Food in Montenegro - 10 Traditional Dishes You Didn't Know About! (2024)

Many people, when visiting Montenegro, make a mistake thinking that the traditional food of Montenegro is the same all over the country. But the thing is – it is not. While the country is small, its cuisine varies significantly from the coastal areas to the mountainous regions of Montenegro and its central part.

In the coastal areas, you’ll find a lot of Mediterranean influences, with dishes featuring fresh seafood, olive oil, and herbs. In the northern mountainous regions – cuisine of Montenegro is heartier, with an emphasis on meat and dairy products. Central Montenegro offers plates that include elements of both coastal and mountain cooking.

So each region’s traditional food reflects its unique cultural and geographical influences, providing a diverse culinary experience across the country.

I will try to prepare different posts with different foods and drinks of Montenegro (and specific places where to find them) depending on the region. But for now, I want to share lesser-known national dishes that are very common in northern, eastern, and western parts where climate is colder and where people live between the mountains.

You can find some of them when eating out in Montenegro along the coast, but for the most part, they are more common inside the country.

I love these foods and think they are great introduction to the traditional cuisine of inland Montenegro. Give them a try too!

Please note:This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you).

Priganice – Traditional Montenegro Mountains Breakfast Food

Food in Montenegro - 10 Traditional Dishes You Didn't Know About! (1)

Food in Montenegro - 10 Traditional Dishes You Didn't Know About! (2)

This is a good example of common traditional Montenegro breakfast food that you can find only in mountainous regions of the country. Well, some fancy restaurants along the coast offer it as well, but their innovative twists on the flavor and presentation make this dish stray quite far from the traditional experience.

So, for an authentic dish, I’d recommend you try priganice only in the mountais, like in Lovcen National Park (in fact, the most delicious priganice we tried was in Etno Selo Sveti Georgije, you can see them in the left photo above), anywhere in the Bjelasica mountains (particularly in the Kolasin area where every restaurant and katun will have it on the menu), Mojkovac, Savnik, along the Tara Canyon and in Durmitor (in summer a couple of katuns on the Sedlo Pass offer it as well).

Oh, and if you are in the Skadar Lake region from May to October, you can try this food there too.

And now, what are priganice? These are fried dough balls (some people say they are like doughnuts, although to me they don’t have anything in common with them) or national fritters that are usually served with 2 of 4 additions like honey, locally made cheese, jam, or nutella. Sometimes they can be part of a dish and come with eggs or pršut.

If you want to have it the traditional Montenegrin way then have them with honey and cheese.

Lisnati Sir (Layered Cheese)

Food in Montenegro - 10 Traditional Dishes You Didn't Know About! (3)

There are many types of cheeses with unique flavors produced in Montenegro, but one of the most interesting is Lisnati Sir, made in the region of Kolašin and its surrounding areas. It is a national starter of Kolasin which is also added to many dishes (like Kacamak or Civcara mentioned above).

This cheese gets its name because it is rolled out into large thin sheets that resemble layers of pastry dough. Lisnati means ‘layered’ because cheese comes in thin layers.

It is made from cream from evening cow’s milk and morning milk with spring water. The main secret lies in using different types of milk mixed together. There are several cycles of heating and resting, and unlike other cheeses, it’s not strained through a colander, the whey is drained differently which requires patience and time.

Lisnati sir is a very unique traditional food of Montenegro Bjelasica mountains, so once visiting this area, don’t miss a chance to order it as a snack to taste what it’s like!

Kacamak (National Food From Montenegro Mountainous Regions)

Food in Montenegro - 10 Traditional Dishes You Didn't Know About! (4)

Food in Montenegro - 10 Traditional Dishes You Didn't Know About! (5)

This is another traditional dish from Montenegro mountains made of nearly mushy boiled potatoes, wheat flour, kaymak (thick cream spread), and a generous amount of Lisnati sir (mentioned above).

It has a luxurious creamy texture due to the potatoes and cheese, always served hot and can be accompanied by meat dishes, although we like to eat it with cabbage or cucumber salad.

