THE BLACK QUEEN'S MENU: A LEGEND THAT DELIGHTS TOURISTS' PALATES AND HEARTS

Blackthorn liqueur, black cheese, buckwheat pancake and fritters, followed by hunter's stew and schnitzels paired with homemade black beer, and a cake with blackthorn jam and juice lovingly prepared—all make up the “Black Queen’s” menu that has captivated even the most discerning palates of foreign visitors coming to Ribnik from all over the world.

PHOTO: Glas Srpske

The legend of the Black Queen, passed down through generations in this region, inspired numerous tourism ventures in Ribnik. The latest, combining tourism and gastronomy through the “Black Queen’s” menu, earned them the award for the most innovative move in tourism this year.

Tourist Organization Director Svetlana Elez told Glas Srpske that all these delicacies are available for tasting at the "Simetić" rural household.

“The goal was to create a menu that includes local producers. For instance, women from the 'Vrbljani' association make the liqueurs, the 'Sladojević' farm produces the black cheese and buckwheat pancake, while the main dishes—hunter’s stew and schnitzels—are prepared by the Simetić family. The craft brewery 'Varcar' from Mrkonjić Grad brews the black beer using blackthorn from the Sana Canyon,” explained Elez.

She added that the story of the Black Queen gained new life with the establishment of a trail to the "Okomoljak" viewpoint, offering a unique view of the Sana River Canyon and featuring a photo frame for visitors to create their own postcards.

“We wanted to showcase the natural beauty and tourist attractions of our region, which ultimately led to the creation of this unique menu,” said Elez.

Tourists in Ribnik also have the chance to see where these products are made and learn about traditional crafts such as wool spinning and knitting.

“What tourists seek, besides good food, is a memorable experience, and that’s something we can definitely offer,” Elez noted.

The head of the "Simetić" household, Slavka Simetić, told Glas Srpske that many foreign visitors have enjoyed the delicacies served at their homestead.

“We’ve had guests from Italy, Germany, Serbia, and Croatia, and all were impressed by the ‘Black Queen’s’ menu. Once they try it, they always come back,” Simetić said.

According to legend, the famous Black Queen ruled this region during the Middle Ages. Although no written records exist, tales suggest she resided on Mačkića Kamen in Sitnica before retreating to the Prizrenac fortress during an attack. Betrayed by her own, she collapsed a hill and fled to the Okomoljak viewpoint, where she was last seen. One version of the legend says she shod her horse backward to escape, while another claims she turned into a black snake, hiding treasure sealed with magic in a stone vat. Legend has it that if a pure-hearted young man finds her on Đurđevdan (St. George’s Day) and allows her to kiss him, she will turn back into a stunning beauty and give him her heart and her treasure.

Ribnik’s locals vow that the story of the Black Queen will continue to grow through new attractions and experiences.

AWARD

The Tourist Organization of Ribnik Municipality received the award for the most innovative tourism move, presented by the business portal Indikator in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“Ribnik is globally known for fly fishing, but what we lack are attractions that appeal to non-anglers. This menu is helping us achieve that. Of course, the recognition means a lot to us,” said Svetlana Elez.