Bosnian coffee has been a part of the culture in Bosnia and Herzegovina since the 17th century and has been a vital part of the locals’ lifestyle. Characterized by finely ground, dark roasted coffee brewed in a small pot, Bosnian coffee has unique traits that make it stand out from any other type of coffee. Besides being a morning ritual for many Bosnians and Herzegovinians, coffee is also an important part of celebrations and has even been featured in the country’s flag for centuries. For visitors to the country, learning how to drink Bosnian coffee is a great way to connect with the local culture.
Some of the most popular blends for Bosnian coffee are a combination of Arabica and Robusta beans, which gives the coffee a unique flavor and depth. This combination is then roasted very darkly and ground to a very fine texture. To make a pot of Bosnian coffee, all you need is ground coffee, water, and a metal filter called a džezva. Boil the water, put the fine grounds in the džezva, allowing the water to drip through the grounds and get filtered by the džezva.
It is important to use mineral water to prepare the coffee because tap water is often full of impurities which can interfere with the flavor. Additionally, the coffee should not be boiled for too long as this will lead to burning the grounds, resulting in a bitter taste. As the coffee is steeping in the džezva, you will notice a thick, golden foam forming on top. One of the most important steps is to carefully spoon the foam into each cup and then pour the coffee. This guarantees that all cups have equal amounts of foam on top.
Bosnian coffee is usually served in small, dainty cups and it is traditionally drunk without any cream or sugar. Head of Public Relations at the National Tourism Board of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ervin Redžepagić, states that: “Drinking Bosnian coffee is an excellent way to truly experience the culture, and even a few moments spent drinking coffee with someone from Bosnia or Herzegovina will give you a glimpse into the everyday life of an average citizen.” However, for those who are not used to the strong taste, the coffee can be slightly bitter.
Since Bosnian coffee is less bitter and has a unique flavor, it is possible to add a little bit of sugar, cream, or spices to make it more palatable. Some people like to add spices like clove, nutmeg, or cinnamon, while others enjoy it more with some milk or cream. Regardless of how you prefer your coffee, it is important to remember to mix it carefully so that the foam on top is not disturbed.
When drinking Bosnian coffee, slow down and take your time to fully enjoy the experience. Jovana Vasiljević, a writer from Sarajevo, says: “In the digital world where everything moves so quickly and many daily conversations are held via texts or calls, taking a few moments to simply sit and make and drink Bosnian coffee can be a great way to reconnect with yourself and the people around you.” When sipping on your coffee, appreciate the history and culture behind it, and pay attention to the wisdom, flavors, and aromas that Bosnian coffee has to offer.
Bosnian Coffee Brewed With Milk
Bosnia and Herzegovina is famous not only for the dark and strong variety of coffee, but also for its lighter and creamier version called Bosanska kafa. It is prepared with the same blend of beans as regular Bosnian coffee, however, milk is added as an additional ingredient. This creates a much more mild and creamy taste that some find more enjoyable.
When brewing Bosnian coffee with milk, what is typically done is to heat up the milk first and then add the finely ground beans. This is a more difficult process and requires more skill and experience to get the taste just right. Once the milk and coffee mixture has boiled and thick foam has formed, the liquid is filtered through a džezva and is ready to be served.
What makes Bosnian coffee with milk stand out is its smooth and creamy taste combined with delicate notes of caramel, chocolate, and nuts. Aficionados of this beverage claim that it can be as miraculous as an espresso for aromas and textures, and its lightness makes it the perfect choice for any time during the day. Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose milk with a higher fat content for richer, creamier flavors.
Bosnian Coffee Paired With Dessert
Though Bosnian coffee can often be a bit too strong for people who are not used to traditional coffee, one way to make it more enjoyable is to pair it with a generous serving of desserts. A vast array of traditional desserts, such as baklava, kadaif, or various variations of sweet pastries known as pite are perfect accompaniments for Bosnian coffee.
