Montenegro is a country that offers vacation options for travelers with various income levels. Whether you're a budget-conscious traveler willing to spend three to five dollars a day on fast food or self-cooked meals, or a gourmet enthusiast who enjoys exploring a new country through specialty restaurants, Montenegro can cater to your needs. Keep in mind that prices tend to be slightly higher during the high season (July-August), so planning your trip for May-June or September can help you save money while enjoying the national cuisine.
Montenegro's National Cuisine
Montenegro's national cuisine shares similarities with Serbian and Croatian cuisines, and in some cases, it may even resemble Italian dishes. These similarities are a result of the Montenegrin and Italian appreciation for meat and cheese.
Meat Delicacies
Some of the most common Montenegrin meat dishes include:
- Raznici and Veshalica
Shashlik and pork fillet chop;
- Steaks from Negusa and Durmitor
Beef steaks stuffed with cheese and butter. Varieties of cheese and side dishes may vary;
- Ćevapi
Mincemeat sausages seasoned with spices;
- Pršut
A dish made from smoked and cured pork, often compared to Spanish jamón. It's a common dish served in many establishments;
- Pleskavica
A national minced meat cutlet often filled with butter;
- Sača Lamb
Lamb meat slow-braised under a lid for approximately five hours, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.
Vegetarian Dishes
For vegetarians, Montenegro offers the following options:
- Chorba or Vegetable Soup
While some variations may include meat, in certain places, you can find vegetarian chorba;
- Krofne (Jumpers)
Doughnuts without fillings;
- Traditional Cheese from Njeguši
Made from sheep or goat's milk, this cheese is similar to bryndza.
Fruits in Montenegro - the National Dish of Nature Itself
Montenegrin fruits and berries are a specialty of the national cuisine. They are grown here without pesticides, and thanks to the sunny climate, they are both tasty and healthy.
Fruits that grow in Montenegro include apples, plums, figs, pomegranates, oranges, kiwis, peaches, nectarines, and mangoes.
The berries you can find in Montenegro include strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, mulberries, cherries, cherries, watermelons, and melons.
Citrus fruits and kiwi ripen in spring, while strawberries, cherries, and cherries ripen in June. Pomegranates and figs are in season in August, while other fruits and berries ripen in July.
Drinks
For those who enjoy alcoholic beverages, Montenegro offers the national wines Vranac from the Plantazhe company and Nikšićko beer. As for non-alcoholic drinks, we recommend trying local lemon and orange limonades, which are made by diluting lemon and orange juice with water.
Where to Buy Food: Supermarkets or Markets
When it comes to buying food, it's more cost-effective to shop in large supermarkets or specialty stores. Here's what you should consider:
- Baked Goods
Wheat and corn bread, cakes, and rolls are best bought in specialized bakeries.
- Meat
Fresh and marinated meat is usually chosen in butcher stores (mesaras). You can even find grilled meat that's packaged to go.
- Fruits and Vegetables
For fresh and affordable produce, consider buying them from stalls in the middle of the street.
- The Rest of the Produce
Other grocery items should be purchased from supermarkets.
There are several retail chains in Montenegro:
- IDEA
Cheap supermarkets with a modest range of products;
- Voli, Aroma, Franca, HDL365
Optimal value for money stores, but they are not as numerous in each city;
- Maxi Market
Expensive supermarkets with a wide range of goods. They are popular among tourists due to their convenient locations and extensive network but are not favored by locals due to their higher prices.
Best Places to Eat in Montenegro
If you're looking for great places to dine in Budva, Montenegro's most famous resort, consider the following options:
- Grape Cafe
A budget-friendly restaurant serving delicious Eastern European cuisine.
- Drina and Pod Lozom
These are affordable cafes specializing in national cuisine.
- Kuzina
Enjoy local cuisine at reasonable prices.
- Garden Cafe
An Italian restaurant with prices slightly above average.
- Vivaldi and Restaurant Lim
These are elite Mediterranean restaurants that offer beautifully presented but smaller portions. Restaurant Lim, in particular, is known for its excellent fish dishes.
Keep in mind that children's menus are typically available only in high-end restaurants, but you can usually find child-friendly options on every menu. Additionally, fast-food establishments are widespread in Montenegro, offering items like burgers, pizzas, and fries.
Gourmet Tips: What to Remember When Tasting the National Cuisine
- "Safety Rules"
When tasting Montenegrin national cuisine, follow common-sense principles and pay attention to the freshness of the food, including fruits.
- Avoid "Willy-Nilly"
Don't feel obliged to eat food that has gone bad just to avoid wasting it. Prioritize your health.
- Save Money Wisely
If you want to save money, seek out where the locals shop and dine. Montenegro, like many tourist destinations, tends to have higher prices in areas catering to tourists. Exploring local markets and eateries can provide a more authentic and budget-friendly experience.
