Savour Mostar: 5 Dishes You Must NOT Skip

Are you hungry by any chance?

Are your eyes and nose hungry for new experiences?

We are going to Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, so get your appetite ready!

Mostar is a wonderful, charming city. It is nestled along the Neretva River and it is famous for its iconic Old Bridge and vibrant culture. However, we are here for something just as exciting—its food!

Mostar’s cuisine is a mouthwatering mix of Balkan, Ottoman, and Mediterranean flavours. Therefore, I can boldly say that it is a perfect choice for anyone who loves comforting dishes (myself included).

Keep reading, because I’ll guide you through five must-try dishes in Mostar that you can enjoy quickly, whether you’re grabbing a bite between sightseeing or pausing for a meal.

Mostar, a city of about 105,000 people in southern Bosnia, is a cultural crossroads.

Why Mostar’s food is an absolute WOW experience

Mostar’s food is shaped by its past: from the Ottoman Empire to Yugoslavia to modern-day Bosnia and Herzegovina. The result? A mix of rich, tasty dishes that are easy on the wallet and full of flavor.

Both restaurant meals and street food are affordable and reflect the mentality of Bosnian people: bold, warm, hearty, welcoming, straight-to-the-point.  

The five dishes we’ll cover are:

  • ćevapi,
  • burek,
  • dolma,
  • japrak, and
  • baklava.

These are staples you’ll find all over the city, and they’re quick to order and enjoy.

What to expect:

  • Cultural Mix: Ottoman spices, Balkan grilling, and Mediterranean freshness come together in every bite.
  • Budget-Friendly: Most meals cost 5-15 BAM ($3-9 USD). Do you know any other location in Europe where you can overeat and underspend? Not many…
  • Fast and Fresh: These dishes are often made to order, so you get hot, tasty food quickly and don’t have to worry about waiting time.

Fun Fact: Mostar’s Old Bridge (Stari Most) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is just steps from some of the best eateries. If you are here during summer time, make sure to grab some snack and watch divers leap into the Neretva River, as this is a tradition. Young men jump from the bridge and dive here as a part of an old tradition (we are talking centuries, as the first jumps were recorded in the 1664, but it is believed that this was a practice years before it was recorded).

Speaking of…

The Old Bridge was originally built during the times of Ottoman Empire in the 16th century (it was commissioned by Suleiman the Magnificent), and the name of the city – Mostar – literally means “the bridge keeper.”

The city was a key Ottoman trading hub, and you can see that influence in the dishes.

Getting to Mostar

Before we dive into the food, let’s talk about how to get to this foodie paradise.

The city of Mostar is 130 kilometres southwest of Sarajevo, Bosnia’s capital, and well-connected, so getting here is not a problem, but it is always a good idea to go there prepared and informed about all the alternatives.

Travel Options

  • From Sarajevo:
    • Bus: Buses run every 1-2 hours from Sarajevo’s main bus station (2.5 hours, 20-25 BAM, ~$12-15 USD). Companies like Autoprevoz Bus Mostar and Centrotrans are reliable.
    • Train: A scenic train ride takes 2 hours (10-15 BAM, ~$6-9 USD). Check schedules at zfbh.ba, as trains are less frequent and the schedule depends on the time of the year – buses are more reliable.
    • Car: Rent a car in Sarajevo for the 2-hour drive via the E73/M17 road. Parking is easy near the Old Town.
  • From Dubrovnik, Croatia: Buses take 3-4 hours (40-50 BAM, ~$24-30 USD). Cross-border buses require a passport, so have it ready.
  • From Split, Croatia: Buses or private transfers take 3.5-4 hours (50-60 BAM, ~$30-36 USD).
  • By Air: Mostar has a small airport, but flights are limited. Fly into Sarajevo or Split and bus in.

Getting Around Mostar

Mostar’s Old Town, where most food spots are, is walkable. The city is small overall, so everything you want to see is walking-distance. Also, taxis are cheap (5-10 BAM for short rides), and bikes can be rented for 20 BAM/day from places like Mostar Bike Rental, so getting around here is not a problem at all.

Pro Tip: Stay near the Old Town for easy access to restaurants and sights. The cobblestone streets are charming but you want to make sure you’re wearing comfy shoes!

