What Pljeskavica means
- In Serbian: Пљескавица
- Pronounced: plyes-KA-vee-tsa
- Category: Food & drink
Pljeskavica is a big, thin, charcoal-grilled patty of minced meat, related to ćevapi but formed into a single round rather than small sausages. It is one of the staples of Serbian grill cooking and a direct counterpart to the hamburger, though the meat, spicing and toppings make it distinctly Balkan.
It is commonly served either in a soft bun or flatbread as a hand-held meal, or on a plate with side dishes. Toppings and styles vary: a popular version is the gurmanska or "gourmet" pljeskavica stuffed with cheese and kajmak, and it is usually finished with onion, ajvar, kajmak or urnebes (a spicy cheese spread).
Like ćevapi, pljeskavica is inexpensive and widely available, from late-night grill kiosks to sit-down restaurants. Trying both is a good way to understand the heart of everyday Belgrade eating.
Common questions about Pljeskavica
Is pljeskavica the same as a burger?
It's the closest Serbian equivalent — a grilled minced-meat patty in bread — but it is typically larger and thinner than a Western burger, more heavily seasoned, charcoal-grilled, and dressed with Balkan toppings like kajmak, ajvar and raw onion rather than ketchup and lettuce.
What is a gurmanska pljeskavica?
A gurmanska ("gourmet") pljeskavica is a richer version in which the patty is stuffed or layered with cheese and kajmak, making it juicier and more indulgent than the plain version.
