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Food in Balkan: 10 must-try local dishes and drinks

If you’re a foodie visiting Balkan, here are 10 must-try dishes that will make your trip deliciously unforgettable:

1. Peka (Sač) – Slow-Cooked Meat & Vegetables

A traditional dish where lamb, veal, or chicken is slow-cooked under a metal dome with potatoes and herbs for a rich, tender flavor.

2. Priganice – Fried Dough Balls

A popular local snack, these golden, crispy dough balls are served with cheese, honey, or jam—perfect for breakfast or dessert.

3. Zeljanica – Spinach and Cheese Pie

A delicious Burek variation, made with layers of phyllo dough filled with spinach and cheese, baked to perfection.

4. Cicvara – Creamy Cornmeal Dish

A comforting dish made from cornmeal, cheese, and cream, offering a rich and creamy texture, often served with homemade yogurt.

5. Pastrmka (Trout) from Trebišnjica River

Freshly grilled or fried trout from the Trebišnjica River, typically seasoned with local herbs and olive oil.

6. Kajmak & Prosciutto Platter

Trebinje is known for its high-quality cured meats and creamy kajmak (a dairy spread), best enjoyed with homemade bread.

7. Jagnjetina ispod Sača – Lamb Under the Bell

A slow-cooked lamb dish, prepared under an iron bell with aromatic herbs, giving it a unique, smoky flavor.

8. Grah (Traditional Bean Stew)

A hearty Balkan-style bean stew with smoked meat, onions, and spices, perfect for a comforting meal.

9. Rafioli – Sweet Almond-Filled Pastry

A traditional Herzegovinian dessert, these crescent-shaped pastries are filled with almonds, sugar, and citrus zest, offering a delightful mix of crunchy and soft textures.

10. Local Wines & Cheeses

Trebinje is famous for its Vranac red wine and locally produced cheeses—pairing them together is a must for any foodie!