We Montenegrins take immense pride in the unique flavors of our cuisine and the delicate craftsmanship that goes into our traditional artisanal works. When you visit CUE Podgorica you’re becoming a part of our vibrant tapestry, where our traditional fare and crafts interweave to form an authentic Montenegrin experience. Allow us to take you on a journey that goes beyond the usual tourist trails, into the flavors of our cuisine, the warmth of our woolen crafts and the artistry of our woodwork. These are the tastes, textures, and tales that have echoed through our homes and hearts for generations and are a key part of our renowned The Living Room. This guide shares some of those cherished local treasures. 

Your exploration of Montenegro must begin with the signature delicacies of the quaint village of Njeguši: Njeguški Prosciutto and Cheese. These two traditional delicacies showcase Montenegro’s rich culinary heritage. 

The star of this iconic duo is Njeguški Prosciutto, a dry-cured ham similar to Italian prosciutto but enhanced by a unique Montenegrin flair. This ham is prepared using a blend of sea salt and the region’s distinctive air, fostering its unique flavor during the curing process. A cornerstone of Montenegrin cuisine, this delicacy is a testament to Njeguši’s age-old food traditions and is guaranteed to leave you asking for seconds. 

Accompanying Njeguški Prosciutto is the equally loved Cheese of Njeguši. This traditional semi-hard cheese, made from local cow’s or sheep’s milk, enjoys a favored status among the multitude of Montenegrin cheeses. Its flavor perfectly complements the refined taste of Njeguški Prosciutto. 

Both these culinary masterpieces, often enjoyed together, encapsulate the Montenegrin way of life and the locals’ deep respect for quality and tradition. When in Montenegro, do as the Montenegrins do – savor the exquisite pairing of Njeguški Prosciutto and Cheese. 

These natural delights are sure to leave a lasting impression on you, offering an authentic taste of Montenegro’s unique flora. 

Montenegro’s honey, known for its exceptional quality and sweetness, is a gastronomic gem in its own right. The country’s diverse ecosystem of rich flora lends a unique depth and complexity to its honey, with each variety having its distinctive taste and health benefits. 

Different types of honey offer various health benefits. Acacia honey, with its pleasant and comforting scent, is especially effective for insomnia and calming an overactive nervous system. Pair it with chamomile tea, and you’ll amplify the beneficial effects of both the tea and the honey, helping to alleviate stress. 

Sage honey, with its distinct scent, is excellent for colds and diseases accompanied by a dry cough.  

Meadow honey, with its rich and pleasant taste, is particularly recommended for people with pollen allergies. Regular consumption can help prepare the body for the spring, when the air is full of pollen. 

Adding a twist to this honeyed goodness are the nuts in honey. This delightful combination of sweetness and crunch creates a treat that is as healthy as it is delicious. Offering an exquisite balance of flavors, the nuts in honey make for an excellent souvenir or gift. They serve as a palatable reminder of your trip, offering a small taste of Montenegro wherever you are. 

So, when in Montenegro, make sure to indulge in the various kinds of honey and their unique benefits.  

Montenegro is a paradise for olive growers, boasting an abundance of olive groves that yield some of the finest olive oils in the Balkan region.  

To fully appreciate Montenegro’s liquid gold, purchasing it directly from a local producer is highly recommended. Although the annual production is not vast, the domestic Montenegrin market offers an impressive array of quality olive oils that improve year by year. This high-quality olive oil is also sold to tourists at very reasonable prices, as an authentic local food product. 

But the olive oil culture of Montenegro isn’t solely about production and consumption. It also weaves itself into the vibrant tapestry of tourism, through initiatives such as organized tours of thousand-year-old olive groves, olive oil tasting events, and even relaxation among the olive trees. As a visitor, you can bask in the glory of these ancient trees—some over a thousand years old, some even older than two thousand years—that still bear the fruit for this exquisite oil. 

The Montenegrin olive oil stands out for its excellent quality earning medals in New York and Croatia. The olive trees thrive on pristine, unpolluted soil, surrounded by pure coastal air, ensuring a high-quality yield. This exceptional oil, coupled with the compelling narrative of the ancient trees, adds a captivating dimension to the overall experience. 

Montenegrin olive oil shows to tourists an insight to the country’s history, its dedication to tradition, and its respect for the land. 

Your Montenegrin culinary adventure is incomplete without trying its world-renowned wines. Winemaking has been deeply rooted in Montenegro’s history, and the variety of its wines mirrors the country’s rich and varied topography. The country’s vineyards are located in different regions, each with its unique climate and soil conditions. Local wines are a true delight for wine lovers and a popular choice to take home.  Also, don’t forget to sample Rakija, a fruit-fermented brandy. This potent spirit is available in many places, but true homemade Rakija offers an unmatched taste experience. 

Veering away from the gastronomical delights of Montenegro, the fifth entry on our list presents a feast for the eyes in the form of local artisanal crafts. Montenegro’s rich cultural and natural heritage is embodied in its handcrafted items, ranging from seashell art, exquisite woodcrafts, to cozy woolen products. Each piece tells a story of the land’s abundant resources and the local artisans’ unparalleled craftsmanship. 

Seashell art in Montenegro shows the country’s intimate connection with the Adriatic Sea. Using the delicate beauty of seashells, local artisans create stunning pieces that capture the spirit of the Montenegrin coast. From intricate seashell mosaics to unique jewelry, these coastal creations make for exquisite keepsakes that evoke memories of the serene Montenegrin seaside. 

Montenegro’s woodcraft tradition is equally compelling. Artisans skillfully transform humble pieces of wood into remarkable works of art that serve as both functional items and decorative pieces. The range of wood crafts includes carved clocks, ornate shelves, and other wooden furniture. Each piece reveals the Montenegrin reverence for nature, transformed into objects of beauty and utility.  

Last but not least, Montenegro’s woolen products offer warmth and comfort with a touch of traditional charm. These include handmade woolen socks, crafted with time-honored techniques and designed with traditional patterns that tell tales of Montenegro’s past. Apart from being practical for Montenegro’s cooler months, these woolen creations serve as a cozy memento of your visit. 

Seashells, wood crafts, and woolen products are not just souvenirs; they are tangible narratives of Montenegro’s vibrant culture and rich natural bounty. So, as you enjoy the country’s food and drink, don’t forget to explore the local crafts. They offer an equally delightful and authentic taste of Montenegrin life. 

The treasures of Montenegro are manifold, and your journey here will be an engagement with the nation’s soul, woven with narratives of its past, and imprinted with the flavors, textures, and tales that are unique to it. So, remember to savor, experience, and bring back a piece of Montenegro with you, be it in the form of taste, or artisanal craft, each holding a piece of this land’s story.