From Ginger to Coconut, Bye Sugar to Super Donkey, Rock&Raw to YumYum, Serbia’s brunch cafes and vegan hotspots have tasteful names to match their delicious food.
In today’s post, I’ll be sharing a few of my favourite places to enjoy brunch, lunch, dinner and dessert, if you prefer vegan, gluten-free and sugar-free dishes. I was extremely impressed with the healthy eating scene in Belgrade and that they cater to a variety of diets. I actually found it easier to find such dishes than in London or the rest of the UK.
Being a European country with firm traditional and religious roots, do note that most cafes are not open on Sundays or have reduced opening hours. Make sure to check this before showing up at the door…. Unless you want to be disappointed that you can’t get your avocado fix on a Sunday.
BEMATA
Recommended for: “I’m Vegan but my friend is a hardcore carnivore” – the Best of Both Worlds
Location: Vračar
Review: The creamy avocado mixture is soft and fluffy. 2 poached eggs rest on top, and once cut, flood the dish with a bright orange paradise. Bemata use gluten-free buckwheat bread – it’s satisfying yet light, and will not leave you feeling bloated! A sprinkling of nuts adds an extra kick, and compliments the refreshing tomato.
DJUMBIR (“GINGER”)
Recommended for: Gluten-free, raw, organic paradise
Location: Near The Fountain
Review: A wholesome cafe, Djumbir reminds me of Cambridge’s Stem & Glory! Light blue-turquoise accents complement the light wooden floor and exposed brick wall. The hanging greenery, palm tree and potted plants create a relaxing atmosphere. Candles, rose quartz stones & cushions add to the cosy vibe. I really recommend the tofu salad for dinner. They also have sweet smoothies and wraps if you’re feeling something more filling! Check out their detox program too.
CAO SECERU (“BYE SUGAR!”)
Recommended for: Delicious vegan, added sugar-free & gluten-free desserts
Location: Dorćol
Review: The Kuglice (energy balls) are the best I’ve had! They’re soft and fresh, and you can sense that Ćao Šećeru use high quality, fresh ingredients and add a touch of love in every dish. These energy balls are certainly more fresh and juicer than standard ones you buy in the supermarket and other cafes (believe me, I have tried many!).
My bestie Aleks recommends the raspberry pancakes – gluten-free, added-sugar-free yet oh so delicious. Check out their insta to see the yummy eye candy.
ROCK&RAW
Recommended for: Vegan desserts in the Vračar area
Location: Vračar
Review: Rock and Roll, Rock & Raw. This raw vegan food rocks! Yummy energy balls which will satisfy your sugar cravings. I opted for the cacao, hazelnut and berry ball – the chocolate and fruit twist was delightful! They also have a large matcha ball which I can’t wait to try next time. Grab a sweet treat after exploring the opulent Saint Sava Church.
HOUSEWIFE DETOX
Recommended for: Wellness heaven
Location: Uzun Mirkova (what I like to call Belgrade’s Bond Street area)
Review: A wellness paradise moments away from the student’s park and designer shopping street, Housewife Detox brings a welcome wellness hub to Belgrade. The space gives me LA vibes, and is reminiscent of London’s Glow Bar. Housewife Detox also have a refreshing juice cleanse which I can’t wait to try.
FIT BAR
Recommended for: Healthy dishes with macros clearly highlighted
Location: Near Trg Nikola Pašića
Review: Fit Bar is a healthy hotspot for gym lovers and macro-addicts. They clearly highlight the calories, carbs, fats and protein for each dish on the menu. A large number of the fit deserts are vegan and veggie! It’s a great place for a nutritious dinner.
Insta review:
PROTE.IN
Recommended for: Healthy, balanced dishes
Location: Francuska
Review: Prote.in is Belgrade’s first “zdrave hrane” (healthy eating) restaurant, founded in 2015. You can be sure to have a healthy, balanced lunch or dinner which is as equally as tasty
GARDEN JUICE BAR
Recommended for: Cold pressed juices & smoothies
Location: Palilula
Review: Fresh, cold pressed juices to start your days with a spring in your step. Cold pressing fruits means that more nutrients and antioxidants are preserved – the drink is usually x2 the concentration than supermarket juices! know sometimes celery drinks can takes bitter and excessively strong BUT Garden Juice’s drink is not overpowering, and has a pleasant kick.
JAZZA YOGA
Recommended for: Sweet smoothies
Location: Near St Mark’s Church
Review: Move over berry bliss, there’s a new kid on the block. Jazzayoga’s Frappe Fredo. Psycle has competition. Ok, jokes aside, we all know the Berry Bliss will be my all time favourite smoothie. But, I think this Frappe Fredo has chipped second place. Espresso shot. Dates. Two of my favourite “droods.” If anyone knows the correct collective word for “food and drink”, please enlighten me in the comments and expand my limited vocabulary. If not, please help me campaign to get rid in the British dictionary.
So, there you have it! A round up of some of my favourite vegan/ gluten-free cafes in Serbia’s capital. Let me know if you try them & which is your fave. If you have any other recommendations, let me know in the comments below.
Lots of love, Jo xoxo