In other regions than Kolasin (for example in Zabljak or Savnik, or even Niksic) instead of Lisnati sir people use another type of cheese, so the flavor differs slightly, but every Kacamak variation still tastes delicious!

Civcara (Lesser-Known Traditional Dish)

Food in Montenegro - 10 Traditional Dishes You Didn't Know About! (6)

Civcara is a similar dish to kacamak, but it is different in that way that it is made not from potatoes, but from cornmeal. Other additions are the same – cheese, kaymak, milk, and flour.

If with kacamak you definitely know that you are eating potatoes, with civcara it tastes more like a creamy porridge with a cheesey texture. If you ever tried traditional foods from Western Ukraine, then civcara in some ways will remind of ‘banos’ dish. It also tastes very similar to a traditional Turkish breakfast food called ‘muhlama’.

Civcara is less popular than kacamak but it is still possible to find it in many traditional restaurants in the north of Montenegro. It is also a common dish on menus of roadside cafes.

Jagnjetina or Teletina Iz Pod Sača (Lamb or Veal From Under the Sač)

Food in Montenegro - 10 Traditional Dishes You Didn't Know About! (7)

This is a must-try meat dish in Montenegro where lamb or veal is cooked under a ‘sač’, a metal or clay bell-shaped lid used for slow cooking. Some traditional restaurants along Kotor Bay and in Budva Riviera offer it but for the most part, this food is common in restaurants in central and northern parts of the country, and in katuns (local huts) in the mountains.

So the meat here is slowly roasted with vegetables (usually with peppers and zucchini) under a sač for 5-6 hours on low heat over hot coals and covered with additional coals on top. So the whole process creates an oven-like environment that ensures the meat is tender with rich, deep flavor.

Both lamb and veal dishes are prized for their succulent, melt-in-your-mouth quality but lamb is considered to be softer. They are usually served with home-style roasted potatoes and fresh vegetables together with veggies cooked alongside the meat, absorbing all the delicious juices and flavors.

Njeguški or Kolašinski Steak

Food in Montenegro - 10 Traditional Dishes You Didn't Know About! (8)

Food in Montenegro - 10 Traditional Dishes You Didn't Know About! (9)

These are actually 2 different traditional meat dishes in Montenegro but they are very similar to each other in a way that they are like ‘meat with more meat’ dishes both grilled, fried, or (sometimes) baked, and served with deep-fried or baked potatoes (in traditional Montenegrin restaurants in villages or mountains, these potatoes are cooked in home-style that are cut by hand and come from local gardens, not frozen pre-packed from grocery stores).

Njeguški stek (Njeguš-style steak) is a meatloaf with pršut from Njeguši (cured beef known for its air-dried preparation and unique flavor that comes from the village of Njeguši). It is often breaded and filled with kaymak.

Kolasin Stek is a stuffed flattened beef meat with local cured beef, kaymak, (and/or) local Kolasin cheese. It can be also marinated beforehand for added flavor and almost always breaded.

Fish From the Mountain River or Lake

Food in Montenegro - 10 Traditional Dishes You Didn't Know About! (10)

Another Montenegro food that is a must-try in the mountainous regions of the country is fish. Locals catch it and cook it very well not just along the coast but also anywhere where there are lakes and rivers. And note, fish itself and its taste differ from fish dishes you’ll find in one of the towns in Kotor Bay or towns along the Adriatic coast of Montenegro. So it is a must-try!

Best places where to eat fish are the Skadar Lake region and along the Crnojevića River, but some traditional restaurants also offer fish from the Tara River like on the Road P4 between Mojkovac and Tara Bridge and between Kolasin and Mojkovac.

In the Skadar Lake area and Crnojevića River, try either a small portion of marinated carp with cheese and olives as a refreshing appetizer or for a main course, consider options like sturgeon or fried carp.

If you are going on one of the road trips in Montenegro and driving in the north, I can highly recommend Ravnjak restaurant (they also have a guesthouse adjacent to itwhere guests stay right next to the river) and Restoran Koliba (this one in particular, very local, use a translator to place an order here).

There are many other great traditional restaurants where to eat fish in the north, including the area near the Piva River and Piva Lake. Once there, try pastrmka (river white trout) which is a local specialty.

