Macedonian cuisine

Macedonian cuisine (is the traditional cuisine of North Macedonia. It is influenced by Ottoman and Balkan cuisines. The relatively warm climate of the country provides excellent growth conditions for a variety of vegetables, herbs and fruits. Macedonian cuisine is also noted for the diversity and quality of its dairy products, wines, and local alcoholic beverages, such as rakija. Tavče gravče and mastika are considered the national dish and drink of North Macedonia.
Foods
Tavče gravče
Turli tava
Ǵomleze, culinary speciality in the Ohrid and Struga region, different from the Turkish gozleme
Ajvar, roasted red pepper spread; can be mild or hot
Kebapchinja
Šopska salad
Polneti piperki, stuffed bell peppers; usually filled with rice or rice with meat
Embroidered peppers, threaded peppers served fresh, dry or as a spice
Ohrid trout, an endemic species of trout in Lake Ohrid
Pita (pastry)
Burek
Malidžano, an eggplant spread
Musaka
Makalo
Pindžur, a spicy vegetable relish
Popara
Pastrmalija
Šarplaninski ovčji, or kaškaval (hard sheep's milk cheese from the Šar Mountains (Šar planina in Macedonian))
Bieno Siren̂e, a cheese originating from the Mariovo region that shares similarities with the more commonly known halloumi
Urda cheese
Širden and kukurek
Sarma
Kisela zelka and rasolnica (sour cabbage)
Mekici (also known as tiganici or pishii), fried lumps of dough
Čorba od kopriva (creamy nettle soup)
Kompir mandžа (a potato-and-meat stew)
Pleskavica (also šarska and ajdučka)
Kačamak (also known as bakrdan)
Zelnik
Selsko meso, roast beef, pork and lamb with mushrooms, white wine and yellow cheese on top, usually cooked in a clay pot
Tarator
Jufki, Macedonian pasta
Prženi lepčin̂a, slices of bread covered in beaten egg, then fried
Desserts
Kadaif
Med
Tulumba
Palačinki (Palatschinke)
Kompot
Lokum
Baklava
Slatko
Sutlijaš
Alva
Drinks
Coffee
North Macedonia has a well-developed coffee culture, and Turkish coffee is by far the most popular coffee beverage. With over 5,000 establishments, the traditional Balkan coffeehouse and bar—the kafeana—is one of the most common places to go out and have a drink. However, because of the negative stereotypes surrounding the kafana, many younger people prefer to frequent the more Western-styled cafés which are also seen as being classier.
From the days of the Ottoman Empire through to the present, coffee has played an important role in the lifestyle and culture of the region. The serving and consumption of coffee has had a profound effect on betrothal and gender customs, political and social interaction, prayer, and hospitality customs. Although many of the rituals are not prevalent in today's society, coffee has remained an integral part of Macedonian culture.
Other coffee beverages such as lattes, cafe mochas and cappuccinos are becoming increasingly popular with the opening of more upmarket cafés. Professionals and businesspeople have contributed to the popularity of instant coffee (especially frappé).
Alcohol
Wine
Stanušina Crna
Vranec
Traminec
Alexandria
Smederevka
Traditionally, white wine would be consumed in the summer, and red wine, in winter.
Mastika
Rakija
Beer
Skopsko
Krali Marko
Zlaten Dab
Gorsko
Bitolsko
Kenbach
Makedonsko
Starogradsko
Boza, a drink made from millet, traditionally sold by ethnic Albanian vendors.
Non-alcoholic
Mountain tea
Salep
Yoghurt (Kefir)
Mineral water
Gorska Voda
Pelisterka
Pela Rosa
Ilina
Kožuvčanka
Ladna
See also
European cuisine
Cuisine of the Mediterranean
Eastern European cuisine
Cincinnati chili
References
Balkan cuisine