Western Serbia » Zapadna Srbija | 97 Gastronomyworth remembering One of Western Serbia’s main characteristics is its rich and varied cuisine. Almost every town has at least one unique dish representing its main gastronomic feature. Thus, Čačak can boast of having the best meat roasters in Serbia, while you also shouldn’t miss its boiled cabbage – a speciality that has earned its own annual event in the nearby village of Mrčajevci. The Valjevo area can boast of being home to one of the entire country’s most recognisable specialties: duvan čvarci [tobacco crackling, so named because this type of pork crackling resembles cut tobacco]. The Duvan Čvaraka Festival is held every year beside the river Kolubara and represents another great gastronomic holiday. One thing for which the town of Užice is renowned far and wide is undoubtedly the speciality known as komplet lepinja. The recipe is quite simple: flatbread bun, kajmak milk curd, egg and meat dripping – unforgettable! And Sjenica cheese will become an obligatory ingredient for all lovers of fullfat, full-flavoured cheeses. Made by hand in mountain households, it is produced in thin slices that are stacked on top of each other… one of our country’s top natural wonders. Zlatar also provides an opportunity to get to know the tradition of this area, particularly during the summer months. Zlatar Fest is held in July and includes the presenting of products made by the “golden hands of Zlatar”, the proper thick and chunky soup that is Zlatarska čorba and fun with a folklore programme, while August is the month of the great Village Olympics…The area of Golo Brdo [Naked Hill] at the top of Zlatar provides a wonderful view, and one must while you’re here is definitely Zlatar Lake, which has a surreal turquoise, green colour and resembles some exotic location when seen in person. It formed in the 1960s following the constructionof a damthat blocked the river Uvac near the settlement of Kokin Brod and is today the third largest dam in Serbia, after those in Đerdap and Perućac. This lake is largely navigable and exploring it by rowing boat is a unique experience. A favourite daytrip destination for young people from nearby towns, this lake offers salvation from the summer heat on its pontoon beach and in its clear water. Divčibare The Valjevo Mountains represent a highland area with huge tourist potential, while Divčibare is the most famous area in those mountains. Located near Valjevo, thisrangehidesstunningscenesthat remaininsufficiently explored. Exciting canyons, waterfalls that impress durFoto: Vesna Lalić Foto: Vladislav Mitić
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