However, keep in mind, dishes in these areas are typically fried in oil on both sides and high cuisine or elaborate sauces are not commonly found in the mountain villages. Food there is basic but very delicious.

Slane Palacinke (Savory Crepes)

Food in Montenegro - 10 Traditional Dishes You Didn't Know About! (11)

This traditional food of Montenegro translates to ‘Savory Crepes’ but that’s not the type of crepes that you may think of.

Slane palacinke in mountainous regions of Montenegro are thick pancakes with different fillings (most often ham, prosciutto or chicken with cheese or spinach and kaymak) that are rolled, dipped in breadcrumbs, fried (as you see in the photo) and then served with sour cream and fresh or marinated vegetables. They are different from sweet palacinke which are crepes with sweet fillings folded twice or thrice.

Slane palacinke are like a full-size meal, always filling and often quite cheap, so it is also a good budget food in Montenegro for those who are traveling economically. Many restaurants and even cafes in northern and central Montenegro have it, but I have also eaten it in one of the Herceg Novi restaurants and later in Kotor Old Town.

Teleca Corba (Traditional Veal Soup)

Food in Montenegro - 10 Traditional Dishes You Didn't Know About! (12)

One of the traditional soups in Montenegro that is very common all over the country but especially so in the mountains and especially in winter season when the weather is cold and hot soup is comforting. It’s a hearty and flavorful dish made with veal, vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions, and always seasoned with herbs and spices.

The veal is usually simmered for hours on low heat until tender, creating a rich broth that forms the base of the soup and then once it is ready, vegetables are added.

You can find it pretty much in any restaurant and even cafe. It is also a cheap filling traditional Montenegrin food which is always available for people on a budget.

Domaca Pita

Food in Montenegro - 10 Traditional Dishes You Didn't Know About! (13)

Domaca Pita (homemade pita) is a traditional fluffy pastry pie with different fillings. It is similar to burek dish (many people will say it is a burek) but tastes much better because it is made with butter (not margarine) and only fresh home ingredients.

It is usually served as a whole mini pie and since made from scratch upon order, this food is always fresh. You may need to wait on it for up to 40 minutes (depending on the establishment) if ordering from the katun somewhere in the mountains. But in restaurants, it may be cooked faster since some have premade pitas and just need to bake them.

If you are after trying traditional homemade foods, take the time to wait up for this dish, the taste is really worth it!

And then if you happen to be in Kolasin, I highly recommend ordering pita with cheese in Sherpas restaurantand in Kobil Do guesthouse in Komovi mountains if you ever get a chance to go there. Kobil Do also has lovely rooms where to stay from June to October while being surrounded by nature.

So these are must-try foods in Montenegro if you plan to travel around the whole country. I will be updating this list with tips on where exactly to find them as I am eating my way throughout the region.

More Montenegro Resources

  • How Many Days in Montenegro? – tips for first-timers who can’t decide on how much time to spend
  • Best Things in Montenegro to Start a Trip With – must-dos on any visit, but especially so for first-timers
  • 1 Week in Montenegro Itinerary – how to spend 7 days if you arrive in Herceg Novi
  • Renting a Car in Montenegro – where we rent cars in different seasons
  • Best Hikes in Montenegro – beautiful hiking trails around the country that you shouldn’t miss
  • Most Scenic Road Trip in Durmitor – what to know before you go
  • Hidden Gems in Montenegro – off-the-beaten-path places and interesting finds
  • Lesser-Visited Beaches in Montenegro – where to avoid too many tourists and crowds
Food in Montenegro - 10 Traditional Dishes You Didn't Know About! (2024)

FAQs

Food in Montenegro - 10 Traditional Dishes You Didn't Know About!? ›

The average Montenegrin table at any farm stay is generally laden with meat, fresh cheese, homemade bread and salads made from fresh vegetables. Also present are richly flavoured dishes such as stews, smoked fish, and Montenegrin food classics like kacamak and priganice.

What is the traditional food of Montenegro? ›

The average Montenegrin table at any farm stay is generally laden with meat, fresh cheese, homemade bread and salads made from fresh vegetables. Also present are richly flavoured dishes such as stews, smoked fish, and Montenegrin food classics like kacamak and priganice.

