Macedonian Food: Top 10 Traditional Macedonian Dishes
Macedonian cuisine is a symbol of Macedonia’s rich tradition. Many dishes that were eaten in Macedonia in the past are still eaten today, slightly modified but still delicious. Food is part of the tradition. The secret of its irreplaceable flavour is that it has been prepared in the same way for centuries. Here are my personal Top 10:
Macedonian Makalo
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Makalo Macedonian Food
For anyone who loves garlic (like me), this is the real deal. Makalo from Ohrid is a must-try. It’s similar to aioli, but ten times tastier. How is it made? Crushed garlic, a little wine vinegar, sunflower oil and a little salt… Delicious as an appetiser with warm bread, but also as a side dish with meat or soup.
Podvarok (Zuurkool schotel)
Podvarok Macedonian Food
Podvarok is a traditional Macedonian dish that is often served with pork ribs or smoked pork.
Podvarok is made with sauerkraut, but if you can’t find it, use regular cabbage (slow stew). This dish is perfect for this time of year, especially as sauerkraut is made in Macedonia at this time of year. Many households make their own sauerkraut. It is part of the production of zimnica (food for the winter) in Macedonia and the Balkans. It is made with delicious red wine.
Gjomleze
Gjomleze Macedonian Food
Gjomleze (ѓомлезе) is native to south-west Macedonia. It is a type of savoury pie consisting of stacked layers of dough with a crispy crust. It is still prepared in the same way as it was hundreds of years ago; using a traditional pan with a lid called a „sach“ (сач). It can also be prepared in the oven. Prepare for a few hours for this speciality, but it is definitely worth it! It is eaten with yoghurt
Burek
Byrek or Burek
Burek is the name for this pasta product, which can be filled with cheese, vegetables or meat. This is a delicious, savoury and filling dish for any time of day. Burek is delicious dipped in ajvar, but is also traditionally served with yoghurt or crème fraîche. Burek is eaten as a starter, main or side dish or simply as a snack. The meat version is also popular for a savoury breakfast.
Ohrid Trout
Ohrid forel Macedonian Food
The Macedonian city of Ohrid has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, as has the crystal-clear lake of the same name. It has been fished and highly prized since time immemorial. Emperors liked to serve pastrmka (trout) at their dinners, and Turkish sultans had it couriered to Istanbul. Pastrmka na Ohridski nacin (fried trout) is the most famous recipe. It is served with delicious cold Macedonian white wine.
Teleshka Chorba (veal soup)
Teleshka Chorba (veal soup)
Veal soup is a traditional dish in Macedonia. There are other variations with tripe and chicken, for example, but this one is my favourite. These soups (chorbas) are served in every restaurant until lunchtime. Usually combined with garlic sauce (makalo) and fresh bread. It may sound strange that these soups are eaten for breakfast, but once you’ve tried them, you’ll be hooked.
Tavche Gravhe (baked beans)
Tavche Gravhe Macedonian Food
Baked beans or tavche gravche is a traditional Macedonian dish made in a traditional pottery. It is one of the most famous Macedonian dishes, healthy and easy to prepare. Nowadays it is made with fried fish or sausage, but it can also be made without meat, as it should be.
Sarma
Sarma
Stuffed sauerkraut leaves, or sarma, is a traditional Macedonian dish that is usually prepared in winter. As it is prepared in large quantities, sarma is usually eaten for several days. If you can resist the temptation, eat it the next day after preparation, it tastes better!
Turlitava
Turlitava Macedonian Food
Turlitava is a common traditional dish in Macedonia. It consists of vegetable and meat stew baked in the oven in a traditional earthenware mould. Turlitava comes from the Turkish words turli, which means mixed, and tava, a clay bowl. You can choose which vegetables and meat you want to use.
Rakija
Rakija is of course not a food, but in Macedonia it is part of almost every meal: to wake up, as an aperitivo with a mezze, before and after a meal, before going to bed. Rakija is also used as a remedy for many illnesses: Stomach aches, colds, flu, aching muscles and disinfectants. Almost everyone has homemade rakija, but my favourite is Zolta van Tikves.
What is typical Macedonian food?
There is the typical Macedonian pizza pastrmajlija, Serbian ajvar and Turkish börek. There are also Bosnian desserts such as Uštipci (doughnuts) to discover. Many ethnic groups therefore influence macedonian cuisine.
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