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Top 20 European Relish

Last updated on May 31, 2026

Best European Relish

01

Mr Vikki's

4.8 ·
Mr Vikki's is an award-winning producer of artisan hot sauces. The company specializes in creating small-batch, hand-crafted condiments using fresh, natural ingredients. Their product line includes a variety of chutneys, pickles, and sauces. Mr Vikki's is known for its unique flavor combinations that blend heat with a range of spices. They have garnered multiple awards for their products at various food competitions.
Awards
Great Taste Awards - 3 Stars (2024, 2023, 2022, 2021)
Great Taste Awards - 2 Stars (2024, 2023, 2022)
02

MAMA's

4.8 ·
MAMA’S is a Macedonian producer specializing in ajvar, pickled vegetables, and spreads made according to traditional recipes, with a strong focus on using freshly harvested, locally grown produce to preserve natural flavor and freshness. The brand is built on the idea of “homemade in a jar”, relying on regional varieties of peppers, eggplant, and cucumbers, without additives, artificial colors, or preservatives. Their range includes several types of ajvar - mild, hot, roasted, and green - as well as roasted peppers in salsa, baby pickles, vegetable spreads, and a small line of sweet pumpkin- and cocoa-based creams. Production combines hand-cut vegetables, open-fire roasting, and modern filling techniques, resulting in authentic yet consistent quality. MAMA’S is also recognized for its packaging, which blends traditional Balkan identity with a clean, contemporary design, making the products appealing on international markets. The emphasis on natural ingredients, transparency, and a clear “homemade” character positions the brand as a strong example of how traditional Balkan food can be modernized without losing its essence.
03

Burma Star Foods

4.8 ·
Burma Star Foods Ltd is a company based in England that specializes in producing spice blends and seasonings. The company focuses on creating authentic Burmese flavors and provides a variety of products aimed at replicating traditional Burmese cuisine. They source high-quality ingredients to ensure their spice mixtures maintain authenticity and flavor integrity.
Awards
Great Taste Awards - 3 Stars (2022)
Great Taste Awards - 2 Stars (2022)
04

Bakina Tajna

4.7 ·
Bakina Tajna is a Serbian food brand established in 2003 within the company Foodland, focused on producing ajvar, vegetable spreads, sauces, jams, and other products inspired by traditional homemade preserves. The portfolio includes mild and hot ajvar, eggplant-based variations, pindjur, ljutenica, as well as fruit jams and sweet preserves, based on simple recipes featuring roasted red peppers, sunflower oil, vinegar, and salt, without artificial preservatives. The products are gluten-free and intended for everyday use as spreads, side dishes, or additions to cooked meals. The brand is positioned in the premium preserves segment, emphasizing carefully selected raw materials and controlled production processes that maintain the natural flavor of vegetables and fruit. In 2015, Foodland and the Bakina Tajna brand were acquired by Atlantic Grupa, one of the leading food companies in the region. Today, Bakina Tajna operates within Atlantic Grupa while maintaining its identity rooted in traditional recipes combined with modern quality standards and distribution across domestic and international markets.
05

Folláin

4.7 ·
Folláin is a family-run producer dedicated to creating natural jams, marmalades, chutneys, and relishes using traditional recipes. The name, meaning “health” or “wholesome” in Irish, reflects the brand’s core philosophy—simple ingredients, carefully prepared in small batches, with no artificial additives. All fruits are slow-cooked in open pans to preserve their full flavor and authenticity. Their range also includes no-added-sugar options, made entirely from fruit. Known for their quality and honest approach, Folláin has earned numerous awards and a loyal following. Staying true to their roots, they continue to blend tradition, clean ingredients, and modern values to deliver great taste and healthier choices.
Awards
Great Taste Awards - 3 Stars (2023)
Great Taste Awards - 2 Stars (2023, 2013)
06

