Cafe and restaurant in Macedonian
A table, the menu, what you cannot eat, and a compliment to the kitchen. Play the ten Macedonian words against the clock, with a note on how locals really use each one after every answer. All ten are written out below.
All 10 Macedonian phrases in this lesson
- Маса за двајца, те моламMA-sa za DVAY-tsa, teh MO-lam
- A table for two
- Менито, те моламmeh-NI-to, teh MO-lam
- The menu, please
- Што препорачувате?shto preh-po-RA-choo-va-teh
- What do you recommend?
- Не јадам...neh YA-dam
- I don't eat...
- Алергичен сум на...a-ler-GHI-chen sum na
- I'm allergic to...
- Месоmeh-SO
- Meat
- ПилешкоPI-lesh-ko
- Chicken
- РибаRI-ba
- Fish
- Многу е вкусноMNO-goo eh VKOOS-no
- It's delicious
- На здравје!na ZDRAV-yeh
- Cheers
Macedonian cafes are social hubs and tables linger. Reservations are rarely needed except at upscale Skopje restaurants on weekends. Adjust "двајца" to "тројца" (TROY-tsa) for three.
Many restaurants in tourist areas have picture menus or English translations. If not, pointing at a neighbor's dish and saying "Едно од ова" works just as well.
Asking for a recommendation is a great way to get the best dish. Macedonian cuisine highlights include tavče gravče (бaked beans) and ajvar (roasted pepper spread). Locals love to share favorites.
A woman says алергична (a-ler-GHICH-na).
Trout from Lake Ohrid is the famous local fish.
A genuine compliment that will delight any host or chef. Macedonians take enormous pride in their food. Saying this will often prompt an offer of more food or a small free dessert.
Macedonian toasting etiquette requires eye contact with every person at the table. Skipping someone is considered rude. Rakija toasts are especially ceremonial among older generations.