Must-Try Classics

• Ćevapi (Grilled Meat Sausages): Charcoal-grilled minced beef sausages served with soft somun bread, raw onions, and creamy kajmak cheese. A serving at a historic eatery in Baščaršija costs 5–8 BAM, and locals queue up on weekends to eat it.
• Bosnian Coffee: Strong coffee brewed in a copper džezva and poured into small fildžan cups, often served with sugar cubes and Turkish delight. The traditional method is to let the grounds settle, then sip slowly. A set costs around 3–4 BAM.
• Pita Pastries: Includes meat-filled burek, spinach zeljanica, cheese sirnica, and potato krompiruša. Sold by the piece at bakeries, 3–5 BAM per serving and very filling.
• Begova Čorba (Bey’s Soup): A hearty traditional soup made with okra and chicken broth, served with lemon and yogurt.
• Klepe: Bosnian-style small meat dumplings topped with a creamy garlic sauce.

Desserts and Drinks

• Tufahija: Poached apple stuffed with walnuts and soaked in syrup—a Bosnian take on an Ottoman palace dessert.
• Baklava and Hurmašica: Honey-soaked pastry desserts, best enjoyed with a strong cup of coffee.
• Šljivovica (Plum Brandy): A potent homemade liquor, typically around 40% alcohol, often served to guests.
• Žilavka White Wine from Herzegovina: Made from sun-ripened local grapes, available for tasting at wineries in Mostar.

Where to Eat and Price Range

• Baščaršija, Sarajevo: A concentration of historic grill houses, dessert shops, and teahouses. Average cost for a full meal is 10–15 BAM per person.
• Kujundžiluk, Mostar Old Town: Riverfront restaurants tend to be more expensive; head into local neighborhoods for better value.
• Banja Luka: Lower prices in the Republika Srpska region, with a mix of Central European-style and grilled meat restaurants.
• Jajce and Travnik: Small-town eateries charge around 8–12 BAM per person, with freshly baked pita available daily.

Practical Tips

• Ćevapi shops are often family-run and may sell out or close by early afternoon, so go for lunch.
• Whether bread and kajmak are included in the price varies by shop—always check when ordering.
• During Ramadan, most restaurants remain open during the day, but some old-town dessert shops may open later.
• Tipping isn’t mandatory, but rounding up or leaving 5% is appreciated.
• A traditional Bosnian coffee set usually includes sugar cubes and Turkish delight; you can refill water and sugar. Staying for about an hour is the proper way to enjoy it.
• Mountain honey and candied figs from markets make great souvenirs, often priced 30% lower than in the old town.