Delicious, diminutive, and delightful, ćevapi are a favourite among Croatians.

When it comes to traditional food in Croatia, there is one meat delicacy on the must-try list. Delicious ćevapi or, ćevapčići, are one of the most popular Croatian dishes, and the entire Balkan region absolutely loves it. 

Ćevapi is a type of grilled dish made from minced meat typically served with onions, flatbread and kajmak cream cheese. “Ćevapi” or “ćevapčići” is plural for ćevap. One portion can include 5 or 10 of them, depending on the size you choose.

As any local would tell you, nothing unites people better than a hot, steaming serving of this juicy delicacy. Whether you’re celebrating a promotion at work, enjoying a quick bite on the go, or simply looking for some tasty comfort food to warm your soul, ćevapi are always the right answer.

So pull up a chair and grab a napkin — it’s time to learn all about this meaty masterpiece!

Ćevapi/Ćevapčići — the story

Ćevapi found their way in this part of the world during the Ottoman rule. The Turks introduced their all-beef dish which, over time, was reworked to fit the taste buds of local people better. 

It’s often compared to kebab, but there are really few similarities. Kebab is a large piece of beef meat cooked on a skewer and then sliced, while ćevapi are a combination of two kinds of meat, grilled in individual smaller pieces.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, most larger cities pride themselves on having their own unique spin on the classic formula. In Croatia and Serbia, you can find ćevačići on almost every corner, be it in a restaurant or a street food kiosk.

Best ćevapi recipe

If you’re looking to try typical Croatian food, you can’t go wrong with ćevapi. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

600 g beef

300 g lamb

3 cloves garlic

1 Teaspoon salt

1 Teaspoon pepper

 

  1. Cut the meat and mince it twice. This is very important because it improves texture and helps ćevapi hold their shape.
  2. Mince the garlic and add it to the meat along with salt and pepper. 
  3. Knead the meat, so the spices marry well with the meat.
  4. Cover with plastic and leave overnight in the refrigerator. 

 

When deciding on the shape of each ćevap, use your index finger as a measure for the width, and shape them into 4 to 12 centimetre long rolls.

How to grill ćevapi

To get the best result, slather your grill in lamb fat (lard) before placing the meat onto the heated surface. Wait 3-4 minutes, then flip them over until they’re brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. If you don’t have a grill at your disposal, a frying pan will suffice.

How to serve ćevapi

Serve ćevapi in a grilled flatbread, alongside raw chopped onions, a spoonful of kajmak cream cheese or ajvar, a type of red bell pepper sauce. For an extra punch, grease the flatbread on the grill and let the juices flow.

Come and savour the flavour

And there you have it, everything you need to know about ćevapi, a worthy candidate for the title of the most popular food in Croatia. 

If you’re looking to combine mouth-watering cuisine with eye-popping sights, consider paying a visit to the unspoiled nature of Camping Village Šimuni. Simply reach out to us via our contact form and we’ll help you with the rest.

Ćevapi might not be considered a typical Mediterranean dish, but you can definitely try some in our Camp’s restaurants. Enjoy your stay and bon appetit!