Montenegrin food has developed from its history. It is an interesting blend of Ottoman, Italian and Balkan flavors. We have come up with a little bucket list of Montenegrin food for you to try as you visit its various cities. Here are the dishes that we think everyone should try at least once when they visit Montenegro. Taken together, they sum up the heart and soul of the various cooking traditions that exist around the country.
PRIGANICE
When it comes to hospitality, Montenegrins greet their guest with priganice, small airy doughnuts that are prepared with flour, water, oil, salt and sugar. Traditionally they served with honey and white cheese, but priganice can also be enjoyed with jam or nutella. They are best enjoyed with hot tea and a view of Montenegro's black mountains along the highway in Mojkovac.
KAĆAMAK
Kaćamak is a type of porridge that is eaten across the Balkans, but there is no better place to enjoy this dish than in Kolašin. It is usually made with potatoes and other flour, like maize, and is eaten topped with cheese or lard. It is the Montenegrin version of cheesy mashed potatoes and requires quite a lot of strength to beat all the ingredients together to form a smooth mix. It is believed that this was a dish eaten by the farmers because it provided them with enough energy to work all day in the fields. Locals get kaćamak with a side of yogurt.
ĆEVAPI
These delicious little sausages are made with beef or a mix of beef and pork and hand rolled. Originally, ćevapi were skewered and grilled over an open fire. Nowadays, most people grill, broil or pan fry them. They are often served with a pita-like flatbread and onions. Look no further than the capital of Montenegro, Podgorica, for the best ćevapi. There are two places in Podgorica, where you find loyalists claiming their ćevapi are best, but we believe you will enjoy each of them all the same.
KIFLICE
Filled with prosciutto, ham or something sweet, these pastries are a popular Montenegrin treat. With a similar appearance to mini croissants, the best kiflice can be found in the coastal city of Bar, Montenegro. Some places will sprinkle sesame seeds stuffed on top with ham, but we prefer a delicious prosciutto and melted cheese baked in a tasty dough.
KOTORSKA KREMPITA
A krempita is a cream pie found in several Central European countries including Montenegro. Each region has their variations, but they all include a puff pastry base and custard cream. The Kotorska krempita has three layers of puff pastry dough with a delicious, creamy, thick custard in between each layer of dough, then covered in powder sugar for additional sweetness. It is the perfect way to experience your heavenly stay in this wildly, beautiful part of the world.