Sarajevo | the five best places to drink Bosnian coffee
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When strolling through the quaint Ottoman quarter of Sarajevo, one cannot help but be drawn to the plethora of charming coffee bars. I indulged in hours of leisure in various locales, trying all the diverse offerings of 'Bosanska kafa'.
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, coffee is served in a džezva, a small copper coffee pan capable of holding about three cups. It is presented on a beautifully adorned tray alongside an empty cup (fildžan), a glass of water, a bowl of sugar cubes, and a Bosnian sweet called rahat lokum — an absolute must-try while in the area! For those seeking the crème de la crème, we believe we’ve uncovered the top five hotspots in Sarajevo, each surpassing perfection.
1. TEAHOUSE DŽIRLO
Kovači 6 | Our initial discovery, thanks to Instagram, was Džirlo. Although primarily a tea house, this spot also offers a delightful cup of Bosnian coffee. The friendly owner, passionate about teas, happily shares insights on the best way to savor the coffee. Don’t miss trying salep! This Eastern coffee house became our favorite in Sarajevo, highly recommended.
If curious about the preparation method, our preferred approach involves scooping a layer of foam from the džezva, pouring a full cup, and re-adding the foam layer. For sugar lovers, a unique method is suggested—take a bite from the lump, letting it melt under your tongue as you sip your coffee.
2. MINISTRY OF ĆEJF
Kovači 26 | Moving along the same charming street as Džirlo, we found Ministry of Ćejf. Here, we spent a delightful afternoon with coffee and Uno! Owned by Reshad Strik, an Australian actor exploring his father’s homeland, the cafe offers not only Bosnian coffee but also delicious lattes. Despite a water pressure hiccup during our visit preventing us from trying the latter, the carrot cake and salep compensated for it.
3. BOSANSKA KAFANA INDEX
Kazandžiluk 31 | Topping our list for interior aesthetics, this coffee house captivated us with its vibrant cushions. Situated at the end of a quaint shopping street, ‘Index’ provides a comfortable setting both inside and outside. For coffee enthusiasts, the added bonus is the opportunity to purchase your own coffee set to take home—something we couldn’t resist!
4. ŽUTA TABIJA
Jekovac | Despite a climb up a picturesque hill, the view from Žuta Tabija (Yellow Fortress) justifies the effort. Boasting one of the most stunning panoramas of Sarajevo and the valley, the spot is consistently busy, especially during sunset. Arrive early to secure a prime spot, enjoy Bosnian coffee or another non-alcoholic beverage, and relish the experience.
5. BAKLAVA SHOP SARAJEVO
Bravadžiluk 16 | Craving baklava? Look no further. While this shop also offers džezva full of delicious coffee, its claim to fame is the extensive selection of baklava, including walnut, pistachios, Nutella, almonds, and coconut—something to satisfy every palate. Let the indulgence begin!
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Chapter Fernweh
by Kiki & Jazzie
We are Kiki & Jazzie – travel content creators based in the Netherlands. On our website and social channels, we share our European adventures, insights, and discoveries. From immersive travel guides and breathtaking photography to personal reflections and captivating video content.
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I LOVE your pics, every time!! 😍😍 what camera do you girls use! 😍😍😍
Looks so cozy and relaxing! The photos really captured the chill vacation vibe. 😊
This space is beyond beautiful - I love unique stays like this!
Wonderful suggestions! I love Bruges and can’t wait to explore Brussels on my next trip.
It sounds amazing! A quaint getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.
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Sarajevo | the five best places to drink Bosnian coffee
When strolling through the quaint Ottoman quarter of Sarajevo, one cannot help but be drawn to the plethora of charming coffee bars. I indulged
9 Responses
These sound so good and I’ve never heard of alternative Baklava flavours. Thanks for sharing.
I like the coffee cups at Žuta Tabija Another cool place I drank coffee at in Sarajevo is Divan Saraj.
I love exploring coffee shops, especially when the coffee is prepared using techniques that I’m not accustomed to.
I love exploring coffee shops, especially when the coffee is prepared using techniques that I’m not accustomed to.
I’d have to pick ŽUTA TABIJA for the views. Is there a time of day when it is less crowded?
We’ve been a few times and it was crowded all the time.. but still a very nice spot!
How cute are all of these, especially #3?! Adding them to the list of places to visit for sure
Amazing photography 😍
Your pictures are so beautiful and captivating! Would love to visit every single place of the Ottoman quarter in Sarajevo! Especially since I drink my coffee the Turkish way at home (ever since I tried it for the first time)