If you’re looking to try the best food that Skopje has to offer, look no further!
This guide will take you on a culinary journey through the city, highlighting the most delicious and authentic dishes that you simply must try.
From succulent grilled meats to creamy desserts, there is something for everyone on this list.
So what are you waiting for?
Start planning your trip and get ready to eat your way through Skopje!
Some of the must-try dishes in Skopje include:
- Burek
- Macedonian Sarma
- Moussaka
- Shopska Salata
- Turli Tava
- Traditional grilled meats
- Sheep’s milk cheese
- Kadaif
- Tavche Gravche
- Kebapi
- Baklava
- Skopsko (Beer)
- Turkish Coffee
Burek:
This traditional pastry is made by layering thin sheets of dough, fillings like meat or cheese, and then baking it until golden brown. Burek is typically served for breakfast or as a snack and makes for the perfect comfort food on a cold day.
✅ The cheese version of Burek is suitable for vegetarians.
Macedonian Sarma:
Sarma is a dish made of minced meat (usually pork or lamb) that is wrapped in cabbage or grape leaves and then slow-cooked. It’s the perfect food to warm you up on a chilly evening, and the best part is that it can be easily found all around Skopje. It’s a popular Balkan dish but every Balkan country has their own variation on how to make it.
❌ The traditional recipe of the Macedonian Sarma is NOT for vegetarians.
Moussaka:
Moussaka is a dish that is very similar to the Greek Moussaka and is made with layers of potato, meat (usually beef or lamb), and a creamy sauce. It’s both delicious and filling, making it the perfect meal for a winter’s day.
❌ The traditional Macedonian recipe of the Moussaka is NOT for vegetarians.
Shopska Salata (Macedonian Salad):
Shopska salata is a Bulgarian-style salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and feta cheese. It’s the perfect light and refreshing dish to balance out a heavier meal, and can be found in most restaurants throughout the city.
✅ This Shopska Salata is suitable for vegetarians.
Turli Tava:
A dish made with chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, Turli Tava is a hardy meal that will leave you feeling satisfied.
The best part about this dish is that it can be made as mild or spicy as you like, so don’t be afraid to ask for extra chili peppers if you’re feeling adventurous!
❌ This dish is NOT suitable for vegetarians.
Grilled meats:
Skopje is home to some of the best-grilled meats in the country! Be sure to try the pleskavica (minced meat patty), cevapi (sausages), or kebab.
These dishes are typically served with bread and a side of salad, making it a very satisfying meal.
❌ Obviously, this dish is NOT suitable for vegetarians.
Sheep’s milk cheese:
This traditional cheese is made from the milk of sheep that graze in the Macedonian mountains. It has a strong and salty flavour, and is often used as a topping on salads or grilled meats.
If you’re looking for something truly unique, be sure to try the sheep’s milk cheese at one of Skopje’s many markets.
✅ Sheep’s milk cheese is suitable for vegetarians.
Kadaif:
A popular dessert in Skopje, kadaif is made by layering shredded pastry with nuts and syrup.
This sweet treat is often served with ice cream or yogurt, making it the perfect way to end a meal.
✅ This traditional dessert is suitable for vegetarians.
Tavche Gravche:
A type of baked bean stew that is popular in Macedonia. It is usually made with white beans, onions, garlic, and a variety of spices.
Tavche gravche is typically served with bread on the side for dipping.
✅ The Tavche Gravche is suitable for vegetarians.
Kebapi:
Grilled meats that are popular in the Balkans. Kebapi can be made with beef, lamb, or pork, and is typically served with onions and a yogurt-based sauce.
❌ This dish is NOT suitable for vegetarians.
Baklava:
A sweet dessert made with layers of phyllo dough, nuts, and syrup. Baklava is rich and decadent and makes for the perfect ending to a meal.
✅ The Baklava deserved is considered suitable for vegetarians.
Skopsko:
The Skopsko beer is the perfect way to wash down all of these delicious dishes, or after having a walk on a hot summer day visiting all of Skopje’s many attractions.
There are many local breweries in the city that produce some great beers, so make sure you try one (or two, or five) while you’re here. Cheers!
✅ Skopsko beer is suitable for vegetarians.
Turkish Coffee:
Skopje is known for its strong and flavourful Turkish coffee, which is made by boiling finely ground coffee beans with water.
This rich beverage is often enjoyed after a meal and can be found throughout the city.
✅ Turkish coffee is considered suitable for vegetarians.
What is the Macedonian diet based on?
Besides the cultural influences and long history of occupiers (which obviously influence the traditional Macedonian diet), the Macedonian diet (link leads you to a Wikipedia article) is based on the produce that is available in the country.
This means that the diet consists mostly of fruits, vegetables, and meats.
The climate in Macedonia is perfect for growing a variety of crops, so the country has access to a wide variety of fresh produce.
This bounty of fresh food forms the basis of the Macedonian diet, which is why you’ll find plenty of healthy and delicious options to choose from when you’re dining in Skopje.
Is eating out expensive in Skopje?
No, eating out in Skopje is not expensive. In fact, you can find plenty of affordable and tasty options throughout the city.
From street food to sit-down restaurants, there’s something to suit every budget in Skopje. So whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, you’ll be able to find it without breaking the bank.
Will you find vegan & vegetarian options in Skopje?
Yes, there are plenty of vegan and vegetarian options available in Skopje.
With the abundance of fresh produce that is available in the city, it’s easy to find dishes that are both healthy and delicious. So whether you’re looking for a light salad or a stew, you’re sure to find something to your liking.
Skopje is a city with a rich history and culture, which is reflected in its cuisine.
There are many different dishes to try while you’re in the city, so whether you’re looking for something light and refreshing or hearty and filling, you’re sure to find it.
I hope this list has given you some ideas of the best food to try while you’re in Skopje.