If you have ever been to Banja Luka, or if you are its resident, it is certain that, in addition to the natural beauties and sites that the city on the Vrbas river is rich with, the gourmet pleasure is always placed on the top of the list of things to experience here. Authentic Banja Luka cuisine will certainly not leave anyone indifferent – traditional dishes full of taste, fantastic aromas and tempting appearance, make the Banja Luka menu loved by anyone who decides to eat here. A large selection of dishes with the hospitality and cordiality of the people, are something that adorns this region as an ideal place for rest, enjoying nature and staying at interesting locations of cultural and historical significance.
Uniqueness is what makes the tastes and smells of Banja Luka – many dishes have the prefix of Banja Luka, and many of them are not prepared anywhere else except in Banja Luka and its surroundings. Kozaračka pita, pura, cicvara, kvrguša, ćevapi – these are just some of the delicious dishes on the list, which is too long and has a long history behind it, which the people of Banja Luka are proud of and which they keep even today. All dishes of Krajina, after which Banja Luka is also called Krajina beauty, are not only of good taste, but they are also decorated with some local stories that give a special flavor.
Banja Luka doesn’t lag behind in sweets either, so you will surely have a hard time deciding between apple pie, paws, baked apples in the oven, and if you do your best, in the kitchens of old Banja Luka residents, you can find Banja Luka candy, traditional fig, almond and chocolate cake. which was produced long ago, between the two world wars, in the Banja Luka settlement of Mejdan. Meat dominates the traditional menu of Banja Luka. All kinds of meat, prepared in various ways, with the addition of side dishes such as potatoes, rice, peas and salad. Abundant portions, to which foreigners may not be accustomed, are something that makes the Banja Luka table unique – on which all the prepared food is brought, and everyone gathers around the table to enjoy the prepared delicacies.
A variety of pies, pastries and breads – making the smell of fresh pastry far away and complete the gourmet experience. Bun, an indispensable addition to kebabs (ćevap), is a quick and easy dish that can be tried as a side dish but also as a breakfast dish, with hot butter and honey. Pies lumpy, crunchy – they all got their names from the look they have after baking.
Banja Luka kebab is the recognizable symbol of the city. It is special in everything – its appearance, taste, method of preparation and serving. According to the original, traditional recipe, it is made from beef and lamb with the addition of spices, salt, pepper and garlic, and is always prepared on the grill. Although it can be found in all restaurants, kebab shops or grills are places dedicated only to it and variations of grilled dishes.
Apart from traditional dishes, Banja Luka also boasts one traditional product – Trapist cheese. Trapist cheese has been produced in the Marija Zvijezda monastery since the nineteenth century, more precisely in 1872. The story behind it is very interesting, and it includes the process of making it was as it was closely guarded secret and the only one who knew the recipe was Father Tomo. Tomo shared the job with a dozen experts, but so that each does his part of the job, and does not know what the tasks of the other are during the making of this specialty. In that way, the recipe remained authentic and unique. Today, you can buy Trapist cheese in all stores, but it is recommended to go to the monastery because you will be sure to get freshly prepared cheese directly from the place of production.
One thing is for sure – you will not stay hungry in Banja Luka. A wide range for all tastes, and even if you do not like meat or traditional dishes, you will complete your experience of this city and all its uniqueness. Catering facilities of all types, from cafes and bars, through bars to restaurants and cocktail bars are something that characterizes the city on the Vrbas.