Traditional Foods to Try in North Macedonia (+ Drinks Too!)

Foods to Try in North Macedonia

Tavče Gravče

Considered Macedonia’s national dish, this hearty bean stew is prepared with a blend of spices, including paprika and mint, traditionally cooked in clay pots. The result is a creamy, slightly spicy dish that warms the soul, reflecting its Ottoman culinary heritage. 

The best place to order tavce gravce (tavche gravche) is at the Old Bazaar in the capital city of Skopje for the most affordable option (but bring cash!).

Ajvar

Made from roasted red bell peppers, eggplants, and garlic, this beloved condiment features prominently on every menu. Ajvar has a sweet, smoky, and tangy flavor, perfect as a red pepper spread or a side dish, and is a staple at Macedonian tables, especially during winter.

Sarma

Cabbage leaves rolled and stuffed with ground meat and rice, cooked in a flavorful tomato sauce. This is a standard of Balkan cuisine.

Polneti Piperki 

These stuffed peppers, filled with a savory mix of meat and rice, showcase the local agriculture. Baked until soft, they offer a harmonious blend of sweetness from the peppers and savory notes from the filling.

Burek 

A flaky pastry filled with cheese, spinach, or meat, this snack has a crispy texture and a rich taste, a culinary legacy from the Ottoman Empire, beloved for its versatility and flavor.

Arguments ensue over which flavor is the most traditional — personally, cheese was the best.

Shopska Salad 

This refreshing combination of tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and peppers, crowned with sirene cheese, a Macedonian white cheese, kept me eating veggies during my trip. This crisp, tangy salad pays homage to the region’s fresh produce and cheese-making traditions. I ate a Shopska salad every day during my week in Skopje!

Ohrid Trout 

How can a landlocked country offer fresh seafood? Sourced from Lake Ohrid, restaurants serve this local freshwater fish grilled or baked. It provides a delicate, sweet taste unique to this region, a nod to the culinary importance of the lake’s ecosystem.

Kebapi 

These grilled minced meat sausages are a favorite street food. Seasoned with simple spices, they are juicy and flavorful, reflecting the region’s love for meat dishes, grilled meats, and social street-side dining.

Macedonian Halva 

If you have a sweet tooth, you’ve got to try a halva. This dense, sweet dessert made from tahini and sugar, often studded with nuts, has Ottoman roots and is a testament to the country’s love for sweets and pastries.

Kiselo mleko (traditional yogurt)

This creamy and tangy yogurt is a staple in Macedonian cuisine. Similar to sour cream, kiselo mleko can serve as a side dish or in various dishes, similar to sour cream. Dairy products are essential in this cuisine.

Macedonian Drinks to Try

Rakija 

Not a food to try in North Macedonia, but no Macedonian culinary experience is complete without trying this potent fruit brandy. Enjoyed as an aperitif, this traditionally homemade drink showcases the local fruit orchards and distilling customs. 

A glass of rakija aids your body in digesting the delicious food you’ve just tried. Sip this drink, often served with a glass of water, allowing the drinker to drink more slowly.

Macedonian Wine

In recent years, Macedonian wines have been gaining recognition on the international stage for their quality and value. Several Macedonian wineries have received awards and accolades for their wines. 

Macedonian wine offers a unique blend of indigenous grape varieties, diverse terroirs, and centuries-old winemaking traditions, making it an exciting wine region to explore.

Turkish Coffee

The process begins by adding water and sugar (if desired) to a small, long-handled coffee pot called a “cezve” or “džezva.” Finely ground dark roast coffee is added to the cezve water.

The cezve is placed on a stovetop or small burner and heated slowly. It is important not to bring the coffee to a boil too quickly to avoid burning the grounds. As the coffee heats up, a frothy layer of foam, known as “kaymak,” forms on the surface. This foam is an essential part of Turkish coffee and is a sign of a well-prepared brew. 

It is poured into small cups, usually demitasse cups. Served unfiltered, the coffee grounds settle at the bottom of the cup. Turkish coffee in North Macedonia is typically enjoyed slowly, sipped, and savored. A glass of water, often served alongside, cleanses the palate between sips.

Ayran

In Macedonia, a traditional drinkable yogurt, known as “ayran” or “airan,” is a popular yogurt-based beverage enjoyed in the Balkans and the Middle East, including Macedonia. It is a refreshing drink made by diluting yogurt with water and sometimes adding salt. 

Ayran is known for its tangy flavor and is often enjoyed as a cooling drink, especially during hot weather. The tanginess perfectly balances the greasiness of the burek, making it the recommended accompaniment.

Final Thoughts on Foods to Try in North Macedonia (and Drinks Too!)

Each dish represents a chapter of North Macedonia’s history, from Ottoman influence to agricultural abundance, creating a rich tapestry of flavors that is a delight to explore. Traditional Macedonian food is comforting and similar to that of nearby Balkan countries but with its regional twist. The local dishes celebrate the excellent local foods and pay homage to the traditional recipes handed down by Macedonian families.

Check out these related posts:

• Best Things to Do in Skopje, North Macedonia
• Free Things to Do in Sofia, Bulgaria
• Self-Guided Walking Tour of Pristina, Kosovo

Happy travels,
Annick, The Common Traveler