It all began at family BBQs, where stories flowed as freely as Rakija and every plate was made with love. My ajvar quickly became everyone’s favorite, and that’s when The Spicy Balkan was born.
But this is more than just a food company, it’s a love letter to my roots and a way back to myself. Every jar is a tribute to Balkan traditions, made the way our families have done it for generations: by hand, with patience, and with real ingredients you can feel good about.
Growing up, I watched the women who raised me cook with all the fire and passion they carried inside. They taught me that food isn’t just about flavor, it’s about spirit. Bold, humble, and unapologetically spicy. Cooking became my creative outlet, and no matter what was in the fridge, I could always turn it into a hearty, soulful meal. Today, it’s what grounds me and reminds me who I am.
The Spicy Balkan is a tribute to those remarkable women, whose spirit and spicy attitude live on in every bite. We love to love, and when we love, we love hard. That’s our secret ingredient, the one we’re proud to share from our family to yours.
Some of my fondest memories come from summers with my Djedo in Bosna. Bike rides through the selo, learning to drive stick through the cornfields, late nights by the bazen. I remember at age 11 feeling like this is the life I wanted to live, and I did. I wasn’t born there, but my roots ran deep. It felt like home, a place where I could escape the noise and just live.
My sister, Djedo and I.
Ujna and Ujkos house, where my Djedo was born, and my second home.
Early 2000s in my happy place
So here I am today, pouring that same energy into one of the most tedious Balkan dishes there is (my Tetka swears I’m crazy). But ajvar is more than a recipe, it’s a reflection of my life. Not everything will be easy, but if you push through the tough spots, the results are sweeter than ever. I've learned to trust the process, trust myself and just start.
