The Macedonian Pilot Bringing Balkan Bakes To Singapore | Singapore Hour

Key Concepts:

• Relocation and integration into Singaporean society
• Family-run business: Yugoslavia Bakery
• Cultural identity and adaptation
• Community and friendship in a foreign land
• Balancing heritage with local customs

1. Initial Impressions and Background:

• Mitre Krajoski arrived in Singapore in November 2004 as a pilot (captain).
• He was initially impressed by the greenery, specifically the trees around the Roxy Hotel and Parkway Parade.
• Mitre was born in 1969 and has lived in Singapore for over 20 years.
• His surname, Krajoski, is noted as being unusual to pronounce.
• Mitre's wife, Katerina, came to Singapore in 2015.

2. The Genesis of Yugoslavia Bakery:

• The idea for Yugoslavia Bakery originated during the pandemic when Katerina started baking bread at home.
• Friends and visitors encouraged them to open a bakery.
• They found a suitable shop within a five-minute walk from their house and decided to "try and see how it goes."

3. Cultural Heritage and Culinary Adaptation:

• Katerina is originally from Skopje, Macedonia, while Mitre's father is Serbian.
• The bakery's name, "Yugoslavia," was chosen because the products originate from various regions of the former Yugoslavia (Croatia, Bosnia, etc.).
• Katerina adapted traditional Yugoslavian recipes to suit Singaporean tastes.
  • She reduced the size of portions, as traditional portions are much larger.
  • She reduced the amount of sugar in sweets to cater to the local preference for less sweetness.
• They sell items like ajvar (red pepper dip), which is vegan and made entirely from peppers.
• They also sell Baklava, which they acknowledge is common across Southeast Europe, including Turkey and Greece.
• Mitre makes his own yogurt, experimenting with different kinds of milk to perfect his recipe.

4. Family Life and Integration:

• Mitre and Katerina's children were born in Singapore and attend local schools, learning Chinese.
• Katerina regrets not learning Chinese herself.
• The family enjoys a close relationship with their neighbors, including Tashi and Simon, whose children play together.
• They frequently visit East Coast Beach and have sleepovers.

5. Singapore as a Family-Friendly Environment:

• Mitre considers Singapore the "most family-friendly place" due to its safety, cleanliness, and organization.
• He believes it's "very good for the kids" and potentially the "best country" for raising a family.

6. Community and Friendships:

• Mitre has maintained friendships with some ex-Yugoslavian people he knew when he first arrived.
• He has also developed strong friendships with locals, including Johnny (a former colleague) and Tanvir (a neighbor).
• They used to go out partying when they were single, and now they still get together with their families.

7. Celebrating Easter and Balkan Hospitality:

• The video shows them celebrating Easter with friends and family.
• Mitre enjoys barbecuing and is known as the "barbecue man."
• Katerina is responsible for seasoning salads, a skill Mitre admits he can't replicate.
• They describe their Balkan spirit as "more open" and enjoy inviting friends to their house.
• They acknowledge that Singaporeans are generally "more on the quiet side" but they have made very good friends.

8. Generational Connections:

• The video includes a brief interaction with the children's grandparents via video call.
• The children express what they miss about Macedonia, including the internet, swimming, friends, school, and their own beds.

9. Commitment to Singapore:

• Mitre states that he came to Singapore as a foreigner and has "no intentions of going anywhere."
• He considers himself "here to stay."

10. Conclusion:

The video portrays Mitre and Katerina's journey of establishing a life and business in Singapore, highlighting their integration into the local community while preserving their cultural heritage. It emphasizes the importance of family, friendship, and adapting to local customs while maintaining a connection to their roots. The success of Yugoslavia Bakery serves as a testament to their entrepreneurial spirit and their ability to blend traditional flavors with Singaporean preferences.