Vitaminka

4.5 ·
Vitaminka is a food processing company based in Banja Luka, founded in 1947, with a long-standing tradition in fruit and vegetable processing. Over the decades, it has built a recognizable position in the segment of traditional pantry products, relying on carefully selected raw materials and controlled production processes. Its portfolio includes jams, marmalades, fruit preserves, juices, and nectars, as well as vegetable-based products such as ajvar, salads, and other pasteurized specialties. Production is focused on preserving the natural flavor and nutritional value of ingredients while applying modern technological standards and strict quality control. The company continuously invests in upgrading its facilities to ensure product safety and consistency. Its products are intended for everyday consumption and are widely distributed across Bosnia and Herzegovina and the regional market. Long-term experience has enabled a balance between traditional recipes and industrial efficiency. The brand is positioned as a reliable producer of classic food staples that form part of the domestic table. Through continuity and recognizable recipes, Vitaminka maintains a stable presence within the regional food industry.
07

Halopenos

4.5 ·
Awards
Great Taste Awards - 3 Stars (2024)
Great Taste Awards - 2 Stars (2024)
08

Calder's Kitchen

4.5 ·
Calder's Kitchen is a company based in Darlington that specializes in making homemade-style chutneys. The business was founded in 2015 by Andrew Calder and his partner, Anne-Marie, inspired by a family recipe for traditional Piccalilli. Calder's Kitchen products are made using locally sourced ingredients where possible and do not contain artificial preservatives or additives. Their offerings include a variety of chutneys such as traditional Piccalilli, Chilli Piccalilli, and Sillylilli, aimed at providing flavor-enhancing accompaniments to various dishes.
Awards
Great Taste Awards - 2 Stars (2024, 2022)
09

Northumbrian Pantry

4.5 ·
Northumbrian Pantry specializes in producing artisan preserves, chutneys, and sauces. The company uses traditional methods and locally sourced ingredients to create its products. Established by Ailsa and David Dilks, Northumbrian Pantry emphasizes sustainability in its production processes.
Awards
Great Taste Awards - 2 Stars (2024, 2023, 2021)
10

Chilli of the Valley

4.5 ·
Chilli of the Valley is a chutney and hot sauce producer based in Cardiff, Wales. They specialize in crafting a variety of chili-based products, including chutneys, sauces, and jams. The brand is known for using locally sourced ingredients and offering products with varying heat levels to cater to different spice preferences. They also produce small-batch, handmade items, ensuring quality and unique flavors.
Awards
Great Taste Awards - 2 Stars (2024, 2023, 2022)

Best European Relish Types

01

Ajvar

4.3 ·

This traditional peppers-and-eggplant relish is one of the most popular condiments all over the Balkans and Eastern Europe. The most prized type of ajvar is often the Macedonian one, made only with red peppers. Though its origins are often disputed, the name ajvar is said to stem from the Turkish word havyar, meaning caviar. In the past, Serbia was especially known for its production of caviar from farmed Black Sea beluga (sturgeon), and was one of the major world exporters. Later on, after facing a fall in production of real caviar, the Serbians instead supposedly started offering the so-called "red ajvar" or vegetable caviar—hence the name. Ajvar is made with red bull horn pepper, hot pepper, eggplant, and garlic; all in variable amounts, depending on personal taste. Before being mashed together into a chunky paste, the vegetables are typically roasted over a wood fire which imparts a pleasing smokiness to this sweet but tangy relish, making it the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats.

02

Lyutenitsa

4.3 ·

A jar of lutenica or lyutenitsa is one of the essential food items in almost every Bulgarian and North Macedonian household. This famous relish, which lies somewhere between a spread and a chutney, is, at its basic, made with red bull horn peppers, tomatoes, salt, sugar, pepper, and oil. Cumin is also often added. Variations do exist, and you will often find recipes that include eggplant, carrots, garlic, and even parsley and hot peppers. Lyutenitsa is traditionally consumed as a spread, accompanied by bread, crackers, or toast. It is also commonly served on the side with meat dishes, especially grilled meat and meatballs. Depending on the region and personal preference, the ingredients, thickness, and level of spiciness might slightly vary. Lyutenitsa and other similar spreads are often found across the Balkans; however, the relish has been regarded as an authentic Bulgarian product. Even though it is hard to trace when it originally appeared in the country, the mass production of this national favorite started in the 1950s. Today it can be bought in stores and is commonly served in most traditional restaurants. However, the homemade variety, prepared in late summer, when the vegetables are at their peak, is still considered the ultimate version.

