Food of Montenegro: What First Time Visitors Shouldn’t Miss

The food of Montenegro is more than just some ingredients slapped on a plate for sustenance.

Sure, it is quite nourishing. And it can fuel your day perfectly.

You know that “Eat to live or live to eat” problem? Well, Montenegrins solve it so well. Balancing the perfect taste with nutrient-rich choices. Balancing enjoyment with smart decisions.

So, the food of Montenegro is much more than sustenance. Most of all, it is an experience.

And, as a first time visitor, you certainly don’t want to miss out on that experience.

Therefore, keep on reading to learn about the foods you absolutely must try in Montenegro.

Every single region of Montenegro is known for one type of food or another. Everyone has a dish they are proud of, and a dish or two you absolutely must try.

Let us begin with the mountains. The north of the country, famous for heavy, filling dishes that are sure to leave you breathless. Metaphorically, of course. Although, if you eat too much, then probably also quite literally.

Anyway, let’s see what you must try in the mountains.

Why Njeguški Pršut Should Be on Your List

Njeguški pršut should be the first item on your list. If you’ve ever heard of Montenegro, then you’ve heard of it as well.

After all, this traditional prosciutto is something Montenegrins are quite proud of. And for a reason.

It is smoky, but not overpowering. It pairs best with homemade bread and some local cheese. And, just one slice is enough to make you second guess everything you ever knew about cured meat.

Because, Njeguški pršut is really something else.

How Kačamak Brings You Closer to Montenegro’s Tradition

You can’t visit the north without trying kačamak. Or, at least, you shouldn’t.

Missing out on this mix of filling ingredients carefully stirred together to create the perfect taste would be a shame.

Here’s what’s mixed together:

• Potatoes
• Cheese and kajmak
• Milk
• Butter

Talk about a heavy meal, huh? It is very popular in the winter, when spending your energy outside means you need something heavy to sustain you. And something tasty to comfort you and warm you up in the cold. So, if you’re ever in Montenegro in winter, head north to try the best kačamak.

Cicvara – Food of Montenegro First Time Visitor’s Never Forget

If potatoes are not your preference, we have something similar for you.

Imagine all the cheese, kajmak, milk and butter, but mixed with cornmeal.

Rich and comforting, cicvara is borderline addictive. Meaning that it is a meal that no first time visitor will ever forget.

Once you try this dish, cornmeal will never taste the same.

Watch out, because cicvara may just make you move to Montenegro.

Food of Montenegro: Specialties Along the Coast

Talking about food of Montenegro without exploring the coastal traditions would be a shame.

The specialties along the coast are like a counterbalance to those heavy mountain dishes.

They are:

• Light
• Fresh
• Inspired by the Mediterranean
• And perfect with white wine

In short, the coast is where seafood rules, and wine tasting is a huge thing. And that shouldn’t come as a surprise.

Fresh grilled fish, caught and served the same day is a taste you will surely remember.

Then, buzzara-style mussels make for dining in style.

Finally, for something even more refreshing, octopus salad should be your choice. It is a choice that will make you second guess all your other salad choices.

The coast is where Montenegro’s cuisine shows its sophisticated, elegant side, and its seaside charm. It is where you go for the fanciest food of Montenegro. And, it is where fancy doesn’t mean extremely expensive.

Street Food You Can’t Miss

Fine dining is an experience we all love. But, sometimes, we just want to grab some street food and be done with it.

Well, Montenegro turns street food into an experience as well. Thus, even if you’re an exclusively fine diner, you should give yourself a night off and try something else.

After all, street food also tells a lot about the country’s history and tradition.

And, two food legends stand out among the crowd.

Food of Montenegro – Ćevapi for the Win

First off, there are ćevapi. We’re talking about a small sausage made from minced meat and grilled to perfection.

They are served in homemade, warm, flatbread. And, wherever you get them, you have a selection of condiments to choose among.

If you’re looking for an authentic Montenegrin experience, then pair ćevapi with chopped onions and a spoonful of kajmak. Although, ajvar, another traditional condiment, also does the trick.

In the end, though, it all depends on your preferences.

Burek – a Taste of Tradition

Burek takes the win when it comes to those grab-and-go meals in Montenegro.

If you’re walking past a bakery, and something smells amazingly inviting, that’s burek for you.

So, walk in. Then, get yourself this pastry filled with minced meat, and really taste some tradition.

Nowadays, there are other variations you can try. Meaning, you can get fillings other than meat. Potatoes, cheese, and spinach are other popular options.

But, meat still remains the number one filling, as that’s what burek traditionally is.

Sweet Treats to Try

Have you really tried food of Montenegro if you haven’t had some sweet treats?

The answer: No, you haven’t.

Well, okay, not everyone likes a sweet treat, so I guess we can make an excuse for those people.

But, the desserts really tend to be impressive in Montenegro. So, you should give them a try. Who knows, you may just develop a sweet tooth.

Priganice With Honey or Jam

Priganice are a dish that can be both savory and sweet. We’re talking about tiny fried dough balls that are often served with cheese.

Yet, the sweet counterpart is equally impressive, if not more. Served with honey or jam, priganice sure leave a taste to remember.

A Variety of Traditional Local Desserts

Wherever you go, you’ll be able to find a traditional local dessert. The most popular ones are:

• Palačinke, crepes with a traditional touch
• Krempita, a light custard pastry
• Ledena kocka, literally translated to “ice cube”, a refreshing chocolate cake dessert
• And a variety of homemade cakes

If you’re lucky enough to be invited into a Montenegrin household, that’s when you’ll really try some unique sweet treats. The uniqueness of which will stay etched in your memory for a long time.

Food of Montenegro: Bringing a Taste of Montenegro Home

Trying the food of Montenegro inevitably means falling in love with some amazing dishes. And condiments, and spices.

In any case, you’ll want to have the opportunity to recreate that taste back home.

So, time to get some culinary souvenirs. Here’s what you may want to consider bringing home:

• Local cheeses
• Olive oil
• Honey

And, of course, don’t leave without Njeguški pršut.

Food of Montenegro: for Everyone’s Palate

Food of Montenegro is for everyone’s palate. And, that’s where it takes the win.

Because, no matter what your preferences are, you’ll find something to love.

Carnivores, vegetarians, people with a sweet tooth, gourmands and picky eaters… Everyone is sure to find THE dish for them.

Trying the food of Montenegro means suddenly discovering a favorite dish you never knew existed before. A dish that will make you feel at home. And one you will never forget.