A Food Lover's Guide to the Bay of Kotor's Culinary Delights

The Bay of Kotor, also known as Boka Kotorska, is a breathtakingly beautiful region located in Montenegro. It is a natural ria (not a fjord, as fjords are carved by glaciers. A ria is a coastal inlet formed by the partial submergence of an unglaciated river valley) that stretches for about 35 kilometers and is surrounded by towering cliffs and narrow, picturesque towns. Situated on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea & just on the tip of the southern edges of Dalmatia, the Bay of Kotor is a popular tourist destination, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich history.

But beyond its stunning landscapes, the Bay of Kotor is also known for its delicious culinary traditions. The region has a long history of food production, with a diverse range of ingredients and flavors that reflect its history and cultural influences.

Njeguški Pršut - Njeguš prosciutto

Above all stand the Montenegrin antipasti, a combination of Njeguški Pršut (a specialty of the village Njeguši, located on the slopes of Mount Lovćen, just above the old town of Kotor), local cheeses and olives, all partnered with the most exquisite local wines, both red & white.

Prosciutto in Njeguši

Pasticiada

One of the most famous dishes from the Bay of Kotor is pašticada, a slow-cooked beef stew made with a variety of spices and served with either gnocchi, pasta or fried potatoes. This hearty dish is a favorite throughout the region and is most often served as main course at sunday family lunches, special occasions and celebrations. (Pasticiada is a dish scattered across the civilizations that developed in the Adriatic sea and you will find a variation of it in any specific part of the coast of the wider Adriatic.)

Pasticiada, a slow-cooked beef stew made with a variety of spices

Cicvara, simple but flavorful dish

Another popular dish from the Bay of Kotor is cicvara, a savory porridge made with cornmeal, sheep’s cream, spices and a little bit of cheese. This simple but flavorful dish is often served either as a side dish or as a main course with grilled meats with a side of baked potatoes and sour milk.

Cicvara, another popular dish from the Bay of Kotor

Seafood in the Bay of Kotor

Seafood is also a staple in the Bay of Kotor, with a variety of fish and shellfish dishes that reflect the region’s coastal location as the gastronomy speaks for itself about the mingling of all the naval civilizations since deep away into history. Grilled or baked fish is a common dish, as is seafood stew made with a variety of local seafood.

Mussels, octopus salad, fish skewer with shrimps

Kotorska pašta, a creamy custard pastry

The Bay of Kotor is also known for its delicious pastries and sweets, including Kotorska pašta, a creamy custard pastry of which the recipe is highly nurtured and loved by residents, especially by the pastry chefs and cooks, and many other pastries of all sorts, made with fruit in many of its forms, caramel, nuts and honey. These sweet treats are often served at special occasions and are a popular dessert choice throughout the region.

Kotorska pašta, a creamy custard pastry

Bay of Kotor wines

In addition to its delicious food, the Bay of Kotor is also home to a number of local wineries that produce a range of red and white wines. The region’s warm climate and rocky soil make it an ideal location for growing grapes, and the local wines are highly regarded for their quality and flavor.

Montenegro is home to 33 unique grape varieties

Overall, the Bay of Kotor is a culinary paradise, offering a diverse range of flavors and ingredients that reflect its rich history and cultural influences. From hearty stews and savory porridges, refreshing salads dripping in the juices of olives to delicious pastries and locally-produced wines, the region has something to offer for every taste and occasion. This region is not only well known by its culinary delights, but also as destination for having the best walking holidays in Europe.

Our guided tours provide an experience of total immersion into local cultures of places like these in the Balkan region. Check out the tours that cover this region:

Contents of the blog post are not tied to any tour itinerary. For tour itineraries check out the tour webpages.