Top Foods to Try in Montenegro

Visiting Montenegro for the first time? You may be wondering what culinary delights you can expect from this Balkan country. Very few dishes have made it out to the west, so there’s an element of mystery surrounding restaurant menus here, but we’re here to help. Here are our top recommendations of foods to try in Montenegro when staying in one of our luxury villas in Montenegro.

1. Njegusi Prosciutto

Join the tourists and locals alike who take the daily drive up to Njegusi village. Their motive? To try the Njegusi prosciutto. Made in a field that’s 800m above sea level near the base of Lovćen mountain, these whole pig hind legs are then packed in salt for three weeks before being hung to dry for another three weeks. The final step is a four-month smoking – and the end result is entirely worth the wait. You’ll typically find it served in thin slices with a selection of local cheeses. 

2. Cevapi

Craving some fast food? Cevabzinicas are the Montenegro alternative to a kebab shop, serving small, skinless sausages called cevapi that are made from two or more types of meats. Enjoy yours the local way with a crisp tomato and cucumber salad, or served in a flatbread that’s been grilled right where the sausages sat.

3. Burek

Trade in your plain toast and supermarket pastries for a Turkish alternative – burek. This baked filo pastry is traditionally stuffed with meat, though cheese and vegetable fillings are also available. You’ll even find some sweet ones, though all are characterised by either their spiral or wedge shape.

4. Njeguski Steak

Invited by former Yugoslav president Tito’s private chef, Milovan Stojanovic, the Njeguski steak became an instant classic. Made using either veal or pork schnitzel, it’s then filled with signature Njegusi prosciutto and cheese. You’ll sometimes find it topped with even more cheese, including a melting variety known as kajmak – deliciously indulgent!

5. Kacamak

A distinctly Montenegrin take on porridge, kacamak originates from the mountains, explaining why the staple is so hearty but also simple. It’s made by cooking cornmeal with potatoes and mixing in kajmak cream cheese. Sour milk or yoghurt is then dolloped on top to maximise energy.

6. Black risotto

This next dish certainly won’t be for everyone, but seafood fans who love to try new things are sure to enjoy its novelty factor. Known as crni rižot, this risotto gets its iconic black colour from cuttlefish ink, with pieces of squid also mixed in. Try yours when visiting the coast, but be warned: it will turn your teeth black for a time!

7. Palačinke

Ready to top it all off with something sweet? Pancakes are hardly a Montenegro invention, but it’s the homemade jam filling that truly makes them worth sampling here. Eurocrem – a spread made from hazelnut, cocoa and milk – is another popular choice, while savoury options include your classic ham and cheese.

8. Kastradina (Smoked Mutton Stew)

A traditional dish from the mountainous north, Kastradina is a hearty stew made with smoked and dried mutton, potatoes, onions, and seasonal herbs. It’s particularly popular in colder months and served during religious festivities or family gatherings. The rich, smoky flavour and slow-cooked texture offer a glimpse into Montenegro’s pastoral culinary heritage – ideal for guests seeking authentic, rustic fare.

9. Pelinkovac (Herbal Liqueur)

This bitter herbal liqueur, made with wormwood and a blend of aromatic herbs, is widely consumed as a digestif in Montenegro. While technically a Balkan staple, Montenegro’s version has a distinct regional character and is often homemade. Visitors often find it served in mountain lodges or after large meals. It’s both a cultural experience and a conversation starter.

10. Priganice (Montenegrin Fried Dough Balls)

Light, fluffy and slightly sweet, Priganice are Montenegro’s answer to doughnuts. Typically served warm with honey, jam, or cheese, they are a breakfast or snack staple, particularly in rural areas and coastal cafés. Their simplicity makes them instantly likeable, while their local variations showcase Montenegro’s regional diversity.

While those may be our top picks of foods to try in Montenegro, there’s plenty more to try throughout your stay in one of our luxury villas in Montenegro. Need a little help deciding where to stay? Contact our concierge team.