Bosnian food and culture

Certain things you don't have to look up to know, you learn them growing up, watching TV, and flipping through the papers while in a waiting room. Things like fast food industry in United States, rice terraces in China and that sushi is a Japanese dish. With globalization a certain dish or food is no longer constrained to a place it originated from. But as I’ve never lived (or been) in either of those countries, I should stick to a culture and food I know and love: Bosnian food. Food plays an important role in our lives, whether it’s going to visit your grandmother (who refuses to believe you’re not hungry, and insists you eat just one bite more) or celebrating a holiday with your family eating sarma (minced meat rolled in cabbage), burek (a type of meat pie) and baklava (sweet, really sweet pastry with walnuts). And if it’s not a religious holiday there may be some home-made rakija (an alcoholic beverage), most common one is slivovitsa (made of plum). In cooking as well as in architecture you can see the influence of both the East and West. The common traditional dishes are different types of stew; they are not spicy and are cooked slowly on low temperatures. It fills a home with a nice aroma and helps keep the laid-back atmosphere, giving you time to enjoy a cup of Bosnian coffee. Food and drinks, especially coffee have an important part in social gatherings, and it is expected to serve coffee and cake or pie to your guests. Bosnia is a place where you show your respect to your host by removing your shoes before entering their house and by bringing a small gift as a token of gratitude for being invited. About 40% of population is Muslim and the end of Ramadan (month of fasting) is celebrated with a large family meal. Similarly, Christians celebrate Christmas surrounded with family and on Easter eat intricately decorated eggs. Looking at customs and food in Bosnia and Herzegovina you can see just how little difference there is between Bosniaks, Serbs and Croats.