11 Must-Try Traditional Dishes

Montenegro’s cuisine is a perfect blend of Mediterranean and Balkan influences, offering a variety of rich flavors and traditional recipes. From smoked meats and fresh seafood to hearty pastries and local drinks, these 11 must-try dishes will give you an authentic taste of Montenegro traditional and famous Montenegrin dishes.

1. Njeguski sir is a traditional Montenegrin hard cheese made from full-fat sheep's milk. The curd is initially placed in a cheesecloth, then transferred into a mold, where it is pressed under a wooden plank weighed down with a stone. After a day, the cheese is salted and stored in a wooden box for two more days. It then undergoes a maturation process of at least four weeks before it develops its characteristic texture and flavor, making it ready to eat. It pairs perfectly with local wines and cured meats. Famous Montenegrin cheese from the Njegusi region.
2. Njeguska prsuta is a type of prosciutto that comes from the Njeguši region in Montenegro, which is how it got its name. The preparation process begins with pork ham being dry-cured with sea salt and pressed to remove excess moisture. It is then smoked over beech wood and air-dried in the fresh mountain climate before being left to mature, a process that typically takes around a year. The smoking over beech wood gives this delicacy its distinct aroma and rich flavor. Once fully aged, it is thinly sliced and enjoyed in a variety of ways, whether paired with cheese and bread or served alongside salads and pasta dishes.
3. Priganice is a well-loved Montenegrin snack made from a simple dough consisting of flour, water, oil, salt, yeast, and sugar. To prevent excessive oil absorption while frying, some variations include yogurt or rakija in the dough. These golden, bite-sized fritters can be prepared in both sweet and savory versions. They are best enjoyed warm and are often served with fresh cheese, honey, fruit jams, or a sprinkle of sugar, making them a favorite breakfast or snack.
4. Carp from Skadar Lake – Freshwater carp from Skadar Lake, typically grilled or prepared in a flavorful tomato-based sauce, highlighting Montenegro’s lake cuisine.
5. Burek sa Sirom – Burek sa sirom is a flaky phyllo pastry, typically shaped into a spiral or round form, filled with a rich blend of cheese and eggs. The dough consists of flour, salt, and water, sometimes with a touch of oil, and is carefully stretched until it becomes paper-thin. Layers of this delicate dough are arranged in a large baking tray, with each layer lightly brushed with oil or a mix of oil and mineral water before being generously filled with the cheese and egg mixture. Сommonly enjoyed as a breakfast or street food snack.
6. Pljeskavica is a round, flattened patty made from minced meat, typically a mix of beef, pork, and veal, combined with various seasonings like paprika, salt, and pepper. Some variations also include finely chopped onions and garlic for extra flavor. This Balkan-style grilled meat patty is often filled with cheese or spices and is commonly served with fresh bread or a side of potatoes, making it a hearty and flavorful dish.
7. Cevapi (Cevapčići) – Small, juicy grilled sausages made from minced meat, usually served with flatbread, onions, and a side of ajvar (pepper-based relish).
8. Montenegrin Olives (Barske Masline) – Locally grown olives from the Bar region, known for their deep, rich flavor and often served as an appetizer with bread and cheese.
9. Rakija is a widely used term for various fruit brandies produced across the Balkans in Southeast Europe. This strong alcoholic beverage is distilled from different types of fruit and is sometimes infused with additional flavors or used as a base for liqueurs. The most common varieties include plum brandy (šljivovica), Williams pear brandy (viljamovka), quince brandy (dunjevača), apricot brandy (kajsijevača), apple brandy (jabukovača), and grape brandy (lozovača/komovica), among others. With an alcohol content typically ranging from 40% to 60% ABV, rakija is usually served neat, preferably well chilled, in a small shot glass. In Montenegro, it is often homemade and traditionally offered as a welcoming drink to guests.
10. Vranac is a red grape variety believed to be native to Montenegro, with its origins likely tracing back to the Lake Skadar region. However, it is also a key grape in several other Balkan countries, including North Macedonia, Herzegovina, southern Croatia, and Serbia. This ancient grape variety is closely related to several regional vines, such as Crljenak Kaštelanski, also known as Tribidrag, Zinfandel, and Primitivo. Vranac is known for producing deeply colored, full-bodied red wines that are typically high in alcohol and have bright, lively acidity. Both on the nose and palate, Vranac wines exhibit rich fruity aromas, often resembling cherries and blackberries. These wines have excellent aging potential, developing greater complexity over time. As they mature, the tannins soften, and the flavors evolve to reveal notes of ripe fruit, spices, and licorice.Vranac pairs exceptionally well with red meat, game, roasted lamb, and cured meats, making it a perfect choice for hearty meals.
11. Niksicko Pivo – is the country’s most popular beer, offering a crisp and refreshing experience.

