Explore Macedonia Cuisine

Many travelers who visit Macedonia are aware of the rich history and natural beauty of the region. However, almost all are pleasantly surprised by the wonderful food and wine that Macedonia has to offer.

Macedonia’s historical past has also meant a great tradition of wonderful culinary delights much appreciated and borrowed through out the region. Its fertile soil has supported civilization after civilization, each one improving on the culinary tradition of the previous one. Even to this day, Macedonia remains at the heart of the Balkans, in terms of agricultural production. It can still produce amazing varieties of foodstuff right from grains and rice, mountain teas and tobacco to grapes, citrus fruits and rich hazelnuts. Some of these foodstuffs are native to the Central European and Mediterranean climates and hence highly treasured.

Of course, the typical Macedonian menu also contains many meat items. The region is known for its chicken, pork, lamb and beef in addition to a whole range of specialty game. Freshwater fish is highly in demand in Macedonia with its many lakes providing ample fish. The most prized among the fish is the very famous Lake Ohrid Trout, which even locals travel from far to catch and eat.

Like most Mediterranean countries, Macedonia has a great love for all dairy products and its cheeses are particularly famous. Some of these are a kind of soft white cheese known locally as sirenje, which is somewhat similar to the Greek feta cheese and a yellow cheese called kashkaval, similar to the Italian locatello romano. Equally well known is the locally made yogurt. Every Macedonian village has a unique variety of milk, yogurt and cheese for you to try and savor.

Some of the most famous wines in this region come from Macedonia, which is famous for its vineyards. These vineyards grow some pretty high quality grapes like the classic Cabernet Sauvignon or the mellow Merlot.  As you go around the place, you will find small specialty wineries that produce both red and white wines. These wines are today being compared with the very best in the market like French or Italian wines. Other than fine wine, Macedonia is well known for a kind of fiery brandy called rakija, enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

Macedonian cuisine is a wonderful mixture of both Balkan and Mediterranean cuisine. Some dishes like the most famous baklava or taratur (cucumber mixed with sour yogurt) are typical examples of Balkan cuisine enjoyed immensely in Macedonia. Similarly, kebobs, a prime example of Turkish influence can be found almost everywhere in the country along with moussaka (this dish includes minced meat, potatoes and aubergines, all baked in layers). A dish of beans in a skillet, called gravce tavce is revered as the national dish along with the trout from Lake Ohrid.  In fact, for the locals, this is no less special than oysters, caviar or truffles.

With such a unique blend of tastes, flavors and traditions, Macedonia’s cuisine is definitely another attraction to look forward to while visiting the region.