Macedonian cuisine (Macedonian: Македонска кујна, romanizedMakedonska kujna) is the traditional cuisine of North Macedonia. It is influenced by Ottoman and Balkan cuisines.[1] 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.[2][3]

Tavče gravče, the national dish of North Macedonia.

Foods

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Ǵomleze prepared on a tray. Gjomleze is typically cut into diamond-shaped pieces
 
Bieno Siren̂e served with olives
 
Turli tava (baked vegetables) with baked potato and salad

Desserts

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Tulumba

Drinks

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Coffee

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Macedonian coffee, with lokum

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

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The best known Macedonian brand of Mastika, Strumicka Mastika. In North Macedonia, Mastika is traditionally made in the Strumica region

Traditionally, white wine would be consumed in the summer, and red wine, in winter.[6]

Non-alcoholic

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Macedonian food - everything you need to know". Discovering Macedonia. 20 March 2019. Retrieved 28 December 2021.
  2. ^ "Macedonian Food - 15 Traditional Dishes as Recommended by a Local - Nomad Paradise". 8 November 2019.
  3. ^ "Macedonian Style Baked Beans {Tavce Gravce}". 30 December 2012.
  4. ^ "BBCMacedonian.com | Вести | Струшки ѓомлезец". www.bbc.co.uk. Retrieved 2023-01-11.
  5. ^ Охрид ќе го брендира ѓомлезето
  6. ^ a b Friedman, Victor; Palmer, Veselka (1995), "La cuisine macédonien", in Aufray, Michel; Perret, Michel (eds.), Cuisines d'Orient et d'ailleurs (PDF), Paris: INALCO/Grenoble: Glénant, pp. 76–79, archived from the original (PDF) on 2017-10-14, retrieved 2014-03-25