Some Of The Best Balkan Dishes That You Must Try

It looks like you just came across the flavorful Balkan cuisine and want to explore what more it offers. Right off the bat, you should know that Balkan cuisine or Balkan and eastern European food in Ohio isn’t that trendy; plus, it comes from a region in Europe that doesn’t get many visitors when compared to countries like Spain, Italy, or France. 

Balkan food may not look restaurant-worthy, but what it lacks in aesthetics and refinement, it makes up for with flavor and soul. The cuisine mainly focuses on spiced meats, bread, and stuffed vegetables. 

Balkan Food: The Definition
Balkan food refers to the regional cuisines of countries that belong to the Balkan Peninsula (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia). It’s founded on Ottoman cuisine and draws from the traditions of Greece, Turkey, Persian, and Arab countries. 

Balkan cuisine is noted for its diversity and strong, intense flavors. Common ingredients include pickled vegetables, small hot peppers, and feta cheese (Balkan cheese). 

The Best Balkan Cuisine

Ajvar
Ajvar is hands down one of the most popular condiments in the Balkans. It’s a smokey sauce made with roasted red bell peppers, eggplant, and olive oil. It is typically used as a spread or side dish and can range in flavor from sweet to hot.

Cevapi 
Cevapi is a form of grilled meat that is heavily influenced by Ottoman cuisine. Therefore, it is very similar to Turkish köfte. It is served with sour cream, kajmak, or ajvar, but that depends on the region. For instance, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is made from beef meat; however, in other countries such as Bulgaria and Serbia, it is made with pork. 

Kajmak 
Kajmak is a dairy food that is pretty similar to cream. Being creamy both in terms of taste and texture, it can be used as an appetizer, especially for breakfast. It is packed with amazing flavor, and if you are up for suggestions, consider trying it with honey. 

Baklava 
If you haven’t heard of Baklava and you are from Europe, then you are definitely living under a rock. Apparently, Baklava is one of the most beloved sweets in the Balkans. It is a Philo pastry, sweetened with syrup and filled with pistachios. Besides that, it has many shapes and variations. The bottom line is you should definitely give it a shot. 

Final Thoughts 
If you crave any of the above dishes and live in the USA, particularly in the mid-western region, then you should try Balkan and eastern European food in Ohio. Apparently, there are many restaurants in Ohio that offer the most legit taste from the Balkan – something you should definitely try.