Believe it or not... The origin of the rice in the Kocani area is not determined. Some believe that it has been brought from Asia from the period of Alexander the Great, while others believe that the Dubrovnik tradesmen are the first initiators for this culture to arrive to Macedonia. According the folk tales the rice was brought by the Turks together with a group of people from Asia Minor, who were skilled in growing rice. A recipe for the famous specialty Lapa (Sutlijas from Kocani). Bake some poppy on a pan (no oil) and then knead it in a dibek. The kneaded poppy is put in a pan with boiled water and the rice is added. It is simmered until the rice is softened. At the end sugar and vanilla are added.