The Ultimate Ćevapi Guide
So what exactly is ćevapi?
Before we dive into the list and locations of the best ćevapi, I feel like it is necessary to give some background on the dish itself.
Ćevapi or ćevapčići is a meat dish, common in Balkan cuisine. It is typically found in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Slovenia. The original birthplace of this dish is not entirely clear. As what often happens with foods of national importance, each country has their own version of the story. Some sources, state that the idea of ćevapi was born in the current Old Town of Sarajevo in Bosnia (Baščaršija). While others say that it was an idea of a man called Zivko, who first served ćevapi in his family restaurant in Belgrade in Serbia. One thing is certain, the concept of ćevapi was brought to the Balkans by the Ottomans in the XIX century. The modern word ćevap is derived from the Persian kebab, meaning simply grilled meat. One could say that it is very similar to Turkish kofte kebab or some variations of Greek souvlaki but it is better not to mention that in front of the locals!
How is it prepared?
Depending on the location, the ćevapi is made from minced beef, lamb, and pork meat or a mix of those with the addition of baking soda. It is formed into cutlets or small sausages and then grilled. The meat mixture is usually spiced with salt, garlic, paprika, pepper, and sometimes Vegeta - the beloved Balkan spice mix. The grilled meat is then served with a set of sides that usually include: somun or lepinja (traditional round-shaped bread), raw onion, kajmak (fresh creamy cheese made from unpasteurized milk), ajvar (a relish made from smoked eggplant and bell peppers), urnebes (Serbian spread made with kajmak and chili peppers), different varieties of cabbage (sweet cabbage, pickled cabbage, etc.), or potato chips.
Why is ćevapi important?
Ćevapi is a dish that is an integral part of the Balkan identity. Food in general is a passionate subject in the Balkans, with each country trying to protect and promote its cuisine in the best way possible. Ćevapi is a staple dish in multiple Balkan countries as it is one of the best and budget-friendly dishes one can have when visiting this region.
The Ultimate Ćevapi Guide
Here is my personal ranked list of the best places to try ćevapi in Bosnia, Croatia, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Slovenia.
I have not included places in Serbia in this ranking since quite simply I do not have enough experience with Serbian ćevapi. I plan to change it as soon as I can and include places from Serbia if they make my ranking of course.
8. Buffet Stari Kotač in Zagreb, Croatia
7. Kantun Paulina in Split, Croatia
6. Ćevabdžinica Specijal in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
5. Basta Sidro in Tivat, Montenegro
4. Tima-Irma in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
3. Ćevabdžinica Nune in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
2. Ćevabdžinica Željo in Saravejo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
1. BBQ Tanjga in Kotor, Montenegro
I hope this guide to ćevapi will help you find the best spot for you to try this absolute classic. In case any locals would be offended by my suggestions and ratings I would like to highlight that those were my personal top choices.
My travels in the Balkans are not yet finished and I plan to visit more places and of course try more ćevapi to be able to update and improve this guide, so stay tuned!
It is time to eat ćevapi!
The Ultimate Ćevapi Guide
So what exactly is ćevapi?
Before we dive into the list and locations of the best ćevapi, I feel like it is necessary to give some background on the dish itself.
Ćevapi or ćevapčići is a meat dish, common in Balkan cuisine. It is typically found in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Slovenia. The original birthplace of this dish is not entirely clear. As what often happens with foods of national importance, each country has their own version of the story. Some sources, state that the idea of ćevapi was born in the current Old Town of Sarajevo in Bosnia (Baščaršija). While others say that it was an idea of a man called Zivko, who first served ćevapi in his family restaurant in Belgrade in Serbia. One thing is certain, the concept of ćevapi was brought to the Balkans by the Ottomans in the XIX century. The modern word ćevap is derived from the Persian kebab, meaning simply grilled meat. One could say that it is very similar to Turkish kofte kebab or some variations of Greek souvlaki but it is better not to mention that in front of the locals!
How is it prepared?
Depending on the location, the ćevapi is made from minced beef, lamb, and pork meat or a mix of those with the addition of baking soda. It is formed into cutlets or small sausages and then grilled. The meat mixture is usually spiced with salt, garlic, paprika, pepper, and sometimes Vegeta - the beloved Balkan spice mix. The grilled meat is then served with a set of sides that usually include: somun or lepinja (traditional round-shaped bread), raw onion, kajmak (fresh creamy cheese made from unpasteurized milk), ajvar (a relish made from smoked eggplant and bell peppers), urnebes (Serbian spread made with kajmak and chili peppers), different varieties of cabbage (sweet cabbage, pickled cabbage, etc.), or potato chips.
Why is ćevapi important?
Ćevapi is a dish that is an integral part of the Balkan identity. Food in general is a passionate subject in the Balkans, with each country trying to protect and promote its cuisine in the best way possible. Ćevapi is a staple dish in multiple Balkan countries as it is one of the best and budget-friendly dishes one can have when visiting this region.
The Ultimate Ćevapi Guide
Here is my personal ranked list of the best places to try ćevapi in Bosnia, Croatia, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Slovenia.
I have not included places in Serbia in this ranking since quite simply I do not have enough experience with Serbian ćevapi. I plan to change it as soon as I can and include places from Serbia if they make my ranking of course.
8. Buffet Stari Kotač in Zagreb, Croatia
7. Kantun Paulina in Split, Croatia
6. Ćevabdžinica Specijal in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
5. Basta Sidro in Tivat, Montenegro
4. Tima-Irma in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
3. Ćevabdžinica Nune in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
2. Ćevabdžinica Željo in Saravejo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
1. BBQ Tanjga in Kotor, Montenegro
I hope this guide to ćevapi will help you find the best spot for you to try this absolute classic. In case any locals would be offended by my suggestions and ratings I would like to highlight that those were my personal top choices.
My travels in the Balkans are not yet finished and I plan to visit more places and of course try more ćevapi to be able to update and improve this guide, so stay tuned!
It is time to eat ćevapi!