Food stalls and traditional restaurants are aligned throughout the center of this trumpet capital, serving fresh food which is as rich as its culture and music. This is exactly what Guča offers—a blend of wild parties, energetic music, generous locals, stunning nature, unforgettable experiences, and, of course, mouth-watering food and drinks you'll rave about.
Serbian food is as much a part of the celebration as the music itself, with local dishes that have been passed down through generations. This is why it is important to be open to try new dishes, as the local cuisine is an integral part of the Guča experience:
Roštilj (Grilled meet)
Serbians LOVE meat and are proud of how well they can prepare it. Roštilj in Serbia is a whole new meat experience, and some of the best options are ćevapi (meat fingers), pljeskavica (Serbian burger), ražnjići (Serbian kebab), as well as variations of grilled, chicken meat. Every single restaurant in Guča and the whole Serbia will have it as a part of their menu, but do not overlook the food stalls where this is sold as a fast food option, it might taste even better (and it’s definitely cheaper!).
Pečenje (Roast pork and lamb meat)
Pečenje is the crown jewel of Serbian festivities, taking on an almost mythical status at the Guča Trumpet Festival. As brass bands blast fiery melodies through the smoky air, whole lambs and pigs rotate slowly over open flames, and the scent alone is enough to draw in revelers. Here, pečenje isn’t just food—it’s a ritual, a celebration of life, music, and the untamed spirit of Guča.
Gibanica (Cheese pie)
Gibanica is a flaky, cheese-packed pie masterpiece usually eaten as a morning cure after a night of dancing, or a snack before the night party.
Svadbarski kupus (Wedding cabbage)
No Guča visit is complete without a bubbling pot of svadbarski kupus, the slow-cooked king of Serbian gatherings. This legendary cabbage stew, packed with layers of smoked meat and spices, simmers in a giant clay pot for hours, absorbing the flavors of tradition and celebration.
Hajdučki ćevap
These rustic, hand-shaped sausages, made from a bold mix of beef, lamb, and pork, are grilled over open flames, their juices dripping onto hot coals, releasing a smoky aroma. Hajdučki ćevap is one of Guča’s culinary highlights, so beloved that it even inspired another summer festival—Hajduk Fest—where locals compete in preparing this delicious dish.
Ajvar
Ajvar is a fiery spread, made from roasted red peppers and garlic, slow-cooked to perfection. It’s slathered onto fresh bread or paired with sizzling grilled meats or gibanica, fueling the needed energy for the festival’s parties.
Kajmak & Sir
Kajmak and sir are essential appetizers and integral parts of every Serbian breakfast. Kajmak is the smooth, creamy oasis that brings balance to the festival madness. This rich, buttery dairy spread, aged to perfection, melts over warm somun bread or glistening hot ćevapi, while cheese is used as a spread over bread, crumbled into salads, or eaten straight with a shot of šljivovica.
At the festival, you will not only find endless amounts of food but also drinks that fuel the festival’s untamed spirit. Every drink at Guča has a story—one that begins with a ‘Živeli!’ and ends in a whirlwind of music, dance, and unforgettable nights, and here are the essential ones you need to try:
Rakija (Serbian Brandy)
At Guča, where the trumpets wail and the crowd moves as one, rakija is the invisible rhythm and the fuel that keeps the spirit alive. There are many flavours which you can taste: the classic šljivovica, made from ripe plums, is the boldest—strong, smoky, and the true test of a seasoned drinker. For those who like a bit of sweetness, kajsijevača (apricot rakija) offers a smooth, fruity warmth that lingers just enough to tempt another round. Dunjevača (quince rakija) balances sharpness and floral notes, while medovača, infused with honey, softens the usual fiery kick with a golden, velvety finish. However, Guča, which is famous for its raspberry production, will also offer you malinovača (raspberry rakija), and nothing can beat the homemade one which you would definitely try out with the locals at your accommodation.
Pivo (Beer)
Beer comes as the best refreshment during the summer days of the festival. Cold pivo flows freely from taps and bottles at every corner of Guča’s streets, and some of the best options are: Jelen, Lav Premium, Nikšićko, and Zaječarsko. We recommend trying each out, as Serbian beer is quite cheap, but incredibly tasty.
Sok od maline (Homemade raspberry juice)
There’s one drink that offers a refreshing, nostalgic escape at the Guča Festival—domaći sok od maline (homemade raspberry juice). Bursting with the pure, sun-ripened sweetness of Serbian raspberries which are grown in Guča, this deep red elixir is a childhood favorite that even the wildest festival-goers can’t resist. Made by slowly simmering fresh raspberries with just the right touch of sugar, it’s served chilled in tall glasses, offering a cool, fruity contrast to the smoky meats and fiery drinks.
At Guča, food and drink are more than just fuel—they are a celebration of Serbian tradition, hospitality, and pure, untamed joy. Every bite and sip carries the spirit of a people who know how to live, love, and celebrate with all their heart. As the trumpets wail and the kolo spins, one thing is certain—at Guča, you don’t just listen to the music; you taste it, drink it, and become part of it.
