Bosnia and Herzegovina’s cuisine is as diverse and rich as its culture. Whether you’re planning a trip to this fascinating country or just curious about Balkan gastronomy, learning a bit of Bosnian food vocabulary will enhance your culinary adventures. These words will not only aid in navigating a Bosnian menu but also deepen your appreciation for their traditional dishes.

Ćevapi
Meaning: A type of grilled dish made of minced meat, similar to kebabs.
Kada odete u Bosnu, obavezno probajte ćevape s kajmakom.

Burek
Definition: A savory pastry made of thin flaky dough known as phyllo (or “jufka” in Bosnian) and usually filled with meat, cheese, or spinach.
Burek s mesom je moj omiljeni doručak u Bosni.

Sogan-dolma
Definition: Stuffed onions with minced meat and spices, a flavorful dish that’s part of the Ottoman cuisine legacy in Bosnia.
Za ručak je bila sogan-dolma, baš kao što sam poželeo.

Kajmak
Definition: A creamy dairy product similar to clotted cream, often used as a condiment.
Dodajte malo kajmaka na vrh ćevapa za pravi bosanski užitak.

Rakija
Definition: A fruit brandy popular in Bosnia, typically made from plums or grapes.
U Bosni je uobičajeno da se gostima nudi rakija kao znak dobrodošlice.

Tufahija
Definition: A walnut-stuffed poached apple dessert, commonly served with syrup and whipped cream.
Poslije večere smo uživali u tufahiji, bilo je jednostavno božanstveno.

Begova čorba
Definition: A rich, creamy chicken soup named after the Ottoman bey’s (lords), a traditional Bosnian dish.
Begova čorba mi uvijek ugrije dušu, posebno zimi.

Pljeskavica
Definition: A grilled dish of spiced meat patty mixed with various spices.
Pljeskavica na lepinji sa svježim lukom je nešto što morate isprobati dok ste u Bosni.

Lepinja
Definition: A soft flatbread that is often served with meat dishes such as ćevapi or pljeskavica.
Ništa ne ide bolje uz ćevape kao svježe ispečena lepinja.

Ajvar
Definition: A relish made primarily of red bell peppers, with eggplant and garlic, served as a side dish.
Ajvar je tako ukusan da ga mogu jesti svaki dan!

Sir
Definition: The word for cheese, an essential component in many Bosnian dishes.
Da li mogu dobiti još malo sira uz moj burek?

Japrak
Definition: Grape leaves stuffed with a mixture of meat and rice, a dish that shows the influence of Ottoman cuisine.
Japrak je toliko ukusan da ne mogu prestati jesti!

Hljeb
Definition: The Bosnian word for bread, which is a staple with every meal.
Molim vas, donesite još hljeba, ovaj je bio izuzetno ukusan.

Bosanski lonac
Definition: A traditional Bosnian stew, slow-cooked with meat and various vegetables, rich in flavor.
Bosanski lonac je naš specijalitet dana!

By familiarizing yourself with these Bosnian food terms, you’ll be better prepared to delve into the country’s delicious and storied culinary landscape. Whether you’re savoring a warm bowl of begova čorba or indulging in the sweetness of tufahija, understanding this vocabulary will undoubtedly enrich your food experience. Dobar tek! (Enjoy your meal!)