Tag: Lake Ohrid

Did you know that René Redzepi, the chef behind Noma and arguably the most influential cook alive, was born in North Macedonia? He always said he was inspired by his grandmother's cooking — even though he never really cooked a Balkan dish. He's not the only Macedonian chef to gain popularity outside the Balkans. Food brand Pelagonia has brought the iconic roasted pepper spread ‘ajvar’ to tables across Europe, landing shelf space in Waitrose and the Co-op, while Macedonian restaurants like Lacy Nook and Benugo have been making waves London. Plus, Macedonian wines are picking up Decanter gold awards. Macedonia was once the market garden of Yugoslavia, known for its abundant fruit and veg. The apple orchards of Prespa, the grapes of Tikveš, juniper berries of Mavrovo, the white beans of Tetovo and the Vardar river feeding plump tomatoes and cabbages. This is a country where practically everything on the table was grown, foraged or fermented by someone within a few kilometres of where you're sitting. We just spent a wonderful week eating our way around North Macedonia and are pleased to report that hospitality was generous and genuine, portions are large, and its a largely vegetarian-friendly country. Tavče gravče,  a slow-cooked bean dish prepared in a clay pot, is the unofficial national dish of Macedonia. Elsewhere much of the key dishes have pan-Balkan and Ottoman influences. You can taste great grilled meat (as in Serbia), yoghurt and salads made with fresh vegetables and white cheese (as in Greece), as well as stuffed vegetable dishes and baklavas (as in Bosnia and Albania). (Explore our Balkan food archive) Here's your guide to eating and drinking your way through North Macedonia. All these acitivites are all found on our 7 day North Macedonia Activity holiday: Visiting Skopje's Old Bazaar 'Slatkarnice' patisseries If