Banja Luka and Sarajevo ćevapi, Visoko dried meat, Livno cheese, and Gacko sheepskin-aged cheese are just a few officially protected products in Bosnia and Herzegovina—while many others remain unregistered.
Despite a rich gastronomic offer and top-quality dishes that delight with both aroma and flavor, this culinary wealth remains underutilized as a tourist magnet.
Marko Radić, head of the Promotion Sector at the Tourist Organization of Republika Srpska, told Nezavisne novine that food absolutely has the potential to attract tourists, but it hasn’t been adequately promoted in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“We know we have quality food. We also have strong examples like ‘Hercegovačka kuća’ and ‘Krajiška kuća,’ as well as various associations that promote the production of local food. However, we haven’t branded our destinations through food in the way Japan did with sushi or France with croissants. It’s time we start treating food as a key element in attracting tourists,” Radić said.
Food is a cultural component and an important part of a nation’s identity, traditions, and customs.
“In tourism, food is not just a meal—it’s emotion, experience, and memory. When tourists taste something new and hear the story behind it—or better yet, take part in its preparation—that becomes an unforgettable experience. That’s why we should promote food through themed tours, tastings, and excellent service, as these elements leave the strongest impression,” Radić added.
Radoš Buha from the Nevesinje Tourist Organization said that the gastronomic offer in Nevesinje is becoming increasingly prominent. This region is known for products like Nevesinje potatoes and cheese aged in sheepskin.
“People are becoming more aware. Branding the Nevesinje potato—the first officially branded product in Republika Srpska—played a major role in that. It’s served in all local restaurants and on every household table,” Buha noted, adding that the potato’s distinctive taste comes from Nevesinje’s geography, climate, and cultivation methods.
He also mentioned torotan cheese, made from full-fat cheese aged in sheepskin.
“It’s a unique product. There’s still room for growth in gastronomic tourism, especially in Nevesinje, which isn’t yet fully recognized on the tourist map,” said Buha.
Stanislava Borovac, a tourist guide from Herzegovina, told Nezavisne novine that Herzegovina is a true gastronomic paradise. Authentic products like cheese, olive oil, wine, ćupter, and many other specialties are not only part of the offer—they are a foundation of the region’s tourism.
“Tourists want to feel the spirit of a place through its flavors. Herzegovina offers more than just tasting—they can experience the process of preparing traditional dishes, whether it’s cheese-making, drying figs, baking bread under the sač, or harvesting grapes. All of these make their visit unique and unforgettable,” Borovac said.
However, she pointed out that, despite the fact that some products are already protected, there’s still room for further promotion.
“We need more joint initiatives to position Herzegovina as a gastronomic destination. By branding products and organizing tastings, food can be better integrated with tourism. Tourists don’t just want to see a destination—they want to taste it. And we have everything necessary to offer them a world-class experience,” Borovac concluded.
Source: See Srpska
