Serbia is known for its rich history and its ability to adapt to new settings throughout the turbulent centuries that shook the Balkans. Thanks to this incredible ability to adapt, one of the things that rapidly evolved is its cuisine. Serbian cuisine is a mixture of influences from numerous nations that were conquering the land throughout the centuries, with the most substantial influence being accredited to Turkish, Hungarian, Greek, and Bulgarian cuisine.
The Characteristics of Serbian Cuisine
Many things separate Serbian cuisine from others, but the most important one includes the combination of mesmerizing smells, flavors, and aromas that will not only make you try some of the specialties but will also keep you coming back for more.
Traditionally, the focal point of any Serbian household is the kitchen. In the old times, families would gather next to the fireplace, which was the central part of every household, and it was one of the most important moments during which the whole family would socialize and talk about their day while eating a freshly cooked meal.
Serbian cuisine is dominated by meat, dairy products, pasta, and vegetables. There is no shortage of calories in these meals, and more importantly, each meal offers an authentic taste and aroma that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Unless you visit our Serbian restaurant in Miami, that is!
Serbian Specialties You Ought to Try
Now that we’ve covered the basic history and origins of Serbian dishes, it’s time to focus on some particular ones that we consider a must-try for anyone interested in exploring oriental and Slavic influences on food. Whether you’re an avid fan of meat or are perhaps leaning more towards dairy products, this list will introduce you to some of the most popular authentic Serbian dishes, some of which can be found on our menu!
It’s hard to mention Serbia and omit the incredible taste of Karadjordjeva Schnitzel. This dish consists of rolled pork or chicken meat, stuffed with kajmak, breaded and fried. While it sounds relatively simple, rest assured that it’s a complex mix of incredible taste and smells that will impress you during the very first bite. Combined with a glass of your favorite beer, Karadjordjeva Schnitzel is the perfect lunch for any day of the week.
Cevapi is yet another dish that seems relatively simple at first glance, but it’s actually much more complex than one would imagine. These sausage-looking rolls of beef are typically served in freshly baked bread and usually combined with chopped onion and kajmak. More importantly, if you’re a fan of barbecue, this particular dish holds the title of being the king of Serbian BBQ, which is more than enough reason for you to give it a try and judge it yourself. Rest assured, you won’t regret your decision.
Typically eaten as an appetizer, kajmak is a unique cheese eaten either young if you like creamy taste or old if you’re looking for a strong aroma. As you could probably notice, it’s also an essential addition to dishes such as Karadjordjeva Schnitzel and Cevapi. Kajmak is also somewhat of a national brand, so if you ever want to start a conversation with a person from Serbia, asking them about kajmak is probably the easiest way to spark their interest.
Source: RakijaLounge