No one is surprised to find Serbian culture in Serbia. But what is surprising is the diversity of other cultures that can be found when you start looking for it. For a long time, Asian food options in Serbia were subpar compared to other European capitals, with almost no authentic options. But in recent years, more Japanese food and culture can be found in Belgrade and elsewhere in Serbia.

Japanese Restaurants and Cafes

Wagokoro, Belgrade

Wagokoro is the clear winner for the "best mochi in Serbia" (and probably in all of the Balkans). They have an excellent cafe in lower Dorcol.

Bom, Belgrade

Bom is a Japanese and Korean restaurant with a cozy interior. The owners are a Japanese and Korean couple. You can watch a conversation with one of the owners talking about his experience in Serbia. That video is probably the first time you will see someone from Japan speaking Serbian!

Bad Ramen and Bad Sushi, Belgrade

Bad Sushi quickly got a reputation for having some of the best sushi in the city, and later Bad Ramen was opened by the same owners. Don't be fooled by the name, the food is great.

Tokio Sushi, Novi Sad

Novi Sad may be smaller than Belgrade, but restaurant options abound. Tokio Sushi is a convenient and high-quality sushi spot downtown.

Tea Shops

Although rarer and more expensive than Chinese teas, you can find quality Japanese teas at some tea houses in Serbia. In Belgrade, t element has a range of teas, from high quality matcha to more accessible genmaicha. In Novi Sad, Seal&Tea is the best tea shop for Japanese teas. Both tea shops also offer Go boards.

Honorable Mentions

Youran Tea House, Belgrade

If you're ready for a treat, try the matcha tiramisu.

Punch Ramen, Belgrade

This place just opened in late 2025, but the reviews are already looking good.

Tsunami

There is a tsunami of new Japanese food spots opening in Belgrade! This restaurant offers some authentic Japanese dishes that are less common in other spots.

Culture

Ayaki Ceramics

Did you know Belgrade has a ceramics expert specializing in matcha bowls? Check out the active instagram for Ayaki Ceramics or see some of the pieces for sale on their website. A visit to the studio is possible one day per month; send a message on their Instagram account to learn more.

Wagashi

Exquisite. Delicious. Works of art. Any of these could be used to describe the wagashi that Bimi offers. There is no shop to visit, but you can send a message on instagram to place your order.

Jevremovac Botanical Garden

The botanical gardens in Belgrade have a Japanese garden section. Unfortunately, the photogenic bridge has been closed for the past year, so it's not in a particularly polished state, but the bridge and koi pond are a unique offering in Serbia.

Rinku, Japanese culture club

Yes, Belgrade even has a Japanese culture club that has regular events. You can find their upcoming events on their instagram.