Tasty, hearty & well-seasoned: delights from the Balkans
In the Balkan Peninsula, the spicy cuisine of the Orient meets the fresh ingredients of Mediterranean culinary arts. As versatile as the individual countries of the Balkans are – so is their cuisine. To understand the Balkan culinary arts, we need to take a quick look into the past. The food culture in the Balkans has been influenced by many other cultures over the centuries. Through it, you can find Ottoman or. Turkish, Hungarian, Greek and Austrian and Italian influences. This mix of cultures makes Balkan cuisine unique, diverse and extremely popular!
Cozy and convivial: that's how you know the atmosphere in the Balkans. Here, people like to come together over food and drink to celebrate good food together. Find out what's not to be missed on a traditional evening of indulgence on the Eastern European peninsula here!
Appetizers aka Meza or Mezze
The wide-ranging finger food platter is an important part of Balkan cuisine. The meza introduces a convivial and cozy evening and is universally loved for its versatility. On the cold plate you will find the basics, such as fresh Uštipci (deep-fried bread rolls) or freshly baked flat bread, as well as dried meat, such as Pastrma and Sudzuk. The countrymen love to dip warm bread in various sauces and creams – that's why the platter is often spiced up with hand-scooped kajmak (sour cream), homemade ajvar and various cheeses.
The hearty main course
The Main Course often comes directly from the grill. Hearty meat variations such as raznjici (meat skewers), cevapcici or stuffed pljeskavice take center stage. The side dish is freshly made pita, which is prepared in different variations (potatoes, meat, spinach or cheese). Homemade (often fermented) salads, stews and soups, such as sarma (cabbage leaves stuffed with minced meat in a red bell pepper sauce) are also on the menu and very popular.
Sweet!
Balkan cuisine is not only convincing with hearty dishes, but also knows how to delight with sweet desserts: a juicy baklava and many sweet pastries such as Cupavci, delicious chocolate coconut cubes or tulumbe (sweet, deep-fried dough rolls in sauce) are among the delicacies in the Balkans. Served with freshly brewed coffee, warm milk and a thick layer of kajmak on top.
The star drink: Rakija
Depending on the region and country, the choice of drinks at the Balkan varies. From homemade plum brandy to regional wine and beer, you'll find plenty to choose from. What whiskey is in Ireland and vodka in Russia – that's rakija in the Balkans. Rakija is often homemade and can be made from different types of fruit. The most popular variety is the one made from plums and is drunk from morning till night.
Fun fact: in the Balkans they also believe in the healing power of rakija. The liquid is a natural remedy that relieves pain and cures diseases!
Traditional, meat-heavy dishes are on the menu every day in the Balkans and are seen as true soul food. Those who want to go on a pleasure trip through the Balkan countries are in good hands in our hotels in the East: the Falkensteiner Hotel Belgrade, the Falkensteiner Resort Punta Skala or the Falkensteiner Hotel Montenegro offer exquisite culinary delights in the midst of the most beautiful regions of the Balkans.