Sarajevo Food

What and Where to Eat in Sarajevo?

We spent a month in Sarajevo researching what local foods to eat and where to eat them. We’ve compiled a summary of the information we collected so you can start enjoying these foods as soon as you arrive!

For the most part, Sarajevo food is similar to Mostar food. However, several dishes like Sarajevska Corba and Sarajevski Cevapi are unique to Sarajevo.

There are many restaurants in Sarajevo specializing in traditional dishes. If you only have time for one, you can’t go wrong with cevapi from Cevabdzinica Hodzic.

However, if you want to cook your own meals, the Markale Food Market offers local produce, meats, and dairy products. Otherwise, you can get everything at one of the Konzum grocery stores in the old town area.

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Local Food Products in Sarajevo

Protected Foods

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.

Traditional Dishes in Sarajevo

Appetizers

Burek

Burek is a pastry filled with various ingredients, such as meat, cheese, or spinach.

If you’re looking for a delicious and authentic Bosnian dish, burek is a must-have. Buregdzinica Sac is one of the most popular places to try it in Sarajevo, and tourists often wait in line for their chance to taste it.

Sarajevska Corba

Sarajevska čorba is a soup made with veal and okra. The veal is cut into cubes and sautéed with chopped vegetables.

Begova Corba

Begova čorba is a soup made with chicken and okra.  It is typically prepared for national holidays, but it is also served as a warm appetizer in traditional Bosnian restaurants.

Main Courses

Sarajevski Cevapi

Sarajevski ćevapi is a unique variety of ćevapi from Sarajevo. Traditionally, Sarajevski ćevapi is made exclusively with ground beef, salt, and pepper.

Desserts

Jabukovaca

Jabukovača is a baked apple pie, made like baklava, originating from Sarajevo.

The dough is made with flour, eggs, oil, water, and a pinch of salt. The filling is made with sour apples, sweet yogurt, cinnamon, lemon zest, and vanilla sugar.

The roll is baked and served with a sauce made from sugar, vanilla sugar, butter, and cornstarch.

Local Markets in Sarajevo

Gradska Trznica aka Markale Market in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Markale Food Market

aka Gradska Trznica

  • Architect: August Butsch
  • Style: Neo-Renaissance style
  • Built: 1894 – 1895
  • Address: Mula Mustafe Bašeskije 4a, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina

The Markale Food Market is located in a neoclassical building that is one of many beautiful buildings in Sarajevo.

Traditional Restaurants in Sarajevo

Ćevabdžinica Željo 2 Restaurant in Sarajevo, Bosnia

Cevabdzinica Zeljo 2

If you’re looking for cevapi, Ćevabdžinica Željo 2 would be a good place to start!

Address: Bazardžani 2, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Inat Kuca in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Inat Kuca

During construction of the City Hall, Inat Kuća was supposed to be demolished. However, the owner negotiated to move the house to the other side of the river where it is now located. Due to the owner’s stubbornness, the relocated house was called Inat kuća (house of defiance).

The house is now a traditional Bosnian restaurant.

Address: Veliki Alifakovac 1, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Cevabdzinica Hodzic restaurant in Sarajevo, Bosnia

Cevabdzinica Hodzic

Ćevabdžinica Hodžić is an award-winning restaurant known for its cevapi.

Address: Bravadžiluk 34, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Caffe Divan coffee shop in Sarajevo, Bosnia

Caffe Divan

This coffee shop has a great courtyard in the heart of the Baščaršija.

Address: Sarači 77, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia & Herzegovina

Food Tours in Sarajevo

Want to learn about local food and wine while visiting Sarajevo? Book now a highly-rated food experience in Sarajevo!

FAQs About Sarajevo Food

What Is the Signature Bosnian Food?

If we were to choose one signature Bosnian food, it would probably be cevapi, which is a type of grilled sausage made from beef or lamb that is often served with onions, sour cream, and flatbread.