Dish 1: Ćevapi – The Ultimate Street Food

Let’s start with the king of Bosnian street food: ćevapi (pronounced “cheh-vah-pee”). These small, grilled sausages are a Mostar must-try, served fast and packed with flavour. Made from minced beef or lamb (sometimes mixed), they’re grilled to juicy perfection and served in warm lepinja bread with onions and kajmak (creamy dairy product, spreadable).

Why You’ll Love Ćevapi

  • Quick Bite: Ready in 5-10 minutes, perfect for a grab-and-go lunch.
  • Tasty Combo: The smoky sausages, soft bread, and tangy ajvar are a match made in heaven.
  • Cheap and Filling: A plate of 10 ćevapi costs 6-10 BAM ($3-6 USD) and keeps you full for hours.

Where to Try It

  • Ćevabdžinica Tima-Irma: A local favorite in the Old Town (Braće Fejića 12). Their ćevapi are grilled fresh, and the outdoor seating has great views of the Old Bridge. Price: ~7 BAM for 10 pieces.
  • Harpun: Near the Crooked Bridge, this spot is known for generous portions and fast service (Mala Tepa 9). Try their mix of beef and lamb ćevapi for 8 BAM.
  • Street Stalls: Look for small stands near Kujundžiluk Bazaar. They’re cheap (5 BAM for five pieces) and authentic.

Tips for Enjoying Ćevapi

  • Ask for extra ajvar if you love a bit of spice.
  • Pair with a glass of yoghurt drink (1-2 BAM) to balance the richness.
  • Eat with your hands—tear the lepinja and scoop up the sausages like a local!

Fun Fact: Ćevapi is so popular that Mostar hosts a ćevapi festival every summer, with live music and food stalls galore!

Dish 2: Burek – The Flaky Pastry King

Next up is burek, a flaky, spiral pastry filled with goodness. This dish is a Balkan classic, and in Mostar, it’s a breakfast or snack go-to. Burek is made from layers of phyllo dough, stuffed with meat, cheese, spinach, or potatoes, then baked until golden and crispy.

Burek is one of our 9 must-try dishes, among the favourites from everything we’ve ever tried on our trips.

Share burek with your friend, your bond will be even stronger!

Why Bureks Are Awesome

  • Super Versatile: Choose your filling—meat for hearty, cheese for creamy, or spinach for a lighter option.
  • Grab-and-Go: Sold by the slice or kilo, it’s ready in minutes at bakeries.
  • Budget Win: A big slice costs 3-5 BAM ($2-3).

Where to Find the Best Burek

  • Pekara Šadrvan: A cosy bakery near the Old Bridge (Jusovina 11). Their meat and cheese burek is legendary, baked fresh daily. Price: ~4 BAM per slice.
  • Buregdžinica Fast Food: On Braće Fejića, this spot specialises in burek with quick service. Try the spinach version for 3.5 BAM.
  • Pekara As: A local gem in the Old Town (Mala Tepa 5). Their potato burek is a crowd-pleaser, especially with yoghurt on the side.

How to Enjoy Burek

  • Eat it hot for maximum flakiness—let it cool slightly to avoid burning your mouth!
  • Pair with yoghurt for a true Bosnian vibe.
  • Don’t be shy—Mostarians eat burek with their hands, breaking off chunks of pastry.

Pro Tip: If you’re super hungry, order burek by the kilo (10-15 BAM/kg). It’s cheaper and great for sharing!

Dish 3: Dolma – Stuffed Veggie Delight

Dolma is a dish that screams comfort food. These are veggies—usually bell peppers, eggplants, or zucchini—stuffed with a mix of rice, minced meat, onions, and spices, then cooked until tender. In Mostar, dolma is a quick, flavorful option you’ll find in restaurants and homes.

What Makes Dolma Special

  • Flavour Explosion: The mix of spices like paprika and mint gives dolma a warm, savoury taste.
  • Healthy-ish: Packed with veggies and rice, it’s lighter than meat-heavy dishes.
  • Fast to Order: Served pre-made at many spots, so you’re eating in 5-10 minutes.

Best Places for Dolma

  • Restoran Hindin Han: A riverside restaurant with a cosy vibe (Jusovina 10). Their dolma, served with yoghurt sauce, costs 8-10 BAM.
  • Urban Grill: Near the Old Town (Mala Tepa 7), this spot offers dolma as a side or main dish for 7 BAM. Their stuffed peppers are a hit.
  • Local Markets: Check Kujundžiluk Bazaar for small eateries serving homemade dolma, often for 5-6 BAM per portion.

