The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the two entities of Bosnia and Herzegovina and covers roughly half of the country, including the capital Sarajevo, Mostar, Jajce, Travnik, Konjic, Bihać and Neum on the Adriatic. Ottoman bazaars and Austro-Hungarian boulevards sit beside Herzegovinian stone villages, emerald rivers and the Bjelašnica and Prenj mountains. Prices are low by European standards, the Convertible Mark (BAM) is pegged to the euro, and Sarajevo and Mostar are connected by a scenic road and a daily train.
Bosnian cooking blends Ottoman and Central European influences: grilled ćevapi in somun bread, burek and other pies, stuffed vegetables (dolma, sarma), stews (bosanski lonac) and thick coffee. Herzegovina adds trout, lamb, Mediterranean vegetables and Žilavka and Blatina wines.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Federation Of Bosnia And Herzegovina.
Ćevapi
Grilled minced-meat rolls in somun bread with onion and kajmak.
Where to try: Željo, Kundurdžiluk 20, Sarajevo
Price: BAM 7-12 (~$4-7)
Burek
Layered pie with minced meat, eaten for breakfast with yogurt.
Where to try: Buregdžinica Sač, Prešernova 1, Sarajevo
Price: BAM 5-7 (~$3-4)
Dolma and sarma
Vegetables or cabbage stuffed with minced meat and rice.
Where to try: Tima-Irma, Ćurčiluk 7, Sarajevo
Price: BAM 12-14 (~$7-8)
Grilled trout
Fresh river trout from the Buna and Pliva rivers.
Where to try: Restoran Vrelo, Blagaj
Price: BAM 22-26 (~$13-15)
Bosanski lonac
Slow-cooked bone-in meat and vegetable stew.
Where to try: Inat Kuća, Velika Alifakovac 1, Sarajevo
Price: BAM 16-20 (~$9-12)
Baklava and hurmašice
Syrup-soaked pastries; hurmašice are date-shaped sponge cakes.
Where to try: Sweet shops on Sarači, Sarajevo
Price: BAM 2-5 (~$1-3)
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Herzegovinian
Bosnian
Traditional Bosnian
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Ćevapi stands
Quick grilled ćevapi served on somun bread.
Find it at: Kundurdžiluk and Bravadžiluk, Sarajevo
Burek bakeries
Cheap pies sold by weight in the morning.
Find it at: Buregdžinica Sač and bakeries across Sarajevo and Mostar
Kajmak with bread
Fresh dairy cream, a local snack.
Find it at: Markale market, Sarajevo
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Markale Market
Sarajevo's central open market with produce, cheese, honey and dried fruit.
Hours: Mon-Sat 07:00-15:00, Sunday reduced
Mostar Old Market (Tepa)
Fruit, vegetables and local cheese near the Old Town.
Hours: Daily 07:00-14:00
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Order the daily menu (dnevni meni) at lunch for the lowest price.
Tip 10% in sit-down restaurants; round up at casual counters.
Ćevapi are usually ordered by the portion of 5 or 10 pieces.
Many Bosnian restaurants close earlier on Sunday evenings outside tourist areas.
- Vegetarian
- Vegetarian options include cheese pies, grilled vegetables and bean soup; ask for 'bez mesa' (without meat).
- Vegan
- Limited; pita with spinach (zeljanica) is not always dairy-free.
- Halal
- Most Bosnian restaurants serve halal meat; pork is rarely on traditional menus.
- Gluten free
- Rare; grilled meat and salads are safe choices.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | BAM 12-20 (~$7-12) per day | Burek breakfast, ćevapi lunch, bakery dinner |
| Mid-range | BAM 35-60 (~$20-35) per day | Sit-down lunch and dinner with a drink |
| Upscale | BAM 80+ (~$46+) per day | Fine dining with wine |