Ćevapčići Facts for Kids

Ćevapčići (say "chev-AP-chee-chee") or Ćevapi (say "chev-AP-ee") are a super popular dish from the Balkans. They are like small, skinless sausages made from minced meat. You can find them in many countries that used to be part of Yugoslavia, like Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and North Macedonia. They are also popular in places like the Czech Republic and parts of Italy.

Ćevapčići are usually served on a plate or inside a special flatbread called lepinja or somun. People often add chopped onions, sour cream, a creamy dairy product called kajmak, or a red pepper spread called ajvar. Sometimes, cottage cheese or other sauces are also served with them.

Macedonian Ćevapčići served with bread.

Where Do Ćevapčići Come From?
Different Kinds of Ćevapčići
What Does the Name Mean?
Images for kids
See also

Where Do Ćevapčići Come From?

Ćevapčići originally came from the Balkans, a region in Southeast Europe. They are especially famous in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Over time, this tasty dish spread to many nearby countries.

The traditional way to cook ćevapčići is on a grill over hot coals. This gives them a special smoky flavor.

Different Kinds of Ćevapčići

There are many different ways to make and serve ćevapčići depending on where you are.

Albanian Qebapa

In Albania, Qebapa (say "keb-AH-pah") are often made from equal parts of beef and pork. The meat is minced, seasoned, and then grilled. They are usually served on a plate with french fries and fresh minced onions. People often add sour cream and other spices. You can also get them in a thin bun called lepinja, which is similar to Turkish pita bread.

Bosnian Ćevapi

Bosnia and Herzegovina is very famous for its ćevapi. The ones from the Baščaršija district in Sarajevo and from Banja Luka are some of the most well-known.

Sarajevo and Travnik Ćevapi: These are often made from two types of minced beef. The meat is mixed by hand and shaped using a funnel. They are then grilled until perfectly cooked.
Banja Luka Ćevapi: These are special because they are usually served as multiple rolls (often four) joined together.

Macedonian Ḱebapi

In North Macedonia, ḱebapi (say "kye-BAH-pee") are made from both pork and beef. A typical serving has about 5 to 10 pieces. They are usually served with white bread, minced red pepper, salt, and onions.

Other Places

In Romania, a similar dish is called Mititei.
In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, čevapčiči is commonly served with mustard, raw onions, and potatoes.

What Does the Name Mean?

The word ćevapčići comes from the Arabic word kebab. The ending -čići is a special part added in Slavic languages to mean "small" or "little." So, ćevapčići basically means "little kebabs."