The New Year’s celebration in Serbia is a time steeped in tradition, family, and culinary delights. It’s a moment when households come together to honor old customs and share a feast that highlights the country’s rich gastronomic heritage. A traditional Serbian New Year’s lunch or dinner is not just about food; it’s about creating an atmosphere of warmth, togetherness, and joy.

Here’s a closer look at what you can expect on the table during this festive occasion.

1. Appetizers to Start the Feast

The meal typically begins with a selection of hearty appetizers, known as meze. These are designed to whet the appetite and are often accompanied by rakija, Serbia’s famous fruit brandy:

  • Ruska Salata: A creamy potato and vegetable salad, often made with peas, carrots, pickles, and mayonnaise, which is a festive favorite.
  • Čvarci: A crispy, savory bites of pork cracklings.
  • Kulen and Prosciutto: These flavorful cured meats are a staple on the Serbian table, often paired with fresh bread and pickles.
Čvarci Serbia
Čvarci
AJVAR Serbia
Ajavr
Gibanica and kulen

  • Ajvar: A rich red pepper spread that complements the meats and bread perfectly.
  • Cheeses: A variety of local cheeses, such as kajmak (a creamy dairy spread) and white brined cheese, add a touch of indulgence.
  • Gibanica: A pie made with a traditional homemade cow’s milk cheese.

2. Soups and Broths

A bowl of warm soup is almost mandatory to start the main part of the meal. Two popular choices for New Year’s are:

  • Chicken Soup (Pileća Supa): A comforting broth with tender chicken pieces, root vegetables, and homemade noodles.
  • Veal Soup (Teleća Čorba): A rich and flavorful soup made with tender veal, vegetables, and a touch of cream, perfect for special occasions.

3. The Main Course

The centerpiece of the New Year’s meal is often a grand main dish, featuring meat as the star ingredient:

  • Roast Pork (Pečenje): A whole roasted pig is a traditional highlight, symbolizing abundance and prosperity for the year ahead.
  • Sarma: Cabbage rolls stuffed with a mixture of minced meat, rice, and spices, cooked in a tomato-based sauce.
  • Grilled Meats (Roštilj): An assortment of grilled specialties, such as ćevapi (small minced meat sausages) and pljeskavica (a type of burger).

Roštilj
Sarma

4. Side Dishes

To complement the main course, various side dishes are served, showcasing seasonal and preserved ingredients:

  • Potato Salad (Krompir Salata): A simple but delicious salad dressed with onions, vinegar, and sunflower oil.
  • Sour Cabbage (Kiseli Kupus): Often served as a side or as an ingredient in other dishes.
  • Freshly Baked Bread: From traditional pogača to rustic loaves, bread is an essential part of the Serbian meal.

5. Desserts to End on a Sweet Note

Desserts are a much-anticipated part of the New Year’s feast, often showcasing time-honored recipes:

  • Baklava: Layers of thin pastry filled with nuts and drenched in syrup.
  • Vanilice: Bite-sized cookies filled with jam and dusted with powdered sugar.
  • Kolaci: An assortment of homemade cakes and pastries, often featuring nuts, chocolate, or honey.

vanilice
Vanilice

6. Drinks to Toast the Occasion

No Serbian celebration is complete without beverages to accompany the meal:

  • Rakija: Served throughout the meal, this potent brandy is often homemade and comes in various flavors like plum, quince, or apricot.
  • Wine: Local Serbian wines, both red and white, are popular choices for toasting to the New Year.
  • Juices: Freshly squeezed or homemade juices for children and those who prefer non-alcoholic options.
Serbian Rakija
Close up on hands of two men toasting with traditional Serbian drink plum brandy rakija Slivovitza

7. Midnight Snacks and Beyond

As the festivities stretch into the early hours, lighter snacks and leftovers from the dinner often reappear. Dishes like proja (cornbread) or slices of cold roasted meats keep the celebration going.

Conclusion

A traditional Serbian New Year’s lunch or dinner is a feast for the senses, combining bold flavors, hearty dishes, and the warmth of family traditions. It reflects the Serbian love for good food and good company, making it a truly memorable way to start the year. Whether you’re a guest or hosting your own Serbian-style celebration, this culinary journey is sure to bring joy and prosperity to all who partake.

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New Year in SerbiaSerbian New Year's DinnerTraditional cuisine

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