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Magnets, mugs, t-shirts, and keychains – you must be tired of them since they are the most common souvenirs frequently available to travelers. Especially in the most tourist destinations, if you’re bombarded with the same things, it can get difficult to think outside the box. In case you’re in that position and thinking of what souvenirs to buy in Macedonia, then this post might help you out.
Macedonian Food Souvenirs:
1. Ajvar

A typical condiment found among Balkan countries, Ajvar is a spread that is made by grilling, pilling, mashing, and blending red peppers. It is sometimes made with eggplant, garlic, or chili peppers, which leads to the differing levels of spiciness. You can buy ajvar in any Macedonian supermarkets or stores and is commonly eaten for breakfast within households.
Ajvar is usually spread on top of a slice of bread, and is eaten with sirenje (сирење), a type of white cheese similar to feta or cottage cheese.
2. Rakija
If the Japanese have Shochu and the Filipinos have Lambanog, then the Macedonians have their Rakija. Rakija is a type of fruit brandy which is common among Balkan nations, and in Turkey. The drink can be made from fruits like grapes, plums, or apricots. In Macedonia, however, Rakija is typically made from grapes.
Rakija is often consumed in social gatherings, celebrations, and meals. It is served in small quantities and can easily become a topic in conversations. Since the drink is such a big part of their culture, it’s definitely one of the best Macedonian souvenirs you can buy in the country.
3. Macedonian Wine

According to Lauren Mowery, a writer from the Wine Enthusiast, the optimal climates for growing wine grapes are found between 30 to 50 degrees latitude from the north and south of the equator. Macedonia is located approximately 41-42 degrees latitude which makes it an ideal location for viticulture.

Macedonia’s main wine varieties include Vranec (regional red grape native from Montenegro), Smederevka (regional white grape which originates from Serbia), Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Macedonia’s very own Kratosija red wine.
Needless to say, if you ever plan to visit Macedonia in the summer, make sure to visit one of the wineries in the country. Their wineries usually have restaurants that serve multi-course meals. The two most popular wineries are Tikves and Bovin wineries (both located in Kavadarci), Chateau Kamnik (in Skopje), and Popova Kula (in Ohrid).
If you want to learn more information about Macedonian wine regions, check out this brief guide published by Association Wines of Macedonia.
4. Macedonian Chocolate

Although not as famous as the chocolate brands produced in Switzerland, Evropa is one of the most renowned companies that has produced sweets in Macedonia since 1882. Their long history, as well as being a recognized brand in the region makes their products a great option for those looking to buy a simple yet sweet Macedonian souvenir.
If you’re curious, they offer a wide variety of confectionery, which includes: chocolates, biscuits, lokum, candies, and wafers. I personally endorse their brand called 1882. One of the chocolate brands which converted me into a bona fide chocoholic. Their products, which are labeled “Evropa” behind an outline of a globe, are usually available in various supermarkets in Macedonia.
5. Macedonian Sirenje (white cheese) and Kulen (Cured Sausage)


Cheese and meat platter, is a very popular Macedonian appetizer. While the practice of preparing cured meats called “charcuterie” originated in France, the concept of laying out a “charcuterie board,” evolved throughout Europe and varies based on the regional availability of meat and cheese.
The two most common cheeses in Macedonia include sirenje (white cheese) and kashkaval (yellow cheese). Both can be made from cow, sheep, or goat milk, and both are commonly used in various Macedonian dishes. While sirenje is usually used in Macedonian salads or put on top of bread and ajvar, an assortment of kashkaval is served with a variety of cured sausages and ham in the cheese and meat platter.
Salami, chorizo, or pepperoni, the name and flavor may slightly vary but all of them undergo a somewhat similar process of being air-dried, smoked, or fermented. The cured meat version of Macedonia though is called kulen which is typically served in the cheese and meat platter, which can be easily found as an appetizer at weddings or other social gatherings. Its flavor being exclusive to Macedonia, makes it a great souvenir to bring home to loved ones.
Crafted Macedonian Souvenirs
Now that I’ve covered some foods which you can buy at local supermarkets and that make great Macedonian souvenirs, in this section, I’ll share some made-in-Macedonia products you can consider when shopping for souvenirs.
6. Filigree

