Must-Try Foods
- Ćevapi: Small grilled minced-meat fingers served in lepinja flatbread with raw onion and kajmak.
- Pljeskavica: A plate-sized grilled patty, usually eaten in bread as street food.
- Burek: Layered filo pie filled with cheese or minced meat; a breakfast staple washed down with yoghurt.
- Kajmak and ajvar: Kajmak is a fresh, clotted-cream-like dairy spread; ajvar is a roasted red pepper and aubergine relish. Both sit on every table.
- Sarma: Sour cabbage leaves rolled around minced meat and rice; the dish of the winter months.
- Karađorđeva šnicla: A rolled, breaded and fried cutlet stuffed with kajmak, served with tartar sauce.
- Rakija (šljivovica): Plum brandy, the national drink, taken in a small glass before or after the meal.
Where to Eat
The kafanas of the bohemian street Skadarlija, the central Zeleni Venac market, Kalenić market in Vračar for cheese and homemade ajvar, Bajloni market in Dorćol, and the fish restaurants along the Zemun riverfront.
Quick Info
A kafana is a traditional Serbian tavern where home cooking, rakija and, on most evenings, live music come together. Portions are generous; two people can share one pljeskavica. Markets are liveliest in the morning and are the best place to buy kajmak, cheese and ajvar from small producers. Sarma is winter food; in summer the grill and river fish in Zemun take over.
Upcoming Event
Expo 2027 Belgrade is planned for 15 May to 15 August 2027 at the Surčin site near Nikola Tesla Airport, under the theme “Play for Humanity: Sport and Music for All”. Confirm the dates with the organiser (expobelgrade2027.org). Kafanas and hotels will be busier during the fair; book ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Belgrade’s most famous food?
Ćevapi and pljeskavica, always with kajmak, ajvar and lepinja bread on the side.
What is a kafana?
A traditional Serbian tavern serving home-style dishes and rakija. Most have live music and meals run long.
Is Belgrade good for vegetarians?
Grilled meat dominates, but pastry, cheese, kajmak, ajvar, bean stews and market produce make it easy to eat well without meat.
Sources
- Culture Trip — 11 traditional Serbian dishes — https://theculturetrip.com/europe/serbia/articles/11-traditional-serbian-dishes-you-need-to-try — accessed 2026-11-01
- Secret Flying — Belgrade food guide — https://www.secretflying.com/guides/belgrade/food/ — accessed 2026-11-01
- Government of Serbia — Expo 2027 participation announcement (dates) — https://www.srbija.gov.rs/vest/en/248806/100-countries-confirm-participation-in-expo-2027-to-date.php — accessed 2026-11-01