In this article, we will explore the impact of Macedonian cuisine on various aspects of contemporary society. From its influence on popular culture to its relevance in academia, Macedonian cuisine has generated extensive debate and controversy that deserves to be analyzed in detail. Throughout these pages, we will analyze the different perspectives that exist around Macedonian cuisine and how it has shaped the current landscape. Likewise, we will examine its historical role and its projection into the future, in order to understand its true scope and meaning in our daily lives.
Culinary traditions of North Macedonia
This article is about the cuisine of North Macedonia. For the cuisine of northern Greece, see Greek Macedonian cuisine.
Macedonian cuisine (Macedonian: Македонска кујна, romanized: Makedonska kujna) is the traditional cuisine of North Macedonia. It is influenced by Ottoman and Balkan cuisines. The relatively warm climate of the country 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. Tavče gravče and mastika are considered the national dish and drink of North Macedonia.
North 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 Balkancoffeehouse 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 the lifestyle and culture of the region. 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 of instant coffee (especially frappé).
^ abFriedman, Victor; Palmer, Veselka (1995), "La cuisine macédonien", in Aufray, Michel; Perret, Michel (eds.), Cuisines d'Orient et d'ailleurs(PDF), Paris: INALCO/Grenoble: Glénant, pp. 76–79, archived from the original(PDF) on 2017-10-14, retrieved 2014-03-25