Eating is a national pastime in Macedonia. Locals gather around kitchen tables and in cosy ‘kafeanas’ (taverns) to feast on fragrant stews, pastries and salads, often washed down with a glass of wine from the Tikves Valley.
Drawing heavily on Balkan and Mediterranean influences and packed full of garlicky, herby flavour, Macedonian cuisine may be slow to cook, but it’s sure quick to go down. Basically, if you like food (and who doesn’t?), you should visit, stat. Plus, the countryside is rather beautiful. Have a read of this list of traditional Macedonian dishes and just try to stay away (warning: may induce drooling).
Must try Macedonian food
Tavche Gravche
Widely considered Macedonia’s national dish, tavche gravche is the country’s answer to baked beans, and let me tell you, it’s a lot tastier than the usual canned business. Fresh beans are boiled, combined with onion, peppers, tomato, oil, flour and spices, and then baked slowly in an earthenware pot. Traditionally, the meal was served in family homes on Fridays, when Orthodox Christians abstained from eating meat, but today, it appears on dinner tables any given day of the week. Hearty, creamy, beany goodness.
Ajvar
This Macedonian staple is so much more than a relish. Made primarily from red bell peppers, eggplant, garlic and chilli, ajvar is commonly used in sandwiches and as a side salad. Don’t let the almost nuclear orange tinge put you off – it’s sometimes spicy, sometimes sweet and always delicious.
Taste your way through the Balkans
Although it originated in Macedonia, ajvar is eaten throughout the Balkans today. Traditionally, the condiment is prepared in autumn, when bell peppers are most abundant. If you become addicted, however, you can always purchase pots of ajvar at the supermarket to take home as gifts for your ‘friends’ (aka yourself).
Kachamak
Similar in texture to Italian polenta, kachamak is made from cornmeal, potato and often, cheese. The ingredients are slow-boiled and then mashed together over an open flame. The magic happens when various toppings are stirred through – anything from yogurt to sour cream, bacon to chopped pork ribs. Down a bowl of Kachamak and you’ll have enough energy to skip backwards up Mount Korab.
Pastrmajlija
Step aside, Pizza Hut: the real Meat Lovers’ Special is found in Macedonia. Derived from the word ‘pastrma’, meaning ‘salted and dried meat’, pastrmajlija is a long, oval-shaped pizza topped with diced pork (or lamb), and often fried egg. Every region in Macedonia believes it makes the best pastrmajlija, but the true die-hards can be found in Stip, where the dish is celebrated with the annual ‘Pastramalijada’ festival. When in doubt, ask your local leader where to get the best one and they’ll point you in the right direction.
Grilled meat
The Balkan nations are famous for their love of meat and Macedonia is no exception. Hole up in a tavern with a plate of ‘kjebapchinya’ (grilled meat and onions) or ‘pleskavica’ (meat patties) and you’ll feel just like a local, especially if you wash it down with a strong glass of ‘rakija’, Macedonia’s national drink!
Despite all the meat, vegetarians need not despair. Macedonia’s warm climate provides a great environment for growing produce, so expect to encounter lots of fresh veggie salads, herbs and stone fruit. While it may not be the easiest country to visit as a vegan, it’s not impossible, and your leader will help you out.
This is just a starting point – there are so many traditional dishes to try in the Balkans. Lean on your local Intrepid leader and you’ll know where to go, what to order and how to eat like a local.
Explore Intrepid’s small group, locally-led food adventures in Europe.
