Macedonian cuisine

This article is about the cuisine of the Republic of Macedonia. For the cuisine of the Greek Province of Macedonia, see Macedonian cuisine (Greek).
Tavče-gravče, the national dish of Macedonia.

Macedonian cuisine, an aspect of Balkan cuisine, is the traditional cuisine of the Macedonia. It reflects 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.

Among meats, beef, mutton and chicken are the most common ones. Pork is rarely used (not just by the Muslim minority, but by the Christian majority as well).[1]

Tavče-gravče and mastika are considered the national dish and drink of Macedonia, respectively.

Foods

Macedonian cuisine
Turli Tava
Сommon breakfast - prženi lepčinja.

Desserts

Tulumba

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 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 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 cafés. Professionals and businesspeople have contributed to the popularity instant coffee (especially frappé).

Alcohol

Zlaten Dab, a high quality Macedonian beer produced from 11% beer malt with a content of 4.5% vol. alcohol

Traditionally, white wine would be consumed in the summer, and red wine, in winter.[1]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 Friedman, Victor; Palmer, Veselka (1995), "La cuisine macédonien", in Aufray, Michel; Perret, Michel, Cuisines d'Orient et d'ailleurs (PDF), Paris: INALCO/Grenoble: Glénant, pp. 76–79

External links

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