Sahmat Burger is potentially not only the best smash burger in the country, but in the world! There. I said it! This post is not an authentic dish from Bosnia, but it’s about the star chef behind the dish/restaurant: a Bosnian. In this post we’ll talk a little about the chef behind Sahmat, a little about Sahmat itself and also our experience. We’ll deal with all the hate I received online too regarding posting about a burger while being in such a wonderfully gastronomic country like Bosnia.
The Zlatan of the culinary world
The purpose of this post is two: to highlight a successful Bosnian and to bring my audience a good burger option. I know my audience and I know a lot of halal foodies aren’t very adventurous with their food (are they even foodies then?). They stick to particular things even when travelling to food rich countries and one of those things are burgers. So, that ticks that box. However, the main reason for this post is the chef. He is authentically Bosnian and he is a reason Bosnians should have pride. His name is Edin Džemat and he is regarded as one of the best chefs in the world. He’s known as the Zlatan (i.e. Ibrahimovic the footballer) of the culinary world. This might be due to the fact that he was one of those who left Bosnia and went to Sweden (Zlatan is Swedish by nationality, but I think he has some Bosnian roots too) and it was there where he initially flourished.
Sahmat Burger
Edin’s venture in Bosnia is @sahmatburger – a smash burger joint and fascinatingly considered the very first smash burger in the Balkans. Sahmat, pronounced “Shah-mat” means check mate (as in chess). I’m not sure about the reason for this name, but I can definitely see it taking out all of its competition (more on that below). They have a number of branches in Sarajevo and the one we visited happened to be in the old town, so very accessible. But this particular branch didn’t have any proper seats, there were some stand up “seating”, but even then only a few. So, essentially it is a takeaway spot. I don’t know if all the branches are like this or not? Do NOT miss this if you love burgers!
A follower (or hater) asked on Instagram, why would one of the best chefs in the world do smash burgers? I guess he hasn’t heard of Gordon Ramsay’s burgers… anyway, there’s nothing wrong with smash burgers. The quality of each of the ingredients is top tier and it is a unique and modern product and concept for the country as mentioned before, there weren’t any smash burger places before this one. This will attract the younger crowd and the it is the perfect quick on the go food.
Our experience
We ordered the truffle burger upon the recommendation of the server and boy were we impressed. This was one of the best smash burgers we’ve had! The menu is in Bosnian, but the server is more than happy to help you translating. The burger on its own costs 12.5 KM, which is quite expensive for Bosnia and for a burger, but you are getting quality here. Imagine going to Turkey to try Nusr-et or Czn Burak, you’re going to expect to spend a lot of money. But here you will guaranteed get top quality food in return and it isn’t just a gimmick.
Why post about burgers in Bosnia?
I got a lot of comments mentioning this point. Some were very offended and angry (true to balkan style). Firstly, I want to highlight and bring to attention to any newcomer, that my page is full of authentic dishes from all over the world and that includes Bosnia. I am a big believer of trying the local food when traveling. I love it and for me it is the best part of traveling. So, to be accused of not trying local food is just showing me your ignorance. Grow up, read, and calm down. Secondly, this post is highlighting an authentic part of the Bosnian cuisine and that is the chef. He is such a star in the culinary world, but I bet many don’t even know of him. Unfortunately.
Getting there
Google Maps link
