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What to eat in Serbia? Top 12 Serbian Meat Dishes

Last update: Thu Feb 13 2025
Top 12 Serbian Meat Dishes
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01
Leskovački roštilj
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Leskovački roštilj refers to a traditional method of grilling meat which is considered the highest form of barbecue art in Serbia and beyond. Hailing from Leskovac, the technique, according to local belief, is thought to have been brought over from the Caucasus via Turkey, Greece, and Macedonia hundreds of years ago.


Although the exact preparation of the meat remains a secret known only to Leskovac barbecue masters, what is generally known is that the ground mixture traditionally consists of beef that is chopped, ground (first coarsely and then finely), seasoned, and allowed to sit for at least 48 hours before cooking. 
02

Ground Meat Dish

SERBIA and  9 more regions
4.4
Sarma
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One of the staples of traditional Turkish cuisine, sarma consists of a filling that is snugly surrounded by leaves or leafy vegetables. There are numerous versions of this dish but the mixture typically combines ingredients such as minced meat, rice or bulgur, various herbs, seasonings, red pepper, paprika, ground sumac, or tomato sauce, while the typical wrapping usually includes vine, cabbage, or sauerkraut leaves, or a variety of leafy vegetables such as collard greens and swiss chard.


Having its roots in the Ottoman Empire, sarma is also traditionally consumed in the Balkans, the countries of Central Europe, the South Caucasus, and the Middle East. Although it is commonly enjoyed as a filling lunch or dinner (typically during the winter season), sarma is often prepared on special occasions and holidays. 

MOST ICONIC Sarma

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03

Stew

VOJVODINA, Serbia and  one more country
4.4
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Pörkölt is Hungary's national stew, its name derived from the word pörkölni, meaning to roast or singe. The stew is made from meat such as beef, lamb, pork, or chicken, simmered in a red sauce with lots of onions, garlic, and paprika powder.


It is traditionally served with dumplings, boiled potatoes, or pasta, and it is recommended to pair it with a Hungarian fruit brandy. Pörkölt's history is closely linked to the traditional Hungarian goulash, as both dishes were originally prepared as peasant meals that made hefty use of powdered paprika. 

MOST ICONIC Perkelt

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04
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Pljeskavica, a Serbian national dish also known as the Serbian hamburger, is a flat, round patty made from minced beef, pork, and veal, or a combination of the three, with the addition of selected seasonings such as paprika, salt and pepper, and in some cases, finely minced onions and garlic.


It is a simple dish that is hard to master, as the ratio of meat and fat is extremely important in the preparation process. Flavorful and juicy, the word pljeskavica comes from the word pljeskati, meaning to clap, since this is the motion made when forming the patties that are then grilled on both sides to a smoky brown color, with typical grill marks on both sides. 

MOST ICONIC Pljeskavica

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05
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Podvarak is a Serbian dish consisting of sauerkraut, onions, garlic, and meat such as roasted pork or bacon. It is traditionally prepared and consumed during the colder months as a comfort dish. If podvarak is prepared without meat, it is usually served as a side dish.


It is said that the dish tastes even better if reheated the next day, and some believe it to be a great hangover cure due to the large amounts of cabbage and garlic.

MOST ICONIC Podvarak

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06
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Leskovačka mućkalica is a traditional meat dish from Serbia. It is prepared with an array of ingredients, typically leftovers from yesterday's barbecue, such as grilled pork (fattier cuts are more appreciated), bacon, onions, roasted peppers, tomatoes, garlic, paprika powder, and hot chili peppers.


The combination is simmered until the liquid evaporates, and mućkalica is then seasoned with salt and pepper before serving. The dish is always served warm, preferably with homemade flatbread, ajvar, and fresh salads. The name of the dish, mućkalica, is believed to be derived from the word mućkati, meaning to shake, mix, or combine, referring either to the act of shaking the pot in which the dish is cooked or to the combination of various leftovers. 
07
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Karađorđeva šnicla is a traditional dish consisting of veal or pork cutlet that is filled with kajmak, then rolled in breadcrumbs and fried in hot oil. The cutlet was created in 1956 by a chef Mića Stojanović, who would later become a personal chef to Josip Broz Tito, the president of the former republic of Yugoslavia.


The chef claims he invented it out of necessity at the restaurant Golf in Belgrade, and named it after the Serbian Prince Karađorđe. Today, the dish is a staple at many traditional restaurants and is typically accompanied by roasted potatoes, a lemon wedge, and tartar sauce on the side. 

MOST ICONIC Karađorđeva šnicla

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08

Meat Dish

SERBIA and  3 more regions
4.0
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Ražnjići are a popular type of grilled meat skewer from the Balkan region, particularly in countries like Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro.


The word "ražnjići" translates to "skewers" in English. These skewers typically consist of chunks of marinated meat—commonly pork, chicken, beef, or lamb—that are threaded onto sticks and then grilled. The marinades vary but often include a blend of herbs, spices, garlic, and sometimes vinegar or lemon juice to enhance the flavor of the meat. 
09
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Pihtije is a Serbian dish made from cheaper parts of pork such as the head, shank, or hock. The meat is often cooked together with pepper, onion, carrots, and bay leaves until it becomes so tender that it falls off the bone. Together with stock, the meat is placed into bowls which are then left to cool and the dish is ready to congeal.


Pihtije is served sliced as an appetizer, accompanied by cold pickled vegetables and a glass of rakija on the side.

MOST ICONIC Pihtije

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10
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Futoška sarma is a traditional type of sarma originating from Futog in Vojvodina, hence the name. The dish is made with a combination of local Futog cabbage, pork, rice, onions, eggs, garlic, paprika powder, bacon, sausages, and dried meat.


The cabbage leaves are stuffed with a mix of ground meat, garlic, rice, onions, and spices. Once assembled, the sarma is cooked for a long time with dried meat, bacon, and sausages. Near the end of cooking, a combination of flour, oil, garlic, and paprika known as zaprška is added to the dish for a better flavor and a thicker texture of the sauce. 
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TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 12 Serbian Meat Dishes” list until February 13, 2025, 1,666 ratings were recorded, of which 872 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.

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Serbian Meat Dishes