Discover Sarajevo, the undiscovered city where East meets West. Explore its rich food culture, must-have local experiences, and why this Balkan gem should be on every traveler’s radar.
Tucked in the heart of the Balkans, Sarajevo is the kind of city that punches far above its weight. It’s where Ottoman minarets echo beside Austro-Hungarian facades, and where centuries of history, resilience, and culture simmer into one incredibly flavorful destination. Yet, it remains largely undiscovered by the average traveler—especially when it comes to its ridiculously underrated food scene.
This blog is your guide to Sarajevo’s most delicious eats and must-have experiences, brought to you by a team of seasoned travel writers and podcasters who believe that the best way to know a city is to eat it. Spoiler alert: you’re going to want stretchy pants for this one.
A Bite of History: How Sarajevo Became a Cultural Melting Pot
Before we dive into the food coma, you need to understand one thing: Sarajevo’s food culture is built on diversity. Influences from the Ottoman Empire, Austria-Hungary, Yugoslavia, and local Bosnian traditions all find their way into your plate. Think of it as a delicious geopolitical crash course.
The city has survived empires, wars, and sieges—and what emerged is a layered, resilient identity with hospitality baked right in. Food is not just sustenance here; it’s storytelling. Every recipe passed down through generations tells a tale of survival, of joy, and of togetherness.
Wander the streets of Sarajevo and you’ll see it for yourself—wood-fired bakeries next to baroque cafes, traditional coffee houses across from Austro-Hungarian delicatessens. This is a city where cultures don’t just coexist—they collide, then cook something delicious together.
Must-Try Sarajevo Foods That Will Ruin You for Life
1. Cevapi
These grilled, finger-sized minced meat sausages are the unofficial national dish. Served in somun (pita-like bread) with chopped onions and kajmak (a rich dairy spread), it’s everything you want after a day of wandering Sarajevo’s cobbled alleys. It’s fast, affordable, and wildly addictive.
Where to Try It:
Ćevabdžinica Željo (ask any local, and this name comes up first)
Petica Ferhatovići (legendary status)
Local Tip: Order a side of ajvar—a roasted red pepper spread that will change your life. Wash it down with a bottle of Sarajevsko beer for the full effect.
2. Burek
Golden, flaky pastry filled with meat, cheese, spinach, or potatoes. Pro tip: only the meat-filled one is technically “burek”; the rest are pita. Either way, they’re all delicious.
Where to Try It:
Buregdžinica Bosna in Baščaršija (prepare to stand in line)
Local Tip: Pair it with yogurt. It might sound weird, but the creamy tang cuts through the richness perfectly.
3. Begova Čorba (Bey’s Soup)
This slow-cooked soup made with chicken, okra, and cream is Bosnian comfort food at its finest. It’s like your grandmother’s best hug in a bowl—warm, nourishing, and deeply satisfying.
Where to Try It:
Inat Kuća, a historic riverside restaurant with a wild backstory.
Travel Trivia: Inat Kuća means “House of Spite.” It was moved brick by brick across the river because the owner didn’t want to sell. Now that’s commitment.
4. Dolma & Sarma
Stuffed vegetables and vine leaves, typically cooked in a tomato-based sauce. Ottoman influence never tasted so good. Expect tender bell peppers, zucchini, or grape leaves filled with a savory mix of rice, herbs, and meat.
5. Baklava & Tufahija
You didn’t think we’d skip dessert, did you? Baklava is a regional staple, but tufahija (poached apple stuffed with walnuts and cream) is Sarajevo’s own sweet signature. The best tufahija feels both rustic and refined—like the city itself.
Where to Try It:
A small patisserie called “Slatko i Slano” in the old town. It doesn’t look like much, but trust the vibe.
Don’t Miss: The boza—a sweet, slightly fermented grain drink that’s popular in Sarajevo’s traditional sweet shops.
Must-Have Local Experiences (Beyond the Food Coma)
1. Stroll Through Baščaršija
Sarajevo’s old bazaar is a living, breathing museum. Shop for copperware, drink Turkish coffee from tiny cups, and chat with artisans who have been doing their craft for generations. You can hear the hammering of coppersmiths echo through the alleys—it’s a sensory experience.
2. Drink Coffee the Bosnian Way
Coffee in Sarajevo is an event, not a beverage. Served with sugar cubes and Turkish delight, it’s about slowing down and connecting. It’s not unusual to spend two hours over one small džezva (coffee pot).
Where to Go:
Miris Dunja: Cozy, with carpets, copper pots, and soul.
Insider Tip: Don’t stir your coffee after pouring—it messes with the grounds. Let them settle, then sip slow.
3. Take the Sarajevo Cable Car
Ride up Trebević Mountain for panoramic views and a strange, beautiful mix of nature and history—including abandoned Olympic bobsled tracks covered in graffiti. It’s a surreal blend of beauty and decay.
Bonus Tip: Bring a picnic and spend an afternoon under the pine trees.
4. Visit the War Tunnel Museum
This is a heavy one, but essential. Learn how Sarajevans survived the 1992–1996 siege by building a secret tunnel under the airport. It’s a sobering reminder of the city’s resilience—and a lesson in human ingenuity.
Must-See: Original tools used to dig the tunnel and firsthand accounts from survivors.
5. Catch the Call to Prayer at Sunset
When the golden hour hits and the call to prayer echoes through the valley, it’s not just spiritual—it’s cinematic. The skyline becomes a silhouette of minarets and mountains, and the city exhales into twilight.
Sustainable & Local Travel Tips
Sarajevo is a city that welcomes tourists but hasn’t yet been steamrolled by them. Let’s keep it that way:
Eat Local: Always choose family-run restaurants and bakeries over chains. The food is better and the impact is greater.
Walk It: The old town is perfectly walkable. You’ll find more surprises that way—hidden courtyards, tiny bookshops, or unexpected street art.
Be Respectful: Remember, this is a city that’s seen trauma. Ask before photographing people or homes.
Tip Generously: The cost of living is low, but tipping 10% goes a long way.
Stay Small: Choose boutique hotels or homestays over international chains. You’ll get better stories and better coffee.
Insider Hacks from Destination Experts
Pro Tip #1:
Download the Sarajevo Travel app. It has offline maps and insider guides without the Google fluff. It also includes public transport info and secret viewpoints.
Pro Tip #2:
Try to learn a few words of Bosnian (or Serbian/Croatian – it’s all mutually intelligible). Even “Hvala” (Thank you) and “Dobar dan” (Good day) go a long way.
Pro Tip #3:
Visit in shoulder season (May–June or September–October). Fewer tourists, perfect weather, and cheaper stays. Plus, it’s when locals have time to talk.
Pro Tip #4:
Check out local events like the Sarajevo Film Festival (August) or Baščaršija Nights (July). They give you a deeper taste of local culture.
Sarajevo: The Vibe Check
If Sarajevo were a person, they’d be that cool, quiet kid in school who’s lived a lot but never brags. The one with great taste in music, a deep bookshelf, and killer recipes passed down through generations.
There’s magic in Sarajevo—the kind you feel, not just see. The kind that lingers in your nose after a wood-fired grill, in your ears after a call to prayer, and in your heart long after you’ve left.
And the food? Well, that might just be the best part. But the real flavor comes from the people: generous, proud, and endlessly welcoming.