Many restaurants and cafés in Bosnia and Herzegovina offer a great selection of desserts, but one of the most iconic ones is kadaif. This renowned pastry consists of fine, crisp layers of noodles topped with a sweet syrup and nuts. Its high sweetness helps to balance out the bitterness and overall strength of the coffee, which makes the combination even more delicious.
Another popular dessert in the region is baklava, made from filo pastry, chopped nuts and sweet syrup or honey. It is often served with a scoop of ice cream, which helps to cool down the coffee and make it even more pleasant. However, no matter which dessert you choose, the ultimate goal should be to savor the coffee and enjoy its intense notes and flavors.
Bosnian Coffee Served in Different Celebrations
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, drinking coffee has strong social and cultural connotations. Often, coffee is prepared to mark special occasions and holidays, or to show respect or hospitality. Whenever a guest arrives, Bosnian coffee is almost always the first thing to be served, as it is seen as a token of appreciation and warm welcome. Some of the most significant events that the coffee is enjoyed on include baptisms, birthdays, weddings, divorces and funerals.
During Ramadan, for example, people traditionally break their fast with Bosnian coffee and dates. After drinking the coffee, all guests are expected to take three to five sugar cubes from the overflowing sugar granules that surround the pot of coffee. Additionally, during the Muslim festive Hidžrellez, families and friends gather to drink Bosnian coffee and exchange their wishes in an effort to celebrate the holiday.
Holidays and special occasions aside, Bosnian coffee is also a regular part of everyday life. It is often enjoyed with friends, neighbors and acquaintances as a way to bond and get together. There is even an old saying in Bosnia and Herzegovina: “Coffee is to the soul like water is to the body”, illustrating just how important it is for the locals.
Health Benefits of Bosnian Coffee
One of the most underrated benefits of drinking Bosnian coffee is its potential health-promoting effect. Studies have found that a regular cup of this type of coffee can help improve cognitive performance, reduce inflammation, and boost the immune system. According to Bosnian healthcare experts, the benefits from Bosnian coffee come from antioxidants that occur naturally in the roasting process.
Since this coffee is made with finely ground beans and heated for an extended period of time, the beans generate a great deal of antioxidants, which can increase overall health and well-being. Additionally, the caffeine content found in Bosnian coffee can also boost mental clarity, improve focus and alertness, and reduce fatigue.
It has been suggested that drinking Bosnian coffee is far better than another type of coffee because it is rich in flavor and yet still lowers cholesterol, reinforces the heart, and prevents certain types of malignancy. Furthermore, the thick foam that forms at the top of the džezva helps to reduce the amount of caffeine in a cup of Bosnian coffee, making it less acidic and milder on the stomach.
How to Buy Bosnian Coffee
Though it may be easier to just buy pre-ground Bosnian coffee, nothing can compare to the flavor and complexity of freshly ground beans. It is best to buy Arabica and Robusta blends and make sure that they have been freshly roasted. The local stores in Bosnia often sell specialty beans and the best thing you can do is to ask the store owners which beans they suggest.
For those who cannot visit Bosnia and Herzegovina, there are many online stores that ship the beans all around the world. After deciding which blend you want, make sure to store the beans in an airtight container for up to six months for maximum freshness. The aforementioned rule about using mineral water for steeping still applies, so make sure to get yourself a bottle of mineral water.
Making Bosnian Coffee At Home
The best way to experience Bosnian coffee is to make it at home. Doing so will give you the opportunity to explore the tradition and experiment with different flavors and spices. If you have a džezva, you can recreate the truly authentic experience, but you can also substitute it with a French press or regular coffee pot. All you need to do is add cold mineral water, pre-ground coffee, and heat it up on medium heat.
Once seconds before the coffee boils, take it off the heat and keep stirring it until the mixture thickens. Use a spoon to get rid of the ground beans at the bottom of the pot and add the foam to each cup. Put the džezva back to the heat and let it rest for a few seconds until all the coffee is poured into the cups. Once you are done, enjoy the unique flavor of an old tradition and savor the moment.