If you’ve never heard of filigree before, then it’s a good thing because it only means that this item is unique from the common souvenirs you’ll find in many memorabilia shops in touristy places.
Filigree is an outline of an object made from bending fine metal wires to create an intricate and delicate design. In Macedonia, you’ll find a lot of filigree vendors in Ohrid. They sell various artworks depicting the relevant symbols of Macedonia. Some of them include peacocks, angels, flowers, and butterflies, among others.
The first time I’ve seen a filigree is in Macedonia, and I think it’s a great souvenir because it’s not an artwork we commonly see or think of when we go to art galleries or museums.
7. Macedonian books
This product best applies to people who have relatives that moved abroad – especially if they’re still young. Macedonian characters like Stela i Sani, Darko Biberko, and Cvetot na Bibi are unique to the country. You might even find items that are branded with these characters on various products in the supermarket like biscuits or toothbrushes.
Books are always a great souvenir especially for kids. It’s a great way to encourage kids to keep a reading habit.
8. Macedonian brands
If you’ve read my post on the pros and cons of living in Macedonia, you’d know that one of the things I pointed out as a con is that there’s a lack of product selection in the market. I’d like to point out here that this is slowly changing.
Recently, I’ve discovered plenty of Macedonian businesses operating solely on Instagram. I did mention this in the article as well, but I didn’t know they’ve proliferated so much.
There were so many to choose from so I’ve decided to write another post on them in the future but I’ve carefully selected the two below. Just know that they also cater to a specific niche market.
8.1 Ohrid Pearls

There are two well-known families in Ohrid that’s been making pears for decades – Filevi family and Talevi family. Both families sell handmade Ohrid pearls and undergo a specific way of production. They make the pearls by taking the shiniest parts of the shell and as it is being made, it will be coated with a special solution which remains the families’ secrets.
Ohrid pearls make a perfect Macedonian souvenir as they’re timeless, classy, and elegant.
8.2 Mokudo

Mokudo is a company that very recently launched in Macedonia. They make compact stationery office products out of locally sourced walnut and cherry woods.
What I liked about this company is that their products are all handmade, and that they make great souvenirs for people who go to the office or to those who have a remote office setup at home. That applies to seven out of ten people I know. The best part is that their product is made in Macedonia.
The only downside is that you need to buy their products online, but if you plan to stay in the country for quite a while, I bet they can get it to you on time if you tell them your situation.
9. Artifacts
Depending on your field or interests, you could also consider buying artifacts made in Macedonia. There are both physical and online vendors of Macedonian artifacts. These keepsakes are great conversation starters as they carry historical and cultural significance with the country.
Some of the artifacts I’ve seen in souvenir shops in Macedonia include a golden figure of Mother Teresa, Philip II of Macedon, and Alexander the Great. You can find some more artifacts in this online shop.
10. Tote Bags

Last but not the least are tote bags. Aside from being eco-friendly, you’ll find that you need one anyway when you go shopping in any city. Tote bags are practical memorabilia items since they’re affordable, light, and useful. Bonus points if it features an interesting design by an artist.
Wrapping Up
There you have it. I hope you enjoyed the bite-size pieces of information on what are some of the good souvenirs to buy in Macedonia. If you have any questions or comments, please write it down in the comments section below.
FAQs
Some food-based souvenirs can be Ajvar, Macedonian wine, and Macedonian Rakija. Some product-based souvenirs can be filigrees, Ohrid pearls, or Macedonian books.
You can easily find food-based souvenirs in supermarkets. For product-based souvenirs that are made in Macedonia, you can find them in bookstores, shops or stalls in the streets of Ohrid, or in Skopje’s Old Bazaar.
Filigree, Ohrid Pearls, or Macedonian wine, and cheese are just some ideas you can bring back to your country from Macedonia.
Ohrid pearls and filigree are popular Macedonian products that represent the Macedonian culture.