Culture in Bosnia
The culture in Bosnia is so diverse
The culture in Bosnia and Herzegovina is characterised by the ethnic and religious diversity of the country's inhabitants, which developed after the Bosnian War (1992-1995). The inhabitants of this small multicultural state are known as Bosnians and can be of Muslim, Catholic or Russian Orthodox faith. The diversity of the inhabitants also has an impact on the country's cuisine through specialities and is definitely worth a culinary trip.
Bosnian cuisine
Bosnian food is hearty, tasty and traditional, characterised by Western and Eastern influences.
This is what a typical menu looks like:
Breakfast
Most Bosnians do not consider breakfast to be the most important meal of the day and therefore stick to a simple and light meal, which should not be without Bosnian coffee ("Bosanska Kafa"). To make this, very finely ground coffee is poured into a pot ("dzezva") and filled with hot water on the cooker. Just before the coffee boils over, it is removed from the heat to produce a creamy, fine foam.
Lunch
This often heavy meal is characterised by hearty dishes with meat and vegetables.
Possible dishes:
Burek
Comparable to the Turkish dish "Börek," Burek is a pastry snack with many possible fillings. The variety of fillings makes this pastry dish particularly popular and caters to many tastes. From cheese (Sirnica) to spinach (Zeljanica), anything is allowed in this snail-shaped pastry.
Cevapi
Cevapi are elongated, grilled rolls of minced meat, which are served in flatbread with raw onions. They are the most popular fast food dish in Bosnia and can therefore be found in most restaurants.
Dinner
Dinner is just as hearty as lunch. An appetiser platter (meza) is often served before the actual meal, which is decorated with garlic sausage (sujuk) and cottage cheese.
Sarma
Sarma is typical of Balkan cuisine and is made from sour cabbage leaves in which a mixture of rice and minced meat is rolled. The name sarma is derived from sarmak (Turkish for "to wrap something in something").
Drinks
In addition to the typical Bosnian coffee, there is a list of other national drinks.
Rakija
This fruit brandy, made from various types of fruit, is also popular in many other Balkan countries. It usually has an alcohol content of 40-45% and is mostly produced by distilling plum must, especially in Bosnia.
Dunjevaca
Dunjevaca is one of Bosnia's favourite traditional spirits. Made from quinces, this clear spirit is particularly delicious when served slightly chilled as an aperitif.
Nice to know - customs and co.
- The Bosnians are very hospitable - people shake hands or greet each other with kisses on the cheeks.
- Shoes are taken off before entering the home.
- Newborns are given money - symbolising the wish that the newborn should never lack wealth.
- On the day of the wedding, the guests meet in front of the groom's house - then everyone sets off together in a motorcade on the way to the bride.
- A tip of 5%-10% is not only expected in restaurants - it is also customary to tip taxi drivers and chambermaids.
Public holidays
In addition to national holidays such as "Nova Godina" (New Year) and "Prvi Maj" (First of May), which apply to all Bosnians, there are also holidays that differ nationally, locally and religiously between the ethnic groups.
For example, "Dan nezavisnosti" (Independence Day) is a public holiday in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, whereas "Dan republike" (Republic Day) is celebrated exclusively in the "Republika Srpska" (Serbian Republic).
Conclusion
Bosnia has a lot to offer as a holiday destination. Experience the extraordinary mentality and be sure to try the traditional dishes with a multicultural influence.
Are you ready to experience a new culture?
Here you can find out more about the toll regulations in Bosnia and Herzegovina so that you are optimally prepared for your journey..