef or lamb), boiled and accompanied by a creamy sauce or yogurt. They are somewhat like dumplings from other parts of the Balkans but they are a Bosnian specialty. The softness of the dough and the tasty filling makes these dumplings a very tasty and rather filling street food.
Where to Find It: Klepe are traditionally consumed in Bosnian restaurants or are can be bought in small restaurants called konoba.
Conclusion
These are the street foods you will find if you are in the middle of Sarajevo, walking around Mostar, or in any other Bosnian city or town – they will give you a real taste of the country. From the deliciously baked and roasted items, to the Bosnian barbeque, to the sweet delicacies, Bosnia has all types of street foods. When planning your travel and setting out to apply for a Bosnia Visa from UAE, do not leave out these tasty street foods in your list of things to eat and enjoy when in Bosnia.
Therefore the next time you will be in Bosnia do not forget to taste these Bosnian street foods that should make your trip most memorable.