Bakeries here are everywhere, and pastries are a big part of daily life.
Another huge part of the food culture is coffee. In the United States, people often grab coffee to go at Starbucks or a local café and rush out the door. Here, coffee is more about sitting down and talking. People meet at cafés and stay for a long time, chatting with friends or family.
Trying these foods made me feel excited and curious. Some flavors were familiar, but others were brand new. The ćevapčići were smoky and flavorful, and the burek was warm and crispy. I also noticed that eating here feels calmer. Instead of eating quickly and leaving, people take their time and enjoy being together. It makes meals feel more social and special.
Ćevapčići are made by mixing ground meat with spices, shaping them into small sausage-like pieces and grilling them. Burek is made by layering very thin dough with fillings like meat or cheese, then baking it until it’s golden and flaky. Many pastries here are made fresh every morning in local bakeries. It’s one of my favorite aspects of daily life in Dubrovnik! Before class, my go-to is usually a chocolate croissant. Coffee is typically served strong in small cups and meant to be sipped slowly during conversations with friends.
