Southeast Europe

Food of Serbia

The 6 most iconic national dishes of Serbia — real photos, key ingredients and tasty facts behind every plate.

Europe

Grill

Ćevapi

Small grilled minced-meat sausages, usually served hot with flatbread, chopped onions and kajmak. They are smoky, juicy and among the most recognisable foods across Serbia.

Minced beefMinced lamb or porkGarlicSaltLepinjaOnions

Did you know?

Ćevapi are popular across the Balkans, but in Serbia they are especially associated with grill culture and casual eating.

Main

Sarma

Cabbage leaves stuffed with minced meat and rice, then slowly cooked until rich and tangy. It is a classic comfort dish, especially beloved in winter and at family celebrations.

Sour cabbage leavesMinced pork or beefRiceOnionPaprikaSmoked meat

Did you know?

In Serbia, sarma is a near-obligatory dish on many holiday and feast tables, particularly during the colder months.

Grill

Pljeskavica

A large Balkan-style grilled meat patty, often served in flatbread with onions, kajmak or ajvar. It is savoury, smoky and one of Serbia’s most famous street and tavern foods.

Minced beefMinced porkOnionPaprikaSaltLepinja

Did you know?

Leskovac in southern Serbia is particularly famous for its grill tradition, and its style of pljeskavica is widely celebrated.

Bread

Gibanica

A layered pastry made with thin dough sheets and a filling of white cheese and eggs. It is rich, flaky and commonly eaten for breakfast, as a snack or at festive gatherings.

Phyllo doughWhite cheeseEggsYogurtSunflower oil

Did you know?

Gibanica is considered one of the most characteristic Serbian pastries and appears in both everyday meals and ceremonial spreads.

Main

Karađorđeva šnicla

A breaded rolled schnitzel stuffed with kajmak, then fried until crisp outside and creamy inside. It is a hearty restaurant classic with a distinctly Serbian identity.

Veal or pork schnitzelKajmakBreadcrumbsEggsFlourOil

Did you know?

The dish was created in Belgrade in the 20th century and named after Karađorđe, the leader of the First Serbian Uprising.

Rare findSnack

Pihtije

A cold savoury aspic made by setting slow-cooked meat and garlic-rich broth into a jelly. It has a distinctive texture and is a traditional winter delicacy that many outsiders find unusual.

Pork hocks or trottersPork meatGarlicBlack pepperSalt

Did you know?

Pihtije are traditionally prepared in winter, when cool temperatures help the natural gelatin from the meat set properly.