What is Montenegro national food? ›

Smoked meat and homemade bread – the Montenegro national dish.

What do they eat in Montenegro for breakfast? ›

Breakfast
  • Cicvara - stewed cornmeal with kaymak (salted and then compressed fresh cream).
  • Gibanica with yoghurt or kisjelo mlijeko (buttermilk).
  • Popara and bread with kajmak.
  • Pršut (most notable is njeguški pršut)

What food grows in Montenegro? ›

In the hinterland of the Adriatic Sea, where Mediterranean climate meets the continental, ideal conditions are created for cultivation of olive trees, grapevine and production of honey, prosciutto, and cheese.

What is the tradition of Montenegro? ›

Montenegro's dance traditions are a vibrant testament to its cultural depth. The traditional dance – “kolo” is a communal circle dance that thrives in many Balkan regions. Yet, in Montenegro, it takes on a unique form called the Oro or the “Eagle dance”.

What is the traditional drink in Montenegro? ›

The national alcoholic drink is rakija, a ferociously powerful brandy that is served neat; the most common variety is the plum-flavoured šljivovica. A glass ofrakija is the standard gesture of welcome when you visit a Montenegrin house. Loza, the grape-based variety, is no less popular.

What's Montenegro famous for? ›

Montenegro is known for its mountain range, medieval villages, and beaches that line its Adriatic coastline. The Bay of Kotor is lined with coastal churches and walled towns like Herceg Novi and Kotor. You can find glacial lakes, Tara River Canyon, and limestone peaks in the Durmitor National Park.

What is Montenegro in drink? ›

Amaro Montenegro is an Italian amaro distilled in Bologna, Italy. It is made from a secret blend of 40 botanicals including vanilla, orange peels and eucalyptus. The amaro was first produced by Stanislao Cobianchi in 1885 and was originally called Elisir Lungavita.

What are the 7 main foods? ›

Food is divided into 7 different groups : drinks, carbs, fruits and vegetables, dairy, meat/fish/eggs, fats, and high-sugar foods. Each of these groups provide different nutrients and should be consumed at a different rate.

What are 3 famous foods? ›

Italian, Japanese and American foods are the most popular in Europe
  • Pizza, from Italy.
  • Ramen, from Japan.
  • Burger, from the United States.
  • Paella, from Spain.
  • Moussaka, from Greece.
  • Boeuf Bourguignon, from France.
  • Pierogi, from Poland.
  • Tikka Massala, from India.
May 29, 2024

What are the 5 main foods? ›

Enjoy food from each of the five food groups and you'll be getting a fantastic mix of the best nutrients and vitamins.
  • 1 Carbohydrates. Carbohydrates give you energy, calcium and B vitamins. ...
  • 2 Protein. ...
  • 3 Dairy products. ...
  • 4 Fruit and vegetables. ...
  • 5 Fats and sugars.

What is the national drink of Montenegro? ›

The national alcoholic drink is rakija, a ferociously powerful brandy that is served neat; the most common variety is the plum-flavoured šljivovica. A glass ofrakija is the standard gesture of welcome when you visit a Montenegrin house. Loza, the grape-based variety, is no less popular.

What is burek in Montenegro? ›

Burek is layers of filo pastry containing savoury fillings wrapped in a spiral and baked in a hot oven. Some of the most common fillings are spiced meat, feta-like cheese, cheese & spinach, and spiced potato. It has been enjoyed across the Balkans since it was introduced by the Ottomans in the 14th century.

What language do they speak in Montenegro? ›

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Carlyn Walter

Last Updated:

Views: 5685

Rating: 5 / 5 (70 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Carlyn Walter

Birthday: 1996-01-03

Address: Suite 452 40815 Denyse Extensions, Sengermouth, OR 42374

Phone: +8501809515404

Job: Manufacturing Technician

Hobby: Table tennis, Archery, Vacation, Metal detecting, Yo-yoing, Crocheting, Creative writing

Introduction: My name is Carlyn Walter, I am a lively, glamorous, healthy, clean, powerful, calm, combative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.