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It is hardly surprising that a country as steeped in history and culture as Montenegro should have a culinary tradition to rival any great European nation.
With its beautiful landscape which stretches from the dramatic mountains in the north and east to the stunning Adriatic coastline in the south this small central European country has a rich gastronomic heritage ripe for exploration on a Montenegro tour. From the wholesome hearty food served in the mountains to the delicious, fresh seafood of the coast, a tour of Montenegro is genuinely a fascinating culinary expedition.
The Mountains
The Mountains which gave the country its name (black mountain) are a favourite with many visitors on a Montenegro tour, as well as a home to some of its most delicious traditional dishes. From the cured ham of Njegui (known locally as Njegui prosciutto) to the hearty cornmeal and potato based kajmak, the food of this region tends to be simple and rustic. But dont be fooled, the Montenegrins take their food very seriously, and even the most rustic dish is given care and attention to create a flavoursome, warming treat.
The Coast
Of course, many people who come to Montenegro come for its beautiful coastline, nestled against the sparkling waters of the Adriatic Sea. It will come as no surprise that here seafood plays a major part in the local cuisine.
One of the highlights of coastal Montenegrin cooking is buzara, an exquisite stew of seafood including prawns and shellfish cooked slowly in wine with onions, fresh tomatoes and plenty of aromatic herbs. The buzara comes in two varieties, red or white, depending on the colour of the wine it is cooked with, and both are equally delicious. The red wine gives the stew a rich depth of flavour, perfect for late dinners or cold days, while the white wine creates a fresher, lighter stew perfect for summer dining.
Snacks and Street Food
Your culinary Montenegro tour wouldnt be complete without experiencing the food which many of the locals eat weekly (if not daily), and thats the street and snack food served from food stalls, cafs and bakeries across the country.
If youre looking for a light snack then you couldnt do better than a burek. These small parcels of meat or cheese, potato and spinach all wrapped in a delicate filo pastry are so ubiquitous they could be described as a national dish (or, at least, national snack). Eaten for breakfast or throughout the day, youll find burek in any local bakery, where they are often served with a bottle of yogurt.
Cevapi or pljeskavica are slightly more substantial street foods, although arguably as popular as the burek in cities and towns. These pork or beef mince patties are known as cevapi if they are round and thick, or pljeskavica if they have been flattened out. Montenegros answer to a hamburger, these patties are often found served in a bread bun with fries. But for a truly authentic experience try them with the traditional cooked cabbage or local cheese.
Whether you visit the stunning mountains, the coast, or take in the whole country on a Montenegro tour, make sure you take time to try some of this excellent local cuisine; it really is the best way to get to know the country better.
Author Plate
John Dixon is an experienced world traveller and the Managing Director of Prestige Holidays. For over 30 years he has been providing luxury holiday experiences around the globe. Whether youre interested in a Montenegro tour, a luxury all-inclusive break to Bermuda or a multi-centre holiday in Sicily, John can provide you with expert advice about the destinations, hotels and experiences you should pick.
