Bosnia and Herzegovina
Coffee holds a central place in the social fabric of Bosnia and Herzegovina, more than just a beverage; it's a ritual, a symbol of hospitality, and an integral part of daily life. While you'll find modern espresso-based drinks, the traditional Bosnian coffee (Bosanska kafa or kahva) is king.
Here are the different ways to order coffee in Bosnia and Herzegovina and what's in them:
Traditional Bosnian Coffee (Bosanska kafa / Kahva):
This is the most authentic and culturally significant way to experience coffee in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It's often compared to Turkish coffee due to shared Ottoman influences, but there are subtle differences in preparation.
Ingredients: Finely ground coffee (often Arabica beans), water. Sugar is typically served on the side.
Preparation: The coffee is prepared in a special small, long-handled copper pot called a džezva (or ibrik). The process usually involves:
Bringing water to a boil in the džezva.
Removing a small amount of the hot water.
Adding the finely ground coffee to the remaining hot water in the džezva and stirring quickly.
Returning the džezva to the heat and allowing the coffee to foam up (but not boil over). This is repeated a few times to develop a thick foam called kajmak (or pena).
A small amount of the foam (kajmak) is often spooned into the small, handleless cups called fildžan before the rest of the coffee is poured. This helps to retain the foam.
Serving: Bosnian coffee is always served in a džezva on a small copper tray, accompanied by a fildžan(small cup), a glass of cold water, and often one or more sugar cubes (šećer) and a piece of rahat lokum(Turkish Delight).
Drinking etiquette: You typically add sugar to your fildžan to taste, pouring a little coffee over it to dissolve, then fill the rest of the cup, being careful not to drink the thick sediment at the bottom. It's meant to be sipped slowly, enjoyed over conversation.
Key difference from Turkish coffee: While very similar, in Bosnian coffee, the water is typically boiled first before adding the coffee grounds. In Turkish coffee, the coffee grounds and water (and often sugar) are added to cold water and brought to a boil together. Bosnian coffee also emphasizes the kajmak foam more.
Modern Espresso-Based Drinks (widely available in urban areas):
As with most of Europe, modern cafes in cities like Sarajevo, Mostar, and Banja Luka offer a full range of international coffee preparations.
Espresso: A strong, concentrated shot of coffee.
Doppio: A double shot of espresso.
Americano: Espresso diluted with hot water.
Cappuccino: Espresso with steamed milk and a significant layer of frothed milk foam.
Latte (Kafa sa mlijekom / Latte): Espresso with a larger proportion of steamed milk and a thin layer of foam.
Macchiato: Espresso "marked" with a small amount of steamed milk or foam.
Mocha: Espresso, chocolate syrup, and steamed milk, often topped with whipped cream.
Filter Coffee: Less common than espresso or Bosnian coffee, but can be found in some specialty coffee shops.
Iced Coffee: Various preparations involving coffee served over ice, often with milk or syrup.
Other Coffee Options:
Bela Kafa / White Coffee (Bijela kafa): This is a traditional term for coffee with milk, often made with hot, sweetened milk added to a small amount of Bosnian or instant coffee. It's a milder, creamier option, sometimes given to children as a treat.
Ingredients: Prepared Bosnian coffee (or instant coffee), hot sweetened milk (often full-fat cow's milk).
Preparation: A small amount of coffee is put into a cup, and then topped off with hot, sweet milk.
Instant Coffee: While less revered than Bosnian coffee, instant coffee remains popular for quick consumption, especially at home or in less traditional settings. You'll simply get a cup of instant coffee powder to which you add hot water, often with milk and sugar to taste.
Ordering Tips:
"Kafa" or "Kahva": Both words are commonly used for coffee. If you specify "bosanska kafa," you're asking for the traditional preparation.
"Molim vas": "Please" (formal).
"Sa mlijekom": "With milk."
"Bez šećera": "Without sugar."
"Jedna kafa, molim vas": "One coffee, please."
No matter how you order it, coffee in Bosnia and Herzegovina is deeply ingrained in the culture, so take your time, enjoy the atmosphere, and savor the experience.
*The content in this document was generated using artificial intelligence, drawing from various online sources, and subsequently refined for accuracy and conciseness in 2025. Users are advised to consult multiple sources to corroborate information and should not rely solely on this document for comprehensive research.