Balkan cuisine is one of Europe's most underrated food scenes — Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, and Mediterranean influences all show up on the plate, and each country does things its own way. Here's what to eat in every Balkan country.

🇦🇱 Albania — Tavë Kosi & Fresh Seafood

Albania's national dish is tavë kosi — baked lamb with yogurt and rice. On the coast, eat fresh grilled fish and octopus. Try byrek (savory pie) for breakfast and drink rakija with locals.

🇧🇦 Bosnia — Ćevapi & Burek

Bosnia punches above its weight when it comes to food. Ćevapi (grilled minced meat in flatbread) is the national dish — best eaten at Petica or Željo in Sarajevo. Burek (flaky pastry filled with meat or cheese) is the perfect breakfast. Don't miss Bosnian coffee served with rahat lokum.

🇧🇬 Bulgaria — Shopska Salad & Banitsa

Bulgaria's most famous export is shopska salad — tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and sirene cheese. Banitsa (cheese-filled pastry) is the breakfast of choice. Bulgarian yogurt is famous worldwide.

🇭🇷 Croatia — Seafood & Peka

Croatian cuisine varies from coast to inland. On the coast: grilled fish, octopus salad, and black risotto. Inland: peka (meat and vegetables baked under a bell). Try Pag cheese from the island of Pag and local wines from Pelješac.

🇽🇰 Kosovo — Flija & Qebapa

Kosovo's traditional dish is flija — a layered pancake cooked over an open fire. Qebapa (similar to cevapi) is the go-to street food. Drink boza — a fermented corn drink — and strong Turkish coffee.

🇲🇪 Montenegro — Njeguški Pršut & Seafood

Montenegro's specialty is Njeguški pršut — smoked ham from Mount Lovćen. The Bay of Kotor is famous for fresh mussels and fish. In the mountains, try kastradina (dried mutton). Drink local Vranac wine.

🇲🇰 North Macedonia — Tavče Gravče & Ohrid Trout

The national dish is tavče gravče — baked beans in a clay pot. Lake Ohrid's fresh trout is a must-try. Ajvar (roasted red pepper spread) is served with everything. End with kadaif (shredded pastry with nuts).

🇷🇴 Romania — Mici & Sarmale

Romanians love mici (grilled minced meat rolls) — the ultimate street food. Sarmale (cabbage rolls filled with meat and rice) is the traditional Sunday meal. Drink țuică (plum brandy) and try papanasi (fried dough with sour cream) for dessert.

🇷🇸 Serbia — Pljeskavica & Ćevapi

Serbia is meat paradise. Pljeskavica (massive grilled patty) and ćevapi are the staples. Kajmak (creamy dairy spread) is addictive. Rakija (fruit brandy) is the national drink — šljivovica (plum) is the most popular.

🇸🇮 Slovenia — Štruklji & Carniolan Sausage

Slovenia's most famous dish is Carniolan sausage (Kranjska klobasa) — a protected traditional food. Štruklji (rolled dumplings with various fillings) are a comfort food staple. Try potica (rolled nut cake) for dessert. Slovenia also has excellent wine.

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