Last updated on August 16, 2010 by Shannon
I winced as I took my first sip of the jet-black Bosnian coffee—it was certainly not your average American brew! My couchsurfing hosts in Sarajevo, Furkan and his roommates Anida and Sidak, decided that I couldn’t leave Sarajevo without stopping in the Turkish quarter for a traditional Bosnian coffee complete with Turkish Delight.
They were wonderful hosts and took me throughout the city in search of vegetarian Bosnian food, they pointed out the points of interest and the highlights of the small and cute city, but I think it was the traditional setting of coffee that excited Sidak most in showing us around.
After that first wince from the thick unsweetened coffee, Sidak got a kick out of watching me attempt to sip the battery acid—I mean coffee—from a delicate little cup and then through a sugar cube I was biting between my teeth (a traditional way to drink it).
After dribbling more than a bit down my chin Sidak gave me a reprieve and suggested I bite a bit off and let it melt in my mouth as I sip the coffee—much easier and less stressful to boot!
Traveling Bosnia ranks as one of my favorite experiences in my world travels, and it’s the culmination of so many memorable moments and new friends.
Quick Travel Tips for Sarajevo, Bosnia
Sightseeing Sarajevo: Bosnia The cobblestoned streets of the Turkish area are a delightful a maze of small shops and fun knick-knacks—full of tiny coffee shops and hole-in-the-wall food vendors.
Hiking: Ask locals for a path and head to the hills surrounding the outside of the city.
Foods: The Burek: cheese, meat, or spinach and served with a tart plain yogurt—perfect for lunch!
I loved Sarajevo, it was definitely the nicest city in Bosnia. Walking along the cobble stoned streets were such a picturesque experience!
I also found the people much different in Sarajevo compared to other places in Bosnia, very friendly!
I didn't actually make it out of Sarajevo when I was in Bosnia, I went to
Mostar and enjoyed that! Agree though that it's a great little friendly
city that so many people skip still because it's not precisely on the
tourist path! :-)
I love Turkish and Arabic coffees and I can drink them as long as they're sweet! Of course, I'm buzzing around all day as a result but I enjoy the rich coffee taste :)
They really are tasty…now that I have been traveling more* *I am getting
much more of a taste for the strong brews…but I don't do sugar, so that's
why it's a bit much sometimes!
Yum!!! Now I want some coffee hahaha.
Every time I look at the post I start jonesin' too! mmmm :-)
It's interesting to try all the manifestations of coffee around the world. Ever tried authentic vietnamese coffee? Whoa! On the other hand, that typical lunch plate sounds just about right for my lunch right now!
I haven't tried Vietnamese coffee yet but I'll add it to my list! I'm
actually getting much better about not wincing at foreign coffee because
outside of the US it is so strong! :-)
Coffee..) One more reason to visit Saraevo)
Would definitely be worth the trip :-)
Great info! I head to Sarajevo on Thursday! We'll to compare notes! :)
Yay!! I just loved the city to pieces, if you're on Couch Surfing see if you
can meet up with Furkan for coffee…I think he's still in the city and one
of only 5 ppl in Sarajevo on CSing :-) Have fun and can't wait to hear
your stories!
This story reminds me of staying in Armenia where they would call their coffee “Oriental Coffee” because they didn't want to give any credit to the Turks (aka, enemies). Although, usually the Armenians would add sugar into the cooking process so you didn't have to suck the coffee through a sugar cube. Would love to visit Bosnia one day.
I found Bosnia a really special country – the mixed sentiments because of
the fairly recent troubles make for a lot of hugely different opinions
depending who you talk to…I was told to just steer clear of too
discussions about Croat/Serbian/Turkish/Bosnian relations, for the same
reasons the Armenians call it Oriental coffee. I think adding sugar at the
start would certainly make it a bit easier :-)