Kosovo Food and Drink

Kosovar food is hearty and home-style, borrowing elements from Serbia, Albania, Turkey and Greece among other neighbouring nations. Simple grilled meats, usually beef, chicken or lamb, are commonly served with potatoes or rice, as are freshwater fish such as carp. Pies and other pastry-based dishes are also a staple, and yogurts and cheeses are plentiful.

Vegetables, such as cucumbers, green tomatoes and peppers are abundant during the summer and make for delicious, fresh salads. During winter, they arrive on the plate pickled and preserved.

Accompanying most meals are wine; Kosovo has an excellent wine-growing tradition, though the native pours have yet to catch the attention of the wider world.

Specialities

Flija: A pie made of thin pancake-like layers with a yogurt filling.
Raznjici: Grilled meat cooked on a skewer.
Hajvar: A red pepper relish, served mild or spicy.
Burek: Fine pastry layers stuffed with meat, vegetables and rice.
Cevapcici: A charcoal-grilled skinless sausage made from minced meat, garlic and spices.
Sarma or japrak: Meat and rice wrapped in vine or cabbage leaves.
Pljeskavica: A flavoursome, fast-food style meat patty encased in a bun.
Vranac wine: Grown mainly in the Rahovec region southwest of Pristina, this indigenous Balkan grape is among the oldest grape varieties in the world.
Turska kafa: Turkish coffee – thick, strong and sweet.
Rakija: A strong spirit usually made from grapes.
Slivovica: A potent plum brandy.
Boza: A thick, sweet drink made from malted corn and flour.

Tipping

10% is expected.

Drinking age

18.