Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country that is so beautiful and untainted but somehow isn’t on every travelers’ bucket list. It really is a hidden gem and hopefully this article will change your mind!
Credit: giphyDisclaimer: The meat in Bosnia is generally halal as most of the citizens are Muslims. However, similar to many Balkan countries, they do not have a religious body that issues halal certificates. Many restaurants do serve alcohol and those that do are stated in this article. We advise that you dine at your own discretion.
1. Pod Lipom
Klepe, pasta filled with beef & eaten with cream Credit: Ravioli Road This is one of the most famous restaurants in Bosnia because Bill Clinton and Robert DeNiro came and ate here when they visited (you can see the pictures on the walls as proof!). This restaurant serves a variety of national Bosnian cuisine. Klepe, is one special pasta dish that you should try here. Credit: Bradleyhawks Another dish that we recommend you trying this the begova corba, a chicken and vegetable soup topped with sour cream (Bosnians like cream to be eaten with many of their dishes, just you wait and see!). This soup can be eaten anytime especially during the cold winter! ? Address: Prote Bakovića 4, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina Operating hours: 9 a.m. – 12 noon Contact: +387 33 440-700
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2. Nanina Kuhinja (Grandma’s Kitchen)
Goulash: one of Bosnia’s national dish—stew made of beef, potatoes and paprika Credit: Rool Paap on Flickr This restaurant is one of the best for Bosnia’s local dishes. From the traditional Bosnian pot, to Goulash and delectable desserts, you’re bound to find several of your favourite Bosnian dishes here. Stuffed peppers, or "dolmas”, bread, salads and pies are the typical food that locals eat Credit: @siyahabosnia on InstagramAddress: Kundurdziluk 35, Bascarsija, 71000 Sarajevo Operating hours: 8am – 11pm Contact: +033 533 333
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3. Mrkva
Bosnian food consists of mostly meat, breads or pies and salads. So if you’re looking for some Western fast food close to McDonalds, then we recommend you try this! Credit: @koprivicak on Instagram Apart from the national dish cevapcici (pronounced as shevapi), they also have many different types of burgers and fries. They have several chains across Bosnia so you won’t go wrong if you’re looking for somewhere to eat. Credit: @wienerbaklava on InstagramAddress:Bravadžiluk 13, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina Operating hours: Daily, 8.30 am – 11pm Contact:+387 33 532-519 Website
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4. Vezir
Vezir is known for their BBQ dishes, including cevapcici. If you’re in Bosnia for more a week or so, we suggest you try other BBQ dishes like burgers and sandwiches that Bosnia has to offer. Credit: @CebadzinicaVezir on Instagram The prices are also very affordable, ranging from 3KM – 6KM! Credit: Poslovni ImenikAddress: Bravadžiluk 26, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina Operating hours: Monday – Saturday, 9am – 8pm Contact: +387 33 446-677 Website
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5. 4 Sobe Gospodje Safije (The Four Rooms of Mrs. Safiya)
After several days of exploring Bosnia, it’s only natural for you to want to try different types of food! This restaurant offers both exquisite European and Arab food. Credit: Restoran Sarajevo It’s a little high end, but sometimes you really want to have a different experience when you’re traveling abroad. Credit: Restoran SarajevoAddress:Čekaluša 61, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina Operating hours: Daily, 8am – 12noon Contact:+387 33 202-745 Website
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6. Slatko I slano
If you’re tired of eating lamb, beef or veal, then you will be happy to come across this place! Credit: Syrenya It serves a more contemporary variety of dishes from sandwiches, salads and pastas. They also serve a number of delicious chicken and vegetarian dishes! Credit: SyrenyaAddress: Ložionička 9, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina Operating hours: Mon-Sat; 7 am – 10.30pm, Sun; 10am – 9pm Contact: +387 33 255-552 Website
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7. Spazio Caffee
Spazio Caffe serves scrumptious desserts and coffee! (They also have other healthier options if you’re worried about your sugar level at this point). If you’re not that into traditional strong coffee, then this place gives you the option. Credit: @sara.dukic on Instagram It’s a trendy and hip place to be, serving different types drinks. We recommend trying the hot chocolate here, it's pure heaven? Credit: Spazio Caffe Saravejo on FacebookAddress: Radićeva 11, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina Operating hours: 7am – 11pm Contact: +387 33 209-226 Website
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8. Caffe Slasticarna- Aksaraj
If you have a sweet tooth and you’re looking for something to treat yourself with after all that tiring walking and sightseeing, this is the place to go!
Traditional Bosnian coffee
Credit: Rice and Curry They offer several types of coffee, both the traditional Bosnian type and the more contemporary ones. Traditional Bosnian coffee is really thick; you can either drink it with or without milk but the key to drinking this coffee is by taking a small bite of the sugar cube and letting the coffee slowly melt it in your mouth. Apart from coffee, you also get to try a wide selection of cakes!
Tufahije: a famous Bosnian dessert made of apples and walnuts, stewed in water and sugar
Credit: Nurettin Mert Aydin on FlickrAddress: Bascarsija 1, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Contact: +38761534121
Website
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9. Restaurant Kibe Mahala
If you want a romantic dinner or lunch overlooking a breathtaking view of Sarajevo, this is the place to be. Kljukusa: a large potato pancake Credit: Rice and Curry The food presentation is also another thing to rave about—most dishes will be served in steel plates with lids, bringing you back to the Ottoman times. Reservation here is recommended. Spit-roast lamb is one of the specialties here Credit: Tina Reynolds on FlickrAddress: Vrbanjuša 164, Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina Operating hours: Mon – Sat, 10am – 11pm (Closed on Sundays) Contact: +387 33 441-936 Website
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10. Zeljo
Zeljo is known by locals to be a fast food chain. Their specialty is the cevapcici. It’s basically sandwich kebabs. The meat is mixed with different types of meat, including veal. This makes a very distinct and delicious taste that you will only experience in the Balkans. The bread is also fresh and soft, redefining what you think you know about kebabs—or any other form of sandwiches. Cevapcici is often eaten with sour cream, bread and onions. It may seem different to the Asian mind but trust us, it’s good! Credit: MajvrbanicAddress:Kundurdžiluk 19, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina Operating hours: Daily, 8am – 11pm Contact: +387 33 447-000
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11. ASDZ Buregdzinica
If you’re hungry and in a hurry, this is the place where Bosnians go to satisfy their hunger. You can find typical dishes from burek, stuffed peppers with beef and rice (dolma) and baked chicken and potatoes. Burek is a traditional Bosnian pie filled either with meat like beef. Locals also like to end their meals with yoghurt drink. Credit: Confused Julia These may sound like simple dishes but trust us, the ingredients they use are super fresh, making it so difficult to imitate the taste when you go back home. They also use a special oven with charcoal to bake some of their dishes. The price is very affordable too! This is how they bake their pies! Address: Bravadžiluk 28, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina Operating hours: Daily, 8am – 12pm Contact: +387 33 537-503 Bosnia and Herzegovina is predominantly a Muslim country, making many of their restaurants halal and free from pork as these restaurants are owned by Muslims. Enjoy their local food as much as you can and try to eat where the locals eat. If you’re not into Western food and always need your chilli whenever you go, then we suggest you bring some from home ?. But trust us, by the time you get back home, you will miss the exotic food of Bosnia! P.S. Know of any more yummy eateries in Bosnia? Comment below and let us know ??
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