Macedonian cuisine.
Start with a taste.

WHAT TO EAT

Local dishes, explained.

These are specialties from our featured city guides. Regional styles and availability vary.

LOCAL SPECIALTY

Tavče gravče

Slow-baked beans, often served in an earthenware dish. Ask whether meat stock or sausage is included.

Planning estimate: 200–400 MKD

Where to look: Traditional Macedonian restaurants

Find Tavče gravče in Skopje ↗Find Tavče gravče in Ohrid ↗Find Tavče gravče in Bitola ↗

LOCAL SPECIALTY

Ajvar

Roasted pepper spread eaten with bread or as a side; mild and spicy versions exist.

Planning estimate: 100–250 MKD as a side

Where to look: Kafanas and grocery stores

Find Ajvar in Skopje ↗Find Ajvar in Ohrid ↗

LOCAL SPECIALTY

Pastrmajlija

Oval flatbread with pieces of meat; the recipe and size vary by region.

Planning estimate: 300–600 MKD

Where to look: Traditional restaurants; ask which meat is used

Find Pastrmajlija in Skopje ↗

LOCAL SPECIALTY

Burek

Flaky pastry sold by portion, with fillings such as cheese or meat.

Planning estimate: 70–150 MKD

Where to look: Local bakeries

Find Burek in Skopje ↗Find Burek in Ohrid ↗Find Burek in Bitola ↗

LOCAL SPECIALTY

Shopska salad

Tomato, cucumber and pepper topped with grated white cheese.

Planning estimate: 150–300 MKD

Where to look: Grill restaurants and kafanas

Find Shopska salad in Skopje ↗Find Shopska salad in Ohrid ↗Find Shopska salad in Bitola ↗

LOCAL SPECIALTY

Ohridsko makalo

A strongly flavoured garlic accompaniment traditionally paired with fish or other dishes.

Ask for the current side-dish price

Where to look: Traditional restaurants around Ohrid

Find Ohridsko makalo in Ohrid ↗

LOCAL SPECIALTY

Kebapi

Small grilled minced-meat sausages; ask about the meat mixture and included bread.

Current portion price must be checked on the menu; no live quote.

Where to look: Traditional grill kitchens

Find Kebapi in Bitola ↗

LOCAL SPECIALTY

Ajvar and local cheese

Roasted-pepper spread and white cheese make a simple shared starter.

Current portion price must be checked on the menu; no live quote.

Where to look: Macedonian kitchens

Find Ajvar and local cheese in Bitola ↗

GO STRAIGHT TO THE TABLE

Find restaurants by city.

Different places. Different flavours.

Compare the specialties and food neighbourhoods in our featured destinations. This is a starting selection, rather than a complete map of every regional cuisine.

Plan your food budget.

Examples from the city guides below. Planning estimates are per dish or stated portion, not a full-day allowance. Check service charges, drinks and current menus separately.