The kitchen – the heart of the home and a place where people gather

People in Serbia still choose home cooking and shared meals with household members, reveals new IKEA research

Cooking is about more than simply preparing a meal: food brings people together, sparks conversation, and often “makes” them stay at the table just a little longer than planned. That is precisely why, in households across Serbia, nearly one-third of respondents say they always make sure to set an extra place at the table for a guest. These insights are part of an IKEA survey on cooking and dining, conducted among more than 32,000 respondents in 31 countries, including Serbia, offering a fresh—and sometimes unexpected—perspective on how people today cook, eat, and spend time together in the heart of the home: the kitchen.

When people feel good in their kitchen, they cook more, gather more, and share more

As many as 77% of people in Serbia have lunch with their household members every day, and more than half use that time to talk about daily events, the news, and everything that has happened in the meantime. Unlike global habits, where every fifth person eats on the sofa, in Serbia, most people still sit at the dining table—only one in ten eats on the sofa. According to the IKEA research, seven out of ten people eat at the table, while nearly one third reserve it for special occasions such as birthdays and celebrations. All of this confirms that shared meals and small rituals around the dining table remain an important part of everyday life in Serbian homes—a place where stories are exchanged and relationships are nurtured.

For nearly half of the citizens in Serbia, cooking is a true pleasure

Although dinner in Serbia lasts an average of just 22 minutes—shorter than in most other countries—food preparation habits remain an essential part of the daily routine. Nearly half of the respondents cook regularly, on average five days a week, with most meals prepared during weekdays. When choosing between food delivery and home cooking, a homemade meal still has the advantage for the majority of citizens.

In Serbian homes, pots, frying pans, and ovens are the most commonly used tools. According to the IKEA survey, cooking is often done “by feel,” using fresh ingredients and trusted spices, without strictly following recipes. And that is part of its charm — more than 40% of respondents believe in their culinary skills.

When it comes to deciding what to eat, there is one thing most people agree on: taste is key. The majority of respondents (70%) prioritise flavour over simplicity and speed of preparation, healthier options, or budget considerations.

Speaking of taste, nearly half of the respondents find the greatest satisfaction in dishes they remember from childhood. Still, nostalgia does not exclude curiosity — 41% of citizens enjoy trying new recipes at home. And when it comes to sweets, almost half of the respondents in Serbia admit they have a sweet tooth.

Smart solutions to everyday kitchen challenges

In terms of kitchen design and practicality, respondents agree that they lack more space in their daily cooking routines—larger work surfaces (27%), more storage space (25%), and greater square footage (24%). However, 29% of people in Serbia say they are satisfied with their kitchen regardless of its size. These findings confirm that a good kitchen today does not have to be large, but rather equipped with functional, affordable, and tailored home solutions — regardless of space or budget.

Less waste, more mindful shopping

Nearly 50% of citizens shop for groceries several times a week, while more than half do their major shopping in supermarkets. At the same time, awareness of responsible food consumption is growing: 39% of respondents shop using a pre-prepared list, 65% always choose seasonal products, and 48% pay attention to food waste.

These insights from the IKEA survey show that kitchen-related decisions are increasingly made with the intention of shopping thoughtfully, using food before it expires, and reducing waste. With a focus on affordability and the real needs of households, IKEA continuously develops solutions that support sustainable habits in the kitchen—from reducing water and energy consumption to making meal planning easier, improving organisation, and enhancing food storage.

The Cooking and Dining Report shares stories about everyday habits, small rituals, and moments that bring people together around food and shared time at home.

For more than 80 years, IKEA has been dedicated to understanding life at home. That is why its mission is to make cooking and dining at home simpler, more joyful, more sustainable, and more accessible to as many people as possible — regardless of budget, space, or lifestyle.