Hi! I’m Milena Jovanović.
I’m 35 years old, and I come from Belgrade, Serbia, where food has always been at the center of life. Some of my fondest memories are of long family gatherings that stretched from noon into the night, with the grill smoking, laughter echoing through the yard, and tables overflowing with ajvar, bread still warm from the oven, and platters of ćevapi passed around like treasures. In Serbia, food is never just food—it is hospitality, pride, and a way of showing love without needing words.
I started cooking seriously in my twenties, first under the guidance of my mother and grandmother, then later in professional kitchens in Novi Sad and abroad. Those years taught me discipline and technique, but also reminded me never to lose the soul of a dish. A pot of beans cooked slowly with smoked meat, or a simple salad of tomatoes with sirene cheese, can hold as much magic as a fine-dining plate if it’s made with care.
I love cooking for everyone—from beginners who are just learning to slice an onion without fear, to passionate foodies eager to explore bold Balkan flavors, to chefs who want to experiment and swap ideas. I believe mistakes belong in the kitchen too; I’ve burned bread, overseasoned stews, and even dropped a whole tray of baklava once—but those stories keep me humble and make me laugh. Cooking should bring joy, not pressure.
What defines me as a chef is balance: between tradition and innovation, comfort and surprise. I carry Serbia in everything I make—the smoky, peppery, hearty flavors of home—but I also play with influences from the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and beyond. For me, food is a bridge: a way to invite people in, to share a little piece of where I come from, and to discover something new together.
At the end of the day, my philosophy is simple: cook with generosity, share with love, and never leave the table without raising a glass.