Tips for Dolma

  • Ask for a side of yoghurt or sour cream—it cuts through the richness.
  • Try a mix of veggies (pepper, eggplant, zucchini, even onion) for some variety.

Fun Fact: Dolma is a shared dish across the Balkans and the Middle East. You may have heard or even tried sarma, which is a type of dolma, where the cabbage or grape leaves are used to hold the mixture! In any case, Mostar’s version of dolma often includes local herbs, and this makes it unique.

Dish 4: Japrak – Wrapped Goodness

Japrak (or sarma) is like dolma, but instead of stuffed veggies, you get grape leaves wrapped around a filling of rice, meat, and spices. These little rolls are bite-sized, flavorful, and perfect for a quick meal or snack.

Why Japrak Rocks

  • Perfect Portions: Each roll is small, so you can eat a few or a plateful.
  • Bold Flavours: The grape leaves add a tangy kick to the savoury filling.
  • Quick Serve: Often pre-made, japrak is ready in minutes.

Where to Get Japrak

  • Restoran Lagero: A hidden gem near the Crooked Bridge (Onešćukova 25). Their japrak with yoghurt sauce is 7-9 BAM per serving.
  • Šadrvan Restaurant: In the heart of the Old Town (Jusovina 11), they serve japrak as a starter or main for 8 BAM.
  • Homemade Stalls: Look for small stands at Kujundžiluk Bazaar or Rondo Market. Local women often sell japrak for 5 BAM per portion.
Yoghurt in Bosnia is as liquid as milk, but the taste is very different!

How to Enjoy Japrak

  • Dip in yoghurt or ajvar for extra flavour.
  • Pair with fresh bread to soak up the juices.
  • Try it warm or cold—both are delicious!

Dish 5: Baklava – Sweet Perfection

No meal in Mostar is complete without baklava, the sweet, sticky dessert that’s a legacy of Ottoman rule. This layered pastry is made with phyllo dough, nuts (usually walnuts or pistachios), and is soaked in honey or syrup. It’s rich, sweet, and perfect for a quick treat.

Baklava is another dish that tops our list of must-try specialties. Check out others as well!

Why Baklava is a Must

  • Sweet Bliss: The crunchy layers and nutty filling are a perfect end to any meal.
  • Grab-and-Go: Sold in bakeries and cafes, it’s ready in seconds.
  • Affordable: A piece or two costs 2-4 BAM ($1-2 USD).

Best Spots for Baklava

  • Pekara Šadrvan: Yes, they’re back! Their baklava is crispy and not too sweet, perfect with Turkish coffee (Jusovina 11, ~3 BAM per piece).
  • Café de Alma: A cosy spot near the Old Bridge (Onešćukova 10). Their pistachio baklava is divine for 4 BAM.
  • Kujundžiluk Bazaar: Small stalls sell homemade baklava by the kilo (15-20 BAM/kg). Grab a few pieces for 2-3 BAM.

Fun Fact: What sets Mostar’s baklava apart is that the local professionals often uses local honey.

Tips for Baklava

  • Pair with strong Turkish coffee or tea to balance the sweetness.
  • Try different types (walnut, pistachio) to find your favourite.

Where to Eat in Mostar

There are several spots in Mostar’s Old Town, which is the heart of the city’s food scene, that we would recommend.

Top Foodie Spots for Street Food

  • Kujundžiluk Bazaar: This historic market is lined with stalls selling ćevapi, japrak, and baklava. It’s touristy but authentic, with prices starting at 3 BAM.
  • Braće Fejića Street: A foodie hub with spots like Ćevabdžinica Tima-Irma and Urban Grill. Perfect for quick meals.
  • Mala Tepa: A quieter street with hidden gems like Harpun and Pekara As.

Dinning With a View

  • Restoran Lagero
  • Urban taste of Orient
  • Sadrvan

Dining Tips

  • Hours: Most eateries open from 8 AM to 10 PM. Bakeries start earlier (6-7 AM) for fresh burek.
  • Cash is King: Many places don’t take cards. Carry Bosnian Marks (BAM) in small denominations.
  • Language: Menus are often in English, but knowing “hvala” (thank you) and “molim” (please) helps.

