What to eat in Montenegro? - guide to 18 classic dishes

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: April 2026 | The food in Montenegro is an exciting mix of Balkan, Mediterranean and Central European influences. Here, grilled meats and hearty stews meet with fresh seafood and simple, rustic flavors. For those planning a trip to Montenegro, the food is an important part of the experience.

In this guide, we go through what to eat in Montenegro and list 18 classic Montenegrin dishes you don't want to miss.

What to eat in Montenegro? – a quick overview

We have reports on both Croatian food and Albanian food – and now it’s about Montenegro. The food in Montenegro is rustic, tasty and varied – with clear influences from both the Balkans and the Mediterranean. There are some common features:

• Grilled meat: A central part of Montenegrin cuisine, especially ćevapi and pljeskavica
• Fish and seafood: Common along the coast, often grilled or cooked in wine and garlic
• Cheese and cold cuts: Local specialties such as njeguški pršut and various cheeses
• Flavours: Garlic, olive oil, paprika and fresh herbs
• Accessories: Bread, ajvar and simple salads
• That's how you eat: Generous portions and dishes to share

We have traveled around Montenegro, and other parts of the Balkans, in our camper van. At the same time, we have read and studied the country's food.

Typical Montenegrin food – 18 classic dishes

Here we list Hungarian dishes that are interesting to try, including street food, desserts, sweets and drinks.

1. Ćevapi (ćevapčiči)

Small grilled meat rolls that are a classic throughout the Balkans. They are usually served with bread, chopped onion and sometimes kajmak, which provides a creamy contrast to the grilled meat.

2. Pljeskavica

A Balkan burger that is both juicy and flavorful. It is often served in bread with lettuce, onions, and various sauces and is a popular street food in Montenegro.

3. Kačamak

A traditional dish from northern Montenegro made with potatoes, cornmeal and cheese. It's creamy, filling and a perfect example of the country's rustic home cooking.

4. Rastan

A hearty stew of cabbage and smoked meat often served during the colder months. The flavor is strong and a great choice for those who want to try traditional Montenegrin food.

5. Buzara

A classic seafood dish where mussels or shrimp are cooked in garlic, wine and herbs. It is especially common along the coast and a must for seafood lovers.

6. Grilled fish (Riba na žaru)

Fresh fish, simply grilled and served with olive oil and lemon, clearly demonstrates the importance of good ingredients in Montenegrin cuisine.

7. Sarma

Cabbage dumplings filled with meat and rice that are slowly cooked to bring out deep flavors. A classic dish often served at holidays and family dinners.

8. Njeguški pršut

An air-dried ham from the village of Njeguši, considered one of Montenegro's most famous delicacies. Its flavor is rich and slightly smoky, and it is often served with cheese and bread as an appetizer.

9. Kajmak

A creamy dairy product similar to cream cheese or clotted cream, it is often served with grilled meat or bread and is highly appreciated throughout the region.

10. Njeguški cheese

A local cheese from Njeguši with a rich and slightly salty taste. It is often combined with pršut and is an important part of Montenegrin cuisine.

11. Pita (burek)

A pie made from filo pastry filled with meat, cheese or spinach. It is a common breakfast, lunch or fast food and is found everywhere in Montenegro.

12. ajvar

A mixture made from peppers and sometimes eggplant. It has a mild, sweet flavor and is often served as a side dish to grilled dishes.

13. Pekara sandwiches

”A ”pekara” is simply a bakery, and you can stop by to buy something on the go. For example, there are sandwiches filled with meat, cheese or vegetables.

14. Balkan-style pizza

Italian influences are clearly visible along the coast. The pizzas are often generously topped and very popular with both locals and tourists.

15. Pancake

Thin pancakes filled with Nutella, jam or nuts. They are a very popular dessert in Montenegro and are often served in cafes.

16. Cream pie

A classic pastry with vanilla cream between layers of puff pastry. It is airy, sweet and a favorite among many visitors.

17. Tulumbe

Deep-fried dough pieces soaked in sugar syrup. This dessert originated in Ottoman cuisine and is very sweet.

18. Rakija

A strong fruit spirit often made from plums, grapes or apricots. It is drunk both before and after meals and is an important part of food culture.

Food in different parts of Montenegro

Montenegrin cuisine varies depending on the region, which makes the country extra exciting for foodies.

• Coasts: Fish, seafood and Mediterranean-inspired dishes
• Inland: Hearty meat stews, cabbage and rustic home cooking
• Mountain areas: Cheese, air-dried meat and simple, filling dishes
• Cities: A mix of traditional dishes and international influences

Shopping in grocery stores in Montenegro

Since we were traveling by camper van, we did a lot of grocery shopping, and often cooked our own food in the camper van. Compared to Albania, the selection in the shops was very large. Here are some things we noted:

• Long shelves of mayonnaise – you can buy mayonnaise by the bucket.
• Lots of different kinds of ajvar
• Paprika seasoning sold in one-kilo bags
• Lots of meat and sausages, and more limited fish
• There are plenty of small jars of various pies 

More about food in other countries

Here you can find more stories about food in different countries:

• Albanian food – 20 Albanian dishes
• Cypriot food - 20 dishes from Cyprus
• Greek food - 25 Greek dishes
• Croatian food - 25 Croatian specialities
• Turkish food – 20 dishes in Turkey