What to Eat for Breakfast in Montenegro?

The most common Montenegrin breakfast is fried eggs (sunny-side up), often served with a generous portion of fresh salad and vegetables. Almost every restaurant offers variations of this dish, with some places swapping the salad for bruschetta with avocado. Other popular breakfast choices include Burek sa Sirom, Priganice and a variety of club sandwiches with prosciutto. Montenegrin food is known for its fresh and hearty ingredients, and breakfast is no exception. Whether you prefer something light or filling, Montenegro cuisine has something for everyone. If you're looking for the best food in Montenegro, starting the day with a traditional Montenegrin breakfast is a great choice.

What to Eat for Lunch in Montenegro?

For lunch, Montenegro cuisine offers a variety of soups, including fish, meat, tomato, vegetable, and noodle soups. Among them, vegetable soups are a great option for those looking for Montenegrin vegetarian food. Each restaurant has its own menu, typically offering two or three types of soup. Some places have two fixed soups and a "soup of the day," which changes daily. What unites soups across all establishments is their small portion size, rich aroma, and flavorful broth, often with a small amount of meat or fish. If you are used to having a hearty meal for lunch, you may need to order something extra. For the best experience, exploring different soup options is a must-try when dining in Montenegro.

What to Eat for Dinner in Montenegro?

In Montenegro cuisine, the most common dinner dish is fried fish, served with lemon and potatoes as a side, though you can, of course, order something else. This dish is most often found in traditional Montenegrin cafes and restaurants, usually accompanied by the national drink rakija, which is sometimes offered as a complimentary treat from the establishment. However, it is important to note that not all restaurants provide such complimentary drinks. Dinner menus also frequently include calamari and shrimp. Of course, two of the most famous dishes in this cuisine are pljeskavica and cevapcici (Ćevapi or ćevapčići), which are almost always served with a generous portion of salad and vegetables.

Montenegro Street Food

In addition to the many cafes and restaurants found on every corner, especially in the most touristy areas like Budva, Kotor, and Tivat, Montenegro also offers a variety of street food. From slices of pizza and sandwiches to pastries and ice cream, you can find quick bites sold in different towns across the country. While this type of food may not be the healthiest option for a full meal, it is a budget-friendly alternative compared to dining in cafes and restaurants.

Conclusion

To conclude, this Montenegro food guide has explored the best traditional dishes, from hearty meals to specialty drinks. Every restaurant in Montenegro will introduce you to its national cuisine, so feel free to choose any place that suits your taste and experience the delicious flavors of Montenegrin food. If you're interested in my personal recommendations for dining in Budva, you can check out Top 10 Best Restaurants in Budva, where I go into detail about the pros and cons of different places. This article is not an advertisement—it's simply my selection of the best places in this charming little town that I highly recommend visiting. Also, earlier I mentioned fish served with a complimentary drink from the restaurant—this was specifically about Jadran. Yes, if you check the link to the 10 best places and don’t see this restaurant mentioned, it’s because, for me, the drawbacks outweigh the advantages. However, I can't help but mention their fish. It's truly delicious, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Lastly, it's worth noting that in Montenegro, it is customary to leave a tip as a gesture of appreciation for good service. Enjoy your journey through traditional Montenegrin cuisine!