When actually eating, be sure to take small portions at first as your hosts will take it as a compliment if you take more food later. It's also important to note the religion of your company as many Muslims won't eat pork nor will they consume alcohol. If this is the case, it would be wise to follow their lead. If they do drink though, your glass will be continuously refilled, so if you don't want more wine, leave your glass at least half full. If you're served rakija or mastika, the local alcoholic specialties, drink slowly as they are stronger than they taste, although these are generally only served once to begin the meal.
Tipping in Macedonia is primarily at your discretion. At nicer restaurants you should tip 10-15% of the bill, while at local establishments tips may not be expected at all. Be sure to check if there is a service charge included before tipping, as if there is, there is no need to tip beyond this.
Drinks
After being under Turkish rule for so long, the Macedonians gratefully adopted Turkish-styled coffee and it has become an excuse to meet for any occasion or event. More recently other coffee drinks have taken a larger market share such as cappuccino and latte. In addition to these drinks, are all the other popular international drinks such as tea, soft drinks, juices, and milk.
The most authentic local alcoholic drinks are rakija and mastika, which are distilled liquors, generally made from grapes or plums. Wine is also making a significant impact on the market as numerous wines are produced every year, one of the most popular local varietals being vranec, but merlot and other well-known grapes are also used. In addition to these beverages, international wines, beers, and hard liquors are also available.
There is no consensus on the cleanliness of the tap water in Macedonia. Generally speaking, the tap water is safe to drink, particularly in big cities, but in some areas the water quality is poorer, perhaps even unsafe, so should be avoided. The best course of action is to check with locals for the cleanliness of the local water or be extra cautious and avoid the tap water entirely. If you do decide to drink the tap water, remember that many people may have troubles adjusting to the local water, as it will most certainly be different from what your system is used to.