What is ćevapi?

Ćevapi (pronounced chevapi) is a popular dish in the Balkans, particularly in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. It is a grilled dish made from minced beef or lamb, mixed with spices and formed into sausage-shaped portions. The meat is traditionally served in a pita bread called lepinja, along with onions, kajmak (a type of cheese spread), and ajvar (a roasted red pepper spread).

Ćevapi are usually cooked over a charcoal grill, giving them a distinct smoky flavor. They are often eaten as a fast food meal or as a snack, and are considered a staple of Balkan cuisine. In some regions, people also eat ćevapi with sides like French fries or mixed vegetables.

There are variations of ćevapi across the Balkans, including ćevapčići (smaller sausage portions), ćevapčići sa sirom (ćevapi with cheese), and vešalica (grilled pork neck). The dish has become increasingly popular around the world, with many Balkan restaurants and food trucks now serving it in various countries.