Buzara

When you travel to Montenegro, you’ll discover a country with a unique identity. Its architecture, art, and way of life blend Eastern, Western, and Mediterranean influences into a harmonious fusion that extends to its cuisine. The result is delicious — especially in dishes like mussels with buzara, a sauce made with a variety of vegetables and seasoned with white wine.

Known as the Pearl of the Mediterranean, Montenegro is a truly unique destination in every sense. Washed by the Adriatic Sea and framed by the Balkans, this land offers endless reasons to captivate travelers — from natural landscapes and secluded beaches to lush forests, crystal-clear lakes, rivers, canyons, and majestic mountains. All perfect for romantic getaways or summer vacations. And to experience it for yourself, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts offers the best hotels in Montenegro.

<h2>Black risotto</h2>

<p>Gazing out at the clear waters of the Bay of Kotor or breathing in the sea air at your <a href="https://www.iberostar.com/en/hotels/budva">hotel in Budva</a>, you can complete the moment by pairing it with this regional staple: a velvety rice dish made with squid ink and <strong>usually accompanied by a typical coastal ingredient, like cuttlefish or octopus.</strong></p>

Black Risotto

Whether gazing at the calm waters of the Bay of Kotor or enjoying the sea breeze from your hotel in Budva, you’ll feel inspired to pair the moment with this creamy rice dish made with squid ink, typically served with cuttlefish or octopus, and a true coastal classic.

<h2>Njeguski</h2>

<p>This cousin of prosciutto is <strong>the best appetizer to enjoy with a relaxed drink in <a href="https://www.iberostar.com/en/hotels/perast/iberostar-perast" target="_blank">Perast</a> or Herceg Novi. </strong>It&rsquo;s the country&rsquo;s quintessential cured ham and can be served either cold or cooked. You can also try it in the form of a <strong><em>schnitzel</em>, </strong>paired with local cheese.</p>

<p>The <a href="https://www.iberostar.com/en/hotels/herceg-novi/iberostar-herceg-novi">Iberostar Waves Herceg Novi</a> hotel is at the entrance to the bay, surrounded by forested mountains and a crystal blue sea, to which you have direct access.</p>

Njeguski

This type of prosciutto will be your perfect companion for any appetizer you enjoy in Perast or Herceg Novi. It’s Montenegro’s most iconic cured meat — a dry-cured ham typically served either cold or cooked. You can also try it inside a schnitzel (the Central European version of a cachopo), paired with local cheese.

The Iberostar Waves Herceg Novi hotel is located right at the entrance to the bay, surrounded by lush mountains and the crystal-clear blue of the sea, with direct access to the water. Are you really going to miss it?

<h2>Cevapi</h2>

<p>One of the country&rsquo;s charms is how it<strong> manages to keep its traditions alive while bringing them up to date.</strong> If you&rsquo;re after something really authentic, find your way to one of the many <em>cevabdzinicas</em>: food stands that serve this type of sausage. <strong>It&rsquo;s a meat delicacy that can be found at any of Montenegro&rsquo;s traditional restaurants, </strong>where chefs give the dish their own spin by serving it with different kinds of condiments and sides.</p>

Cevapi

One of the charms of this country is that it keeps its traditions alive while adapting them to modern times. So, when you’re craving something authentic, you’ll likely end up at a cevabdzinica, a small eatery where these grilled sausages are served. These meaty delights are also a highlight on the menu of any traditional Montenegrin restaurant, where chefs experiment with different seasonings and side dishes.

<h2>Kacamak</h2>

<p>This <strong>gourmet dish</strong> is similar to polenta,<strong> with a base made of corn that&rsquo;s dressed with cheese, yogurt or buttermilk. </strong>Combine it with a stew or serve it on a bed of potatoes and believe us:<strong> it will become the star appetizer of your vacation. </strong></p>

Kacamak

This type of polenta is a gourmet dish made from cornmeal and milk, seasoned with cheese, yogurt, or sour milk. It can be served with a stew or over a bed of potatoes and, trust us, it will become your go-to starter during your holiday.

<h2>Gibanica</h2>

<p><strong>Many dishes, both sweet and savory, are based on this combination of filo pastry and cheese. </strong>In fact, it&rsquo;s so versatile that every kitchen in the country has its own special recipe.</p>

Gibanica

This cheese-filled pastry serves as the base for both savory dishes and sweet desserts. Its versatility means that every kitchen has its own recipe and unique version.

<h2>Ajvar</h2>

<p>This condiment made of red peppers, eggplant and garlic is hugely popular and delicious. It&rsquo;s usually spread on bread or used to give a touch of spice to a good cut of meat.&nbsp;</p>

Ajvar

This condiment made from red peppers, eggplant, and garlic is both popular and full of flavor. It’s mainly used as a spread on bread or to add a spicy kick to grilled meat.

<h2>Djuvec</h2>

<p><strong><em>Djuvec</em></strong><strong> could be considered the ultimate Montenegrin dish. </strong>It&rsquo;s a combination of vegetables, meat and rice that come together to make a kind of stew or casserole. It&rsquo;s served in a large bowl, allowing all the flavors of the country to intermingle. <strong>Montenegro in one dish! </strong></p>

Djuvec

Djuvec could easily be considered the ultimate stew. It’s a hearty mix of vegetables, meat, and rice that come together to form a rich, flavorful casserole. Served in a large bowl, it’s a dish where all the flavors of Montenegro blend perfectly. It’s as if the whole country were summed up in one meal!