Pro Tip: For the best experience, eat where locals do—look for busy spots with Bosnian families.

Best Time to Visit Mostar

Mostar’s food scene shines year-round, but the seasons change the vibe.

Seasonal Guide

  • Spring (March-May): Mild weather (10-20°C) and fewer crowds. Cafes open outdoor terraces, perfect for ćevapi with a view.
  • Summer (June-August): Warm (25-35°C) and busy, with festivals like the Mostar Summer Fest bringing food stalls. Book restaurants in advance.
  • Autumn (September-October): Cool (15-25°C) and colourful, with fresh produce for dolma and japrak. Great for outdoor dining in September, but October can get cold.
  • Winter (November-February): Chilly (0-10°C) but cosy. Indoor restaurants serve hearty burek and japrak to warm you up, as well as tea and Turkish coffee.

Weather Tips

  • Summer can be hot, so eat early or late to avoid the midday sun.
  • Bring a jacket for evenings, even in summer, as it gets cool by the river.
  • Check for rain in spring, many streets are made of cobblestone, so it can be quite slippery.

Practical Tips for Your Foodie Adventure

  • Packing Essentials:
    • Comfy walking shoes for cobblestone streets.
    • Small backpack for snacks.
    • Reusable water bottle: even though tap water is safe in Mostar, if you are not from around here and your stomach bacteria are not used to the region, stay safe with bottled water – although tap water is often served in cafes with coffee.
    • Cash in BAM (50-100 BAM per day for food).
  • Money Matters: ATMs are common in the Old Town, but small stalls prefer cash. Exchange money in Almaty or carry EUR for easy conversion.
  • Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi is available at most cafes (ask for the password). Buy a BH Telecom SIM for 10 BAM if you need data.
  • Safety:
    • Mostar is safe, but watch your belongings in crowded markets.
    • Food hygiene is generally good, but stick to busy spots to ensure freshness.
  • Language: Locals speak Bosnian, Croatian, or Serbian, with some English in tourist areas. A smile and basic phrases go a long way.
  • Respect Culture: Dress modestly in the Old Town (cover shoulders and knees). Tip 5-10% at restaurants if the service is excellent.

Culture and History

Local Culture

  • Ottoman Legacy: Many dishes come from Ottoman recipes, with spices like paprika and mint.
  • Community Vibe: Eating is social—families share big plates of ćevapi or japrak.
  • Markets: Kujundžiluk Bazaar is a great place to chat with vendors and learn about local food.

Historical Tidbits

  • The Old Bridge, built in 1566, was destroyed in 1993 but rebuilt in 2004. It’s a symbol of Mostar’s resilience.
  • The Neretva River has shaped the city’s food, with fresh fish sometimes appearing on menus.
  • Nearby Blagaj (12 km away) has a Dervish monastery and restaurants serving similar dishes.

Challenges to Watch For

Mostar is a foodie paradise, but here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Crowds: Summer can be packed, especially near the Old Bridge. Eat early or book tables.
  • Language Barrier: Menus may not always have English. Pointing at dishes or asking for recommendations works.
  • Limited Veggie Options: Meat is king in Mostar. Ask for spinach burek or veggie dolma if you’re vegetarian.
  • Cobblestones: The Old Town’s streets are uneven, so watch your step after a big meal!

Food in Mostar is full of history. Juicy ćevapi, sweet baklava, and everything in between that we covered show off the best of the city – and the whole country.

For all the travellers, they are great, as they are quick, cheap, packed with flavour, and really filling.

My personal highlight was when we were sitting at a small table in the Old Town. The Old Bridge was glowing as the sun was rising. We were biting into warm burek, and a yoghurt. For the start of the day, we also ordered coffee with baklava and this gave us a real energy boost. The sounds of the market are all around you, and you feel like you’re part of the city. That’s what eating in Mostar feels like.

This city fills your stomach—and your heart. You will leave the city grateful – or at least, we did!

So pack your appetite, bring some cash, and get ready to savour Mostar, one bite at a time!

Ready to Eat?

Head to the Old Town, try these dishes, and share your favourites with locals.

For guided food tours, check out Mostar Travel or Visit Mostar for a tasty adventure!