What Are the Most Popular Dishes in Sarajevo?

Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, has a rich culinary tradition influenced by Turkish, Austrian, and Balkan cuisine. Some of the most popular dishes in Sarajevo include:

Ćevapi – grilled minced meat sausages served with flatbread (somun), onions, and sour cream (kajmak)

Burek – a savory pastry filled with meat, cheese, or spinach

Bosanski Lonac (considered the National Dish of Bosnia) – a stew made with meat and vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, and onions

Klepe – small dumplings filled with meat or cheese and served in soup

Pita – a phyllo pastry filled with meat, cheese, spinach, or potatoes

These are just a few examples of the many delicious dishes you can find in Sarajevo.

What Food Is Sarajevo Known For?

Some popular dishes in Sarajevo include cevapi (grilled minced meat), burek (phyllo pastry filled with meat or cheese), dolma (stuffed vegetables), and pita (savory pie).Additionally, many Bosnians enjoy soups, stews, and grilled meats served with traditional sides such as ajvar (roasted red pepper spread) and kajmak (a type of cream cheese).Finally, desserts such as baklava and tufahije (stuffed apples) are also commonly enjoyed.

What is the traditional food of Sarajevo?

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

What Is the Best Sarajevo Food?

Sarajevo is known for its delicious and diverse cuisine that reflects the city’s multicultural heritage. Some popular dishes include cevapi (grilled minced meat), burek (pastry filled with meat, cheese, or potatoes), dolma (stuffed vegetables), and baklava (sweet pastry made with layers of phyllo dough and honey).

What to eat in Sarajevo?

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

Is Bosnian Cuisine Vegetarian Friendly?

As with many cuisines, Bosnian cuisine includes a variety of dishes that are suitable for vegetarians and many that are not. Some vegetarian-friendly Bosnian dishes include burek (a savory pastry filled with cheese, spinach, or potatoes) and sarma (cabbage rolls filled with rice and vegetables). However, many traditional Bosnian dishes also contain meat or animal products, so checking the ingredients before ordering or preparing a dish is important. Additionally, some restaurants in Bosnia may not have a wide selection of vegetarian options on their menus, so it may be helpful to do some research beforehand or ask for recommendations from locals.

What Are the Best Places to Eat in Sarajevo?

Many great restaurants in Sarajevo offer delicious Bosnian cuisine and other international dishes. Some of the best restaurants include Kibe Mahala, Inat Kuća, Dveri, and Željo Cevapi.

Is there a particular restaurant that everyone recommends in Sarajevo?

Restaurant Dveri is a highly-rated restaurant located in the very heart of Sarajevo. It makes visitors feel as if they are in a country home. They serve traditional Bosnian food and have a great selection of wines.

Is food expensive in Sarajevo?

No – food is very affordable in Sarajevo. A large meal for two with a couple adult beverages will typically cost 40€ to 50€ depending on where you go.

How much money do I need for shopping in a supermarket in Sarajevo?

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

What is the Best Cafe in Sarajevo?

Some of the best cafes in Sarajevo include August Café, Spazio Café, and Miris Dunja.

August Café is one of the best cafes in Sarajevo. They serve great coffee and truly sensational sweet and savory crepes. There are also other non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages available.

Spazio Café is a cozy place with a great atmosphere. They serve delicious coffee and have a great selection of cakes and pastries.

Miris Dunja is a small café located in the heart of Baščaršija. They serve great coffee and have an excellent selection of cakes and pastries.

Where is the Best Place to Stay in Sarajevo?

Hotels in Sarajevo

There are many good places to stay on both sides of the Miljacka River in Sarajevo. For the best experience, we recommend staying near the Old Town, Bascarsija (the castle marker on the map below). The best restaurants and bars are in the Old Town, which happens to be the most beautiful area in Sarajevo.

Here’s an interactive map with accommodation options that can be filtered to meet your needs. Select your travel dates to get specific availability and prices.

Book your stay now!