Balkan Foods Guide: Ajvar, Kajmak & More in SC

Balkan food might be the best-kept secret on SweetCo's shelves. The cuisines of Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and their neighbors are built on roasted peppers, rich dairy, expertly cured meats, and bread at every meal. If you've never tried them, this guide will get you started — and if you grew up on them, you already know where this is going.

Ajvar: The Spread That Goes on Everything

Ajvar is a roasted red pepper and eggplant spread, and in the Balkans it's practically a food group. Mild or hot, it goes on bread, next to grilled meats, stirred into eggs, or eaten straight off the spoon when nobody's watching. If you buy one jar from this list, make it ajvar.

Kajmak: Somewhere Between Butter and Cheese

Kajmak is a rich, creamy dairy spread — imagine the best parts of butter, cream cheese, and clotted cream in one jar. Spread it on warm bread, melt it over grilled meat, or serve it alongside ajvar for the classic Balkan pairing.

Cured Meats With Real Depth

Balkan butchers take curing seriously. Look for traditional dried sausages and smoked cuts — intensely flavored, firm, and perfect for a grazing board or a sandwich on fresh bakery bread.

Cheeses, Spreads, and Pantry Staples

• Feta-style brined cheeses — salty, tangy, and essential for shopska salad
• Pindjur and lutenica — ajvar's chunkier, tomato-forward cousins
• Balkan pickles and peppers — for the table and the burek plate
• Jams, juices, and sweets — including favorites from every corner of the region

A Simple Balkan Meal to Try Tonight

1. 1Warm a fresh loaf from our bakery.
2. 2Set out ajvar, kajmak, and a plate of sliced cured meat.
3. 3Add brined cheese, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
4. 4Finish with strong coffee and something sweet.

Where to Find It All

SweetCo Euro Foods & Bakery stocks Balkan specialties at all three Upstate locations: 364 Spartanburg Hwy in Wellford, and 10471 Asheville Hwy #10 and 5545 Highway 9 Ste D in Inman. Hours: Mon–Thu & Sat 9 AM–9:30 PM, Fri 9 AM–10 PM, Sun 11 AM–9:30 PM.

Ask our staff where the ajvar is — and prepare to leave with more jars than you planned. Prijatno!