03

Leskovački domaći ajvar

4.2 ·

Leskovački domaći ajvar is a traditional condiment, spread, or relish called ajvar, originating from the Leskovac area. The ajvar is produced exclusively from local red pepper varieties such as domaća kanija, kurtovska kapija, and palanačko čudo. The peppers are roasted over an open flame and they are cleaned, minced, dried, and fried slowly and by hand. The flavor is pleasant and peppery as this ajvar shouldn't contain any parts of seeds nor the dark and charred parts of skin that comes off during the roasting process. This prized relish is made in two varieties – mild and hot.

04

Pinđur

4.2 ·

Pinđur is a traditional condiment originating from the cuisine of Balkan and countries such as North Macedonia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Albania, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. It's made with a combination of roasted red bell peppers, tomatoes, eggplants, garlic, oil, and salt. Pinđur is served as a relish or spread, and it's very similar to ajvar, but the flavors of pinđur are somewhat milder. Regarding the texture, pinđur is slightly thinner than ajvar. Traditionally, this relish is prepared by mashing the ingredients in a wooden bowl.

05

Zacuscă

4 ·

Zacuscă is a Romanian vegetable spread usually consisting of roasted eggplants, red peppers, tomato paste, and onions, seasoned with salt, pepper, and bay leaves. In some cases, beans, mushrooms, or even fish will be used instead of eggplants. It is similar to other eggplant-based relishes in the Balkan area, such as ljutenica, ajvar, pinđur, or kyopolou. A well-liked home-cooked dish, it is traditionally made in large batches after the autumn harvest and kept in tightly sealed mason jars in order to be preserved for longer periods of time. However, after being opened, it should be eaten in a few days. Zacuscă is most commonly served on bread as an appetizer.

06

Kyopolou

3.9 ·

Kyopolou is a delicious vegetable spread that is most commonly associated with Bulgaria, although it is also popular in Turkey. In its simplest form, the spread is made with roasted eggplants and garlic, but it has numerous regional varieties. Some versions include roasted kapia peppers, tomatoes, onions, chili peppers, bay leaves, and parsley. In some regions, cooks like to add ground walnuts to the combination. Kyopolou is a dish that does not have a unique use: it is consumed as a spread on bread or crackers, but it can also be served as a condiment accompanying various grilled meat dishes, and in some cases, it is even consumed as a salad. The dish is usually prepared at home in late summer or autumn, stored in jars, and consumed throughout the year.

07

Malidzano

3.7 ·

Malidzano is a flavorful North Macedonian spread made with eggplants, red peppers, and flavorings such as salt, pepper, and garlic. Walnuts and crumbled white cheese are often added to the spread for extra flavor. The name malidzano is derived from the Italian word melanzane, meaning eggplant. The spread is traditionally served as an appetizer, paired with crusty bread on the side.

08

Piccalilli

3.3 ·

Piccalilli is a flavorful English relish consisting of chunks of small pickled vegetables such as cauliflower, onions, cabbage, carrots, and zucchini, combined with a rich sauce made with turmeric and mustard. Its taste is tart, pungent, and vinegary. The relish is usually served as an accompaniment to sausages, pies, cured meats, and various cheeses.

09

Bostongurka

3.2 ·

Bostongurka is a Swedish relish made with pickled gherkins, onions, red bell peppers, and spices such as mustard seeds. The relish was invented by a Swedish company named Felix, basing it on a Hungarian recipe. Originally, Bostongurka was prepared as a way to use up end pieces of leftover pickled gherkins. Nowadays, it is typically paired with various sausages, especially with falukorv – a sausage made with pork, potato starch flour, and various spices. Despite the name, Bostongurka has no connections with the city of Boston.

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About this ranking

TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 20 European Relish” list until May 31, 2026, 1,303 ratings were recorded, of which 679 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.

The initial list of top producers was compiled based on available reviews, awards, local recommendations, media and blog coverage, and consumer reviews. The list will be updated with ratings from TasteAtlas local ambassadors and TasteAtlas users.

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