Based on readers' contributions
Imagine a scene in a restaurant in Serbia where a Chinese tourist blurts out when he gets the bill after enjoying the perfect delicious food, "What are you kidding?"
What kind of cultural experience is this that makes a traveler from afar react at checkout?
Is there a special tradition of dining in Serbia that we don't know about? Let's uncover the story behind it at the beginning and find out.
Serbia, a country located in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula, is known for its rich history, magnificent natural beauty, and the hospitality of its people.
From the winding Danube River to the historic Belgrade Castle, from the mystical Tara National Park to the colourful traditional folklore, the country is a place full of charm with both ancient cultural heritage and modern vibrancy.
Serbia's history dates back to the time of the Roman Empire, and it has been a meeting place of many cultures for centuries.
The people here are known for their hospitality, and tourists are often invited by locals to family gatherings or traditional celebrations in the village to experience the real Serbian culture.
In addition to its unique history and culture, Serbia's natural beauty is also amazing.
From the plains of the north to the mountains of the south and east, Serbia offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and skiing that cater to all kinds of tourists.
In such a multicultural country, where both nature and history are equally important, food is naturally a highlight.
Serbia's food culture is heavily influenced by its history and location, and the cuisine here is both traditional from the Balkans and with Eastern European and Mediterranean flavors.
Starting with a hearty breakfast and ending with a traditional dinner at the end of the day, every meal is an adventure for the taste buds.
Lao Zhang has always had a strong interest in Serbia, not only because of its long history and beautiful natural scenery, but also because he has always been eager to experience a country's culture and food in depth.
Serbia was a special stop on his trip to Europe, and he was curious about everything here.
One day in Belgrade, Lao Zhang walked into a famous restaurant recommended by locals. Located in the heart of the city, this restaurant has a modest exterior but a warm atmosphere and laughter on the inside.
The walls are adorned with traditional Serbian ornaments and historical photographs, giving you a sense of culture as soon as you step inside.
Lao Zhang ordered a few dishes that seemed strange and tempting: the traditional Serbian meat roll "Chevce", the fragrant "Karamegus" feta cheese, and a plate of colorful "Ayevar" chili sauce.
Each dish is a new attempt, and every bite surprises him.
Lao Zhang was particularly impressed by the taste of "Chevze", a unique fragrance that he had never tasted, mixed with the deliciousness of the meat and the pungency of the spices, which he couldn't help but praise again and again.
During the meal, Lao Zhang also tried the traditional Serbian drink - Lakia. This fruit-fermented spirit, with its intense yet surprisingly smooth flavour, became an integral part of the dining experience.
Lao Zhang and the waiter at the restaurant communicated in simple English, and although some words were not easy to understand, the laughter and friendly gestures between them crossed the language barrier, making the dining experience more warm and memorable.
When the meal was over and Lao Zhang was ready to check out, the waiter showed him the bill while saying in fluent English: "You can pay according to your satisfaction." ”
Lao Zhang was a little confused for a while, not sure if he understood the waiter's meaning correctly.
It was the first time he had encountered the so-called "pay as you go" method, a concept he had never heard of in his travel experiences.
At first, Lao Zhang felt a little uncomfortable, he was used to clear prices and fixed payment methods. He hesitated for a moment, then asked the waiter if this was a traditional Serbian custom.
The waiter smiled and explained that while this is not a regular practice nationwide, it is used in some restaurants, especially those that value guest experience and satisfaction, to reinforce the customer's subjective experience and evaluation of the service.
Lao Zhang's doubts gradually turned into appreciation. He believes that this approach shows to some extent the importance that Serbs place on trust and respect.
Deciding to respect this cultural practice, Lao Zhang, based on his satisfaction, generously paid the bill and left an extra tip to show his appreciation for the food and service provided by the restaurant.
This experience was a cultural revelation for Lao Zhang, who once again realized that the true value of travel is not only to see the scenery and taste the food, but also to experience and understand different cultural customs.
He went from initial amazement and discomfort to a deep understanding and respect for Serbian culture, a process that in itself was the culmination of an unforgettable trip.
During Lao Zhang's trip to Serbia, he was most impressed not only by the beautiful scenery and delicious food, but also by the warm moments of interacting with the locals and the cultural values he learned through these experiences.
In this unique experience, Lao Zhang not only saw the warmth and trust of the Serbian people towards their guests, but also deeply appreciated the most precious part of travel – that is, understanding and respecting different ways of life across cultural boundaries.
This experience made Lao Zhang realize that the real travel is not only a physical movement, but also a spiritual journey. It teaches us how to accept and respect cultures and customs that are different from ours.
Lao Zhang's story reminds us that keeping an open mind and having the courage to explore the unknown is the key to gaining new horizons and new understandings.
As Lao Zhang's trip to Serbia came to an end, he not only brought back a lot of memories and wonderful experiences, but more importantly, he brought back a new perspective and a deep understanding of different cultures.
His story tells us that every trip is a spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of the world.
"Dining in Serbia, I finally made an international joke!" Lao Zhang's words are full of lightness and humor, but also deeply hidden respect and appreciation for cultural diversity.
Through Lao Zhang's eyes, we see a different Serbia, a place full of passion, trust and cultural depth.
This trip is not just a simple departure and return, it is a profound spiritual journey that allows people to deeply appreciate the power of culture and the true meaning of travel in endless memories.