Mostar Food

According to the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina, there are 12 food products that have applied for a national geographical indication or designation of origin, but none of them have been granted so far. These products are:

• • Sarajevski sudžuk (a type of dry sausage)
  • Visočka pečenica (a type of smoked pork loin)
  • Banjalučki ćevap (a type of grilled minced meat)
  • Travnički sir (a type of cheese)
  • Livanjski sir (a type of cheese)
  • Kupreški sir (a type of cheese)
  • Hercegovački sir iz mijeha (a type of cheese made in a sheepskin bag)
  • Hercegovački pršut (a type of dry-cured ham)
  • Hercegovački med (honey from Herzegovina)
  • Hercegovačka smokva (figs from Herzegovina)

These products reflect the rich and diverse culinary traditions of Bosnia and Herzegovina, influenced by various cultures and regions. The country is also working with FAO and other partners to improve the quality and competitiveness of its agri-food sector, as well as to enhance its resilience to climate change and other challenges.

Burek is made with layers of phyllo dough (jufka) stuffed with ground beef rolled in a spiral and cut into sections.

A similar pastry filled with cottage cheese is called sirnica; when filled with spinach and cheese, it is called zeljanica; and when filled with potatoes, it is krompiruša.

Bureks are sold in the local pekara (i.e., bakery) and are the fast food of Bosnia. Grab one to go and eat it while walking at enjoying the sites.

Ćevapi are small, hand-rolled ground meat sausages. They are made from beef (or a mix of beef and other meats such as pork, veal, or lamb) and seasoned with different spices, including garlic, salt, and pepper.

They are typically served in groups of five to ten pieces placed inside a flatbread called lepina or somun along with various sides such as chopped raw onions, kajmak (a milk cream spread), and ajvar (a roasted red pepper and eggplant relish).

Cevapi are popular all over Bosnia, Croatia, and Montenegro. Sarajevo claims to have the best cevapi of all former Yugoslavia countries. We have enjoyed the cevapi everywhere, and the Mostar cevapi is great!

Japrak consists of a ground meat filling prepared with beef or veal, rice, salt, and pepper wrapped in blanched cabbage leaves.

Soğan dolma is a cooked onion stuffed with meat, rice, and spices. It is considered the specialty of Mostar.

Ajvar is a relish made primarily from sweet bell peppers and eggplants. It can be sweet, mild, or hot and can be used as a spread or a side dish.

Smokvara is a flat disk of dough baked and covered with sauce. The dough is made with fig jam, oil, milk, water, flour, semolina, cornmeal, baking soda, and egg (optional). The sauce is made with fig jam, sugar, and water.

The Tepa Market is located on the right bank of the Neretva River, not far from the Old Bridge. It has a limited selection of fresh produce.

Hand-squeezed juices and homemade fruit liquors are more prominent. We did not partake, so I can’t provide a first-hand account.

Hindin Han is one of our favorite restaurants in Mostar!

Address: Jusovina bb, Mostar 88000, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Cevabdzinica Tima-Irma is a family-owned restaurant that is considered by many to be the best place in Mostar for traditional food.

Address: Onešćukova 7, Mostar 88000, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Address: Jusovina 11, Mostar 88000, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Konoba Taurus is a great place to enjoy a view of the Crooked Bridge with dinner.

Address: Onešćukova b.b., Mostar 88000, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Food House Mostar claims to be the best restaurant in Mostar for vegetarians. Its menu includes meat-free dishes like sataras (traditional vegetable stew), a grilled vegetarian platter, and multiple salads.

Address: Rade Bitange 12, Mostar 88104, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Traditional Bosnian food is a blend of various influences, including Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Balkan cuisines. It typically includes dishes such as cevapi (grilled minced meat), burek (a savory pastry with meat or cheese filling), dolma (stuffed vegetables), and sarma (cabbage rolls). Bosnian cuisine also features a variety of soups, stews, and grilled meats. Many dishes are served with bread, often in the form of pita or lepinja. Dairy products such as cheese and yogurt are also commonly used in Bosnian cooking. Overall, Bosnian cuisine is known for its hearty, flavorful dishes that reflect the country’s cultural heritage and history.

While Bosnian and Greek cuisines share some similarities due to their geographical proximity and cultural influences, there are also significant differences in the ingredients, spices, and cooking techniques used in each cuisine. Bosnian cuisine is known for its hearty meat dishes, stews, and grilled meats, while fresh seafood, vegetables, and herbs characterize Greek cuisine. Both cuisines also incorporate dairy products like yogurt and cheese into many dishes. Ultimately, the best way to experience the unique flavors of Bosnian or Greek cuisine is to sample it for yourself!

The national dish of Bosnia is cevapi, a grilled dish made of minced beef or lamb mixed with spices and served with onions, sour cream, and flatbread. It is a very popular dish in Bosnia and can be found in every traditional Bosnian restaurant. Cevapi is often accompanied by ajvar, a relish made of roasted red peppers, eggplant, and garlic.

Traditional Bosnian food in Mostar includes cevapi, japrak, and sogan dolma, among others.

Many restaurants offer a platter of grilled chicken, pork, and beef served with french fries for two that should be on everybody’s list of foods to eat in Mostar. It’s pretty great food and the portion sizes are truly impressive!

Mostar is known for its delicious traditional Bosnian cuisine, which includes a variety of meat dishes, stews, and grilled meats. Some popular local dishes to try in Mostar include cevapi (grilled minced meat), burek (a savory pastry filled with meat or cheese), dolma (stuffed peppers or grape leaves), and bosanski lonac (a hearty meat and vegetable stew). For dessert, be sure to try tufahije (stewed apples stuffed with walnuts and whipped cream) or baklava (sweet pastry made with layers of phyllo dough, nuts, and honey syrup).

National Restaurant Cevabdzinica Tima-Irma is highly recommended for traditional food in Mostar.

Many cafés in Mostar serve traditional Bosnian coffee. The following are located near the Old Bridge (Stari Most):

• Najstariji Kafić
• Caffe Stari Grad
• Caffe Lasta
• Karma

All these cafes serve traditional Bosnian coffee in a full džezva (which holds three cups of coffee) on a round iron tray with an empty ceramic cup, a glass of water, a dish full of sugar cubes, and a lokum.

No – food is very affordable in Mostar. A large meal for two with a couple adult beverages will typically cost around 30€.

$20 per day for two people (excluding alcohol) should cover it.

There are many good places to stay on both sides of the river in Mostar. For the best experience, we recommend staying near the Old Bridge (the castle marker on the below map). The best restaurants and bars are near the Old Bridge, and it is the most beautiful area of the city.

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