DELICIOUS BALKAN EATS in SKOPJE, MACEDONIA | Local Food Tour

yogurt

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: sour cream

Greek yogurt is lower in calories and higher in protein.

cheese

🥗Healthier: cottage cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Cottage cheese is lower in fat and calories.

meat

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: chicken

Tofu is a plant-based protein, while chicken is more affordable than some meats.

spices

🥗Healthier: fresh herbs

💰Cheaper: dried herbs

Fresh herbs provide flavor with fewer calories, while dried herbs are often cheaper.

Visit a local market in Skopje to explore food offerings.

Try mekitsi, a type of fried dough, often topped with powdered sugar.

Describe the taste of mekitsi as crispy, spongy, and not overly greasy or sweet.

Discuss the diversity of Balkan food due to various cultures and religions in the region.

Explore a large farmers market with local vendors selling vegetables, dried meats, cheeses, olives, and homemade products.

Mention the importance of dairy in Balkan cuisine, including sheep, goat, and cow cheeses.

Visit old-school Ottoman-style restaurants with grill boxes displaying grilled meats.

Order traditional Macedonian-style grilled meat and hot pot beans with a national salad.

Describe the salad as similar to a Greek salad, featuring cucumbers, tomatoes, and sheep's cheese.

Introduce tave grave, a national dish of Macedonia, which is a bean stew with larger beans.

Show kebabs, which can be made from pork or beef, as a staple Balkan food.

Highlight the bread served with the meal, describing it as a mix between focaccia and pita.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

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Dietary