What to Eat in Belgrade: The Ultimate Guide to Traditional Serbian Food

Ćao, foodies!

If you are wondering what to eat in Belgrade, you are in the right place.

Belgrade is one of Europe’s most underrated foodie cities. From flaky burek and sizzling ćevapi to creamy kajmak, smoky grilled meats, and fruit brandies that double as medicine, Serbian cuisine is bold, hearty, and deeply rooted in tradition.

We spent nearly a month living in Belgrade, eating our way through bakeries, kafanas, street food stalls, countryside lodges, and local kitchens. This guide is a complete breakdown of what to eat in Belgrade, where to try it, and how Serbian food reflects the city’s long and complicated history.

A Quick Introduction to Serbian Food 🇷🇸🍖

Traditional Serbian food is hearty, comforting, and designed for long meals with friends. Historically, these dishes fueled people through physical labor and cold winters.

One of the fascinating things about traditional Serbian food is how it reflects the country's rich history. Belgrade, with roots tracing back 7000 years, has been built and rebuilt numerous times. Its strategic location has seen it influenced by various empires, Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, Byzantine, and this blend is evident in its cuisine.

Here are some of the must-try Serbian classics:

• Burek: A delectably oily filo pastry pie layered with different types of fillings. Our favorite is feta cheese, but you can also find meat and spinach.
• Pljeskavica: Serbia’s take on a burger, but righteously exploding with way more flavor.
• Karađorđeva šnicla: Rolled pork, breaded and fried, served with kajmak.
• Ćevapi: Minced meat sausages served in flatbread.
• Shopska salad: Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, oil, vinegar, and shredded Balkan cheese.
• Ajvar: A tangy red pepper and eggplant spread.
• Sarma: Cabbage rolls stuffed with meat and rice.

Where to Eat in Belgrade: Restaurant Map

Our First Bites in Belgrade: A Local Introduction

Our adventure in Belgrade started on the second day with an invitation to lunch from our friend Gordie, or Goca. She introduced us to some local delicacies.

First up, we tasted popara, an old Serbian dish consisting of boiled day-old bread mixed with kajmak... a creamy, fatty cheese made from milk fat. This breakfast dish was surprisingly tasty and comforting.

Next, we sampled uštípci, small fried dumplings that are doughy inside, similar to doughnuts. Traditionally served for breakfast, they pair well with salty sides like feta cheese and ajvar. Speaking of ajvar, it's one of my favorite discoveries in the Balkans. Made from roasted red peppers and eggplant, mixed with garlic, oil, and vinegar, ajvar is tangy and perfect for spreading on bread.

Restaurants to try for your first taste of Serbian cuisine:

• Prekoputa Proleća: Also serving all-day breakfast and brunch alongside cocktails. We like the outside during the summer as it can get a bit smoky inside.
• Kafana SFRJ: Cool location overlooking the mighty Sava River.
• Iva New Balkan Cuisine: If you are looking for a contemporary-take on Balkan cuisine, look no further. They use locally-available, high quality ingredients.

Hearty and Wholesome: The Essence of Serbian Cuisine

As we enjoyed these dishes, it became clear that Serbian cuisine is hearty and filling. Historically, these meals sustained people through hard, physical labor. Lunch is typically the main meal of the day, with a somewhat lighter dinner — although this varies.

For a unique dining experience, head to Skardalija, the bohemian quarter of Belgrade. Cobblestone streets, folk musicians, and traditional Serbian songs create an incredible ambiance. The atmosphere is as much a part of the experience as the food itself. Just be prepared to leave smelling like smoke, as public smoking is common 🚬.

"Skardalija" Restaurants to try:

• Kolubaru u Šoru: Done in Skardalija style, this newer restaurant fuses the best of Serbian dishes. Ask about the Pljeskavica which is literally inside a burek and borderline heavenly.
• Velika Skardalija Restaurant
• Tri šešira

Endless Serbian Street Food

During our stay, we had some unforgettable dishes. We stumbled upon a burek shop one night, lured by its enticing aroma. Burek is a flaky pastry made with layers of phyllo dough, filled with cheese, meat, or spinach. It’s oily, rich, and incredibly filling.

Across the street, we found a spot serving pljeskavica, a Serbian-style burger made from a mix of meats and spices, served in pita bread with spicy cheese and pork fat bits. The combination of flavors and textures was nothing short of orgasmic.

Street-Food Restaurants to try:

• Cevonik Vruć Burek
• Skadarlijski šiš ćevap

Desserts in Serbia: Knedles That Make Anyone Drool

We stumbled upon a little bakery that served a multitude of knedles, or little potato-based dumplings coming from the Austro-Hungarian side of things, that are filled with gorgeous, sweet, molten centers and puts doughnuts to shame.

Knedle Bakery to try:

Ferdinand Knedle

Savoring Serbian Spirits: Rakija and Craft Beer

No Serbian meal is complete without trying rakija, a potent fruit brandy distilled from various fruits like plum, apricot, and quince. It's deeply woven into Serbian culture, used as a remedy for ailments, and a staple at both celebrations and funerals. On our last day, Gordie gave us a bottle of homemade rakija, a touching gesture that speaks to its cultural significance.

Additionally, Belgrade’s craft beer scene is growing. Breweries like Salto, Kabinet, and Dogma create some incredible concoctions.

Taking a Break from Serbian Cuisine: International Options

At some point, if you are in Belgrade as long as we were, you may need a break from the heartiness of Serbian cuisine, so here are some of the international restaurants we wholeheartedly recommend.

International Restaurants to try:

• Smokvica: Very trendy with a few locations and a range of international choices.
• Bloom: A vibey place serving all-day breakfast and brunch.
• Prekoputa Proleća: Also serving all-day breakfast and brunch alongside cocktails. We like the outside during the summer as it can get a bit smoky inside.
• Giovannis: You may think you are in beautiful Napoli when eating at this restaurant, the Neapolitan pizzas are spot-on.
• Curry Souls: If you ever find yourself looking for authentic Sri Lankan in Belgrade 🤔 or just need to mix it up, the food here is on-point!

Escaping the City: A Taste of Serbian Countryside

We decided to change our pace from the city and headed to the countryside with Gordie. We visited a local lodge, which offered a taste of the region’s rustic charm. Again, folk music set the scene as we indulged in traditional dishes. We tried dimljena butkica (od mangulice) u kajmaku, or smoked pork flank (of mangulica) in kajmak 🤩, šopska salata, a refreshing salad, doused in Balkan cheese, all paired with roasted spicy peppers in garlic and olive oil.

For dessert, we had šnenokle, a fluffy concoction of whipped egg whites, yolk and sugar, and krempita, a delightful custard pie. These sweet treats perfectly rounded off our adventurous culinary journey.

Restaurant to try near Novi Sad:

Pajin salaš

Final Thoughts: What to Eat in Belgrade

Thank you, or Hvala, for joining us on this delicious journey through Belgrade.

If you are visiting Serbia, come hungry. From burek and pljeskavica to rakija and knedle, Serbian food is unforgettable.

Živeli!