Balkan cuisine

Balkan cuisine encompasses the diverse food traditions of countries like Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia, Albania, and Bulgaria. It features hearty, flavorful dishes often centered around meats, fresh vegetables, dairy, and grains. Common ingredients include garlic, paprika, and herbs, with staples like grilled meats, hearty stews, savory pastries, and fresh salads. Influenced by a mix of Mediterranean, Ottoman, and Central European flavors, Balkan cuisine emphasizes communal sharing, rich spices, and comfort-food qualities, reflecting its rich cultural history and regional diversity.