Food and drink
Serbia has a great deal to offer to hedonists and dining out to capture local flavors is surely an memorable experience and a highlight for a lot of visitors. When spending some time in Belgrade or anywhere else in Serbia, be sure you try any local dishes. The pizzas, hamburgers and coffee won't be the same as you're accustomed to at home, however they are terrific. Be ready for a real difference and revel in it. The costs are low for western tourists, therefore just do it, indulge yourself. Bear in mind though, if you're a vegetarian Serbia may not be the best place for you! Serbian food represents historical influences in this region, where Slavic and Oriental tastes are prominent.
Local favorites tend to be cevapcici (little rolls of combined minced meat), that are consumed with plain onions and heated bread. Pljeskavica, another very popular and delicious dish, is the genuine ancestor of the hamburger, minced meat scattered with seasoning and grilled just like beef steak. You will find a myriad of grilled meats, sarma ( minced beef and pork with rice wrapped in pickled cabbage, stuffed cabbage or vine leaves), Serbian beans, stuffed peppers, podvarak (roast meat in sauerkraut), gibanica (pastry leaves combined with cheese, eggs, and after that baked), musaka (minced pork or perhaps beef combined with eggs and potatoes and after that baked), proja (corn bread), and so on. The renowned home-grown spirits are lozovaca (grape brandy) and šljivovica (plum brandy).
The dishes of Serbia are inspired by its Balkan neighbours. Conventional foods consists of minced meat ( cevapcici and meatballs), stews, soups, stuffed vegetables (including peppers), smoked meats and kebabs. A meal of mixed grilled meat is really a specialty. Fish is utilized in chowders and it is grilled and fried. Breads and side salads are consumed with starters and main courses. Salads are produced from a number of fresh and pickled veggies including cucumbers, beans, peppers, onions, tomatoes and sauerkraut. Fresh fruit and nuts are utilized in desserts, for instance, pancakes, strudels and pastries.
Beer in Serbia ( pivo ) is never talked about outside of its state, irrespective of its level of quality. Beer is mainly available in half litre bottles; cans are more uncommon and canned beer might be of slightly higher quality. Just lately, most breweries started packing beer in plastic containers of 1.5 and even two litres. This beer costs less though equivalent in quality. Nevertheless, it should be drunk quickly! The majority of beer which is produced are lagers. Stouts tend to be rare (nearly every larger brewery creates dark beer but in such little amounts that it's difficult to find it). The most common local beers are 'Lav' and 'Jelen'. If you're fortunate enough to be invited to a meal with a Serbian family, don't hesitate to accept! This kind of invitation is definitely sincere, consuming home-cooking dishes always opens a completely new spectrum of styles and tastes, and šljivovica provided to the guest within a Serbian home is always genuine, strong and natural!