World Country Guide

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Food & Drink
Cuisine varies greatly from one region to another. On the whole, the meat specialities are better than the fish dishes. National favourites include pihtije (jellied pork or duck), prsut (smoked ham), cevapcici (charcoal-grilled minced meat), raznjici (skewered meat), and sarma or japrak (vine or cabbage leaves stuffed with meat and rice). Desserts are heavy and sweet, including strukli (nuts and plums stuffed into cheese balls and then boiled), lokum (Turkish Delight) and alva (nuts crushed in honey). Table service is usual in hotel restaurants.
Wine is widely available and cheap. Ljutomer, Traminer and Riesling wines from Montenegro are the best known. Varieties include Dingac, Krstac, Postup and Vranac. The white Vugava produced in Vis is excellent. Popular national spirits are slivovica (a potent plum brandy), loza and maraskino (made of morello cherries). Bars and cafes have counter and table service. Most places serving alcohol close by 2200.

Nightlife
Cinemas stay open until 2300, restaurants until midnight and nightclubs until 0300.

Shopping
Special purchases include embroidery, lace, leatherwork, Pec filigree work, metalwork and Turkish coffee sets. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1200 and 1700-2000, Sat 0800-1500 (many shops are open all day Sat).

Special Events
The following is a selection of special events occurring in Serbia and Montenegro in 2005:
Feb 26-Mar 6 Film Festival, Belgrade. May Sterijino Pozorje Drama Festival, Novi Sadia. Jul-Aug Festival of Arts, Budva. Jul 1-4 Summer Festival, Belgrade. Jul 1-Aug 20 Theatre City Festival, Budva. Aug 19-27 Sarajevo International Film Festival.

Social Conventions
Hitherto a relatively open, informal and secure society, Serbia & Montenegro is now changing for the worse following the impact of war. Once virtually non-existent, violent crime is now relatively common in the big cities. There are some restrictions on photography. Tipping: 10 per cent is expected by hotels, restaurants and taxis.