# Gastronomy and culinary trends in North Macedonia

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/gastronomy-and-culinary-trends-in-north-macedonia
> Updated: 2026-10-07T05:11:10.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

Gastronomy and culinary trends in North Macedonia have seen a focus on both international and local offerings. Data released around World Tourism Day indicates a rising popularity of international cuisines, with approximately one in five restaurant orders in cities like Skopje, Bitola, Ohrid, and Tetovo consisting of foreign dishes. Preferences vary by region, ranging from Turkish and Mexican to Japanese and Mediterranean flavors.

Simultaneously, efforts to promote local viticulture and traditional gastronomy are underway through major events. The eighth Vranec World Day in Skopje showcased the diversity of the Vranec grape variety, during which Ian Bancroft was named the 2026 Vranec Ambassador. Bancroft highlighted that while the wine scene is progressing, there is a requirement for better infrastructure and institutional support to bolster wine tourism. Further promotion of local products is expected with the upcoming Winefest 2026, which will feature tastings from various wineries alongside traditional Macedonian cuisine.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-07: Macedonia hosts major wine festivals and Vranec World Day

Macedonia celebrates its wine heritage through the Vranec World Day in Skopje and the upcoming Winefest 2026 on Vodno, highlighting local wineries, traditional cuisine, and wine tourism.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/macedonia-hosts-major-wine-festivals-and-vranec-world-day

### 2026-09-26: International cuisine popularity rises in North Macedonia

Data from Wolt shows that international cuisine accounts for one in five restaurant orders in North Macedonian cities like Skopje, Bitola, Ohrid, and Tetovo, celebrating World Tourism Day.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/international-cuisine-popularity-rises-in-north-macedonia

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Cite as: Gastronomy and culinary trends in North Macedonia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/gastronomy-and-culinary-trends-in-north-macedonia
