Pljeskavica is the Serbian burger-patty, a flat grilled disc of minced pork and beef the diameter of the lepinja bread it sits in. Topped with kajmak, raw onion and ajvar.

Pljeskavica codified in 20th-century Yugoslavia as the Serbian alternative to Bosnian cevapi: same Ottoman-grilled-meat lineage but pressed into a disc. The Leskovacka pljeskavica from southern Serbia is the canonical regional anchor. The Belgrade Burger Festival at Kalemegdan matches the contemporary version each May.

Where to eat Pljeskavica in Belgrade

4 editor picks for Pljeskavica in Belgrade, ranked by editorial score. All Belgrade signature dishes · Pljeskavica across every city.

Book food experiences in Belgrade

See all 686 food experiences in Belgrade

Make it at home

Serves 41 hrEasy

Ingredients

  • 500g minced pork shoulder (20% fat)
  • 300g minced beef chuck
  • 1 medium white onion, finely grated
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 4 lepinja flatbreads
  • 150g kajmak
  • Ajvar for serving

Method

  1. Combine pork, beef, grated onion, garlic, baking soda, salt and paprika in a bowl. Mix by hand for 5 minutes.
  2. Rest the mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes.
  3. Heat a charcoal grill or heavy cast-iron pan to high heat.
  4. Divide the mince into 4 equal portions and press each into a disc the diameter of the lepinja bread.
  5. Grill 3 to 4 minutes per side; the centre should be just cooked, with crusted edges.
  6. Warm the lepinja on the grill, split open and spread with kajmak.
  7. Place the pljeskavica inside, top with raw onion and ajvar. Serve immediately.

Editor tip. Grate the onion (don't chop) so the liquid melts into the mince; this is what separates a pljeskavica from a hamburger.

Common allergens: Gluten.