MACEDONIAN FOOD

Macedonian cuisine is the traditional cuisine of the Republic of Macedoniapart of Balkan cuisinereflecting Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences, and to a lesser extent Italian, German and Eastern European (especially Hungarian) ones. The relatively warm climate in Macedonia 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. Tavegrave and mastika are considered the national dish and drink of Macedonia, respectively.

Traditional Macedonian foods

Tave-Grave

Turli Tava Ajvar, a bell pepper spread. Can be mild or hot. Kebapi Polneti Piperki (stuffed capsicum (usually filled with rice or rice with meat) Pita (pastry) Burek Malidzano, an eggplant spread Musaka Pindzur, a spicy vegetable relish Popara Pastrmajlija Sharplaninski ovchi Kashkaval (hard sheep's milk cheese from the ar Mountains ar Planina in MacedoniaN Shirden and Kukurek Sarma Kisela Zelka and Rasolnica (Sour cabbage) Mekici (also known as tiganici or pishii), fried lumps of dough Chorba od Kopriva (Creamy Nettle Soup) Kompir Mandza (a potato and meat stew) Pleskavica or burger (also Sharska and Ajducka ) Kachamak (aka. Bakrdan) Zelnik Selsko meso is roast beef, pork and lamb with mushrooms, white wine and yellow cheese on top, mostly made in clay pottery

Traditional Macedonian desserts

Kadaif Med Tulumba Palainki (Crpe) Kompot Lokum

Drinks
Coffee

Turkish coffee

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 Macedonian coffeehouse and barthe kafeanais 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 cafs 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 Macedonian lifestyle and culture. 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 cafs. Professionals and businesspeople have contributed to the popularity instant coffee (especially frapp)