Dumplings - The Sweet Treat That Won Over Americans in the City on the Vrbas

Apricot, poppy seed, pistachio, chocolate, cheese, fruit fillings… As many as 14 different varieties are offered at the Banja Luka dessert spot “Gotiva Knedle,” where Nutella-filled dumplings rank among the most popular choices.

A group of visitors from Vermont, USA, who recently spent time in Banja Luka, were particularly impressed by this version of the dessert, as well as by the welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff. After returning home, they enthusiastically shared their experiences from the local establishment across social media.

“Besides our fellow citizens from Banja Luka, we welcome tourists from all over the world. They are delighted by the flavors, the service, and the pleasant ambiance,” Jana Uzelac from the Gotiva team told HEDONIST magazine.

The biggest challenge is deciding what to order. Should it be Mascarpone Loves Blueberry, Strawberry & White Chocolate, Choco Orange, Cheesecake Dumpling, or Winter Magic?

“We offer 24 sweet dumplings: plum, Nutella, nougat, poppy seed, strawberry, walnut, Kinder, praline, raspberry, and two savory varieties filled with chicken and cured meat. We also serve two gluten-free options and five flavors of ice-cream dumplings that you won’t find anywhere before Vienna,” explains the dumpling master with a smile.

Jana adds that truly good dumplings are made by hand, using only premium ingredients, while the toppings and colors used must be entirely natural.

The exact origin of the dumpling remains uncertain. Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Hungary all lay claim to it. What is certain is that this boiled potato dessert filled with plums became firmly rooted in the culinary traditions of the Balkans more than a century ago.

It is also well known that dumplings were served at the imperial court in Vienna. One of the most famous sayings attributed to Emperor Ferdinand was: “I am the Emperor, and I want dumplings.”

We may not be emperors, but we are perhaps luckier than Ferdinand. Thanks to a little imagination and the culinary creativity of people like Jana, the past few years have shown us that dumplings do not have to be filled only with plums—and that this humble dessert can be enjoyed in an astonishing variety of flavors.

• Written by: Jasna Mijatović / HEDONIST
• Originally published in HEDONIST Magazine Issue 04, 2021