Generally speaking, eating light or healthy is not common in Sarajevo, but while you're here, it would be a shame not to try some of the tasty local dishes, some of which can only be found here in Sarajevo.

Bosnian food includes a mix of Oriental, Mediterranean and Central European dishes. Domestic food usually consists of: meat, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, carrots, spinach, beans, etc., and seasonings include pepper, parsley, ground red pepper, bay leaves, celery.... While local cuisine has been heavily influenced by Turkish culture, there are many differences between Bosnian and Turkish cooking.

Traditional Bosnian “fast food” restaurants include cafeteria-style aščinicas, which serve ready-made portions; buregdžinicas, where you can find different types of pita (phyllo dough filled with various ingredients) and ćevabdžinicas, where you can try ćevapčići (seasoned ground beef shaped into small rolls). Although these restaurants can be found throughout the city, the majority of them are located in Baščaršija.

Some of the typical meals served in aščinicas include Sarajevski sahan, a meal comprised of various dolmas (vegetables stuffed with meat and rice); Bosanski lonac (Bosnian pot), a thick stew-like dish with meat and vegetables; bamija (okra) with lamb...

We recommend that you try one of the most popular local specialties – pita (pie), phyllo dough pastry filled with meat, vegetables or cheese.

Sarajevo ćevapčići are served in portions of 5, 10 or more, in somun (a type of pita bread unique to Sarajevo), along with onions, yoghurt and sometimes kajmak (cheese spread). You can try them in the many ćevabdžinicas around town, where we suggest you sample other grilled specialties, such as pljeskavica (beef patty served with somun and onions), sudžukice (small sausages served with mustard)...

Alcohol is not typically served in any of the aforementioned eateries and almost all of them are non-smoking.