Cook like a local: Macedonia

Explore robust avours and rustic cooking

Macedonia is an ancient country, with history dating well before the kingdom of Alexander the Great.

With Serbia and Kosovo to the north, Bulgaria to the east, Greece to the south and Albania to the west, it’s a great place to explore. Although a small country, Macedonians have a lot of spirit. Their food remains rustic and unassuming. With fresh salads and soups in spring and summer, and stews and braises in autumn and winter, the diversity is endless.

Baked goods such as breads and cakes are beloved, as well as street food like pastrmajlija – Macedonian pizza, a popular late-night meal after a night of dancing.

Fruit, veg and herbs are bountiful and robust. Macedonia is known for grapes, which make award-winning wines that are beginning to receive global acclaim. Macedonia’s wine history can be traced to around 1300 BC, about 700 years before grapevines were “rst cultivated in France. Rakija is another fruit spirit, typically made with white grapes and anise.

Peppers are a popular ingredient, with many varieties – most notably, the heirloom Rezha Macedonian pepper. These are incorporated into many recipes, and often roasted with oil, garlic and salt as a side. Ajvar, a dip made with roasted peppers, is another speciality. Beans play a huge role in the cuisine and are highly regarded for their quality. Tavce gravce (savoury baked beans) is Macedonia’s national dish.

“altho gh a smal co ntry, macedo ians hav a lo o spirit – their fo remains rustic and unasuming”