Unique flavors and cooking techniques in Bulgarian cuisine

Bulgarian cuisine has a long history dating back to ancient times. It is a mix of different culinary traditions and influences from the surrounding regions. Bulgaria's rich agricultural tradition and fertile soil have led to an abundance of fresh, local ingredients that form the basis of Bulgarian cuisine.

Bulgarian cuisine is known for its simple, but tasty dishes. Many dishes are based on seasonal ingredients and prepared in a traditional way. Herbs and spices play an important role in Bulgarian cuisine and give dishes a unique taste. Popular herbs include peppers, garlic, onions and parsley.

Bulgarian cuisine is known for its unique flavors and cooking techniques. One of the most striking features is the use of ceramic pots. These pots are used to slow cook stews and other dishes, intensifying the flavors.

Another unique cooking technique is roasting meat over an open fire, known as 'meat under the bell'. The meat is slowly cooked under a bell-shaped lid, which keeps it tender and juicy.

Bulgarian eating habits: everything you need to know

Bulgaria is known for several foods. First, its yoghurt. This was even invented in Bulgaria, hence the name of the bacterium, which allows yoghurt to be produced from milk: the Lactobacillus Bulgaricus bacterium.

You can also find many different cheeses in Bulgaria , from cow's milk, sheep's milk and goat's milk. The Bulgarian white cheese in particular is well-known and is basically sheep's cheese.
This cheese is used for many dishes, such as banitsa, salads and sandwiches.

Finally, Bulgarians eat a lot of meat. You can find many types of sausage, such as lukanka. Lukanka is a typical Bulgarian sausage (kind of salami) and is eaten with drinks, on bread or even on pizza, for example.
Not to mention other types of meat, such as pork, lamb and chicken. Even chicken hearts are on the menu.
Meat is an important part of Bulgarian culture, so it really is everywhere. Many Bulgarians love bbqs and are anything but vegetarians.

And the good thing is that meat in Bulgaria is of very good quality. Even in supermarkets you can find a lot of fresh meat, such as whole chickens.
You can also find a butcher in just about every village.

Bulgarians usually eat only one real meal in a day: dinner. Around 20:00 is usually the peak at many restaurants and Bulgarians eat a hefty meal, with starters and side dishes and often a sweet dessert.

The rest of the day Bulgarians eat, for example, banitsa, ice cream, nuts and fruits. They nibble all day long, so there are lots of stalls and takeaways with pancakes, pizza slices (the famous ‘Balkan pizza’) and sandwiches.

Bulgarians like to eat together in the evening and order different dishes. Thus, there are usually meat, chips, salads and bread on the table for everyone to combine.

Soup is often served as a starter. Bean soup, for instance, is a delicious Bulgarian soup.

In addition, what is typical for the Balkans is that people eat bread with everything. Not topped bread like in the Netherlands, but for instance dipping bread in the soup or together with meat.

What does Bulgarian cuisine have to offer? These are the most delicious dishes!

Bulgarian cuisine reflects the country's rich agricultural traditions and has influences from the Balkans, the Mediterranean and Ottoman cuisine. It is a tasty combination of meat, dairy products, vegetables and spices.

Bulgaria is mainly known for its yoghurt. Yoghurt is produced all over the country. Consider, for instance, the village of Momchilovtsi, from which a Chinese yoghurt brand gets its name.

Maybe you already know some dishes from Bulgaria, maybe not. Either way, below are the tastiest Bulgarian specialities you can find anywhere!

The 5 best starters and side dishes: lots of variety

As Bulgarians often go big at dinner in the evening with many different types of food and multiple courses, there are also many starters and side dishes or ‘appetisers’ on menus. Lots of meat, for example. But there is much more, and you will discover it here!

1. Fries with Bulgarian white cheese

A typical Bulgarian side dish is chips with white cheese. You can find this in almost every restaurant and it might not be something you would serve yourself.

Still, the combination of cheese with fries looks quite good and tastes surprisingly good.

Although every restaurant serves it differently, the basis is the same: fresh chips with some salt and grated Bulgarian (sheep) cheese sprinkled on top.

This dish is always surprisingly tasty, while you can get it for a good price. In some joints in smaller towns, you can get a plate full for as little as one euro!

2. Kufteta and Kebapche: Bulgarian specialties of minced meat

Kyufteta and Kebapche are typical Bulgarian delicacies made from pork.

Kyufteta are meatballs, but with a Bulgarian twist. They are usually made from mixed minced meat and flavoured with various herbs and spices.

The spices used in kyufteta can include garlic, onions, black pepper, paprika and fresh herbs. After seasoning, the minced meat is mixed and formed into small balls, which are then fried, grilled or boiled.

Kebapche is a traditional Bulgarian dish similar to kebab and meatballs. It consists of seasoned minced meat formed into oblong sausages that are grilled or fried.
The spices used can vary, but they often include garlic, onions, pepper and various spices, such as cumin.

Kebapche is often served as a side dish with sauce such as lutenitsa (a sauce made of tomatoes, peppers, aubergine and spices), along with bread and salad, for example.
It is a popular dish in Bulgaria and is often enjoyed during barbecues and festive occasions. The flavourful spices give kebapche a distinctive flavour loved by many people.

They are real culinary treats and can be had in any traditional restaurant for a good price!

3. Banitsa: excellent for breakfast or lunch

Banitsa is a traditional Bulgarian dish consisting of thin layers of dough filled with different ingredients. The dough is usually similar to filo dough or yufka dough.

The filling can be sweet or savory and often contains ingredients such as eggs, cheese (mostly Bulgarian white cheese) and yoghurt. Other possible fillings include spinach, pumpkin or minced meat.

The dough is placed in layers, each layer being brushed with melted butter or oil. The banitsa is then baked until the dough is golden brown and crispy.

There are several types of banitsa, of which vita banitsa is the best known.

Banitsa is popular in Bulgaria and is often eaten on various occasions, including holidays and family gatherings. It is known for its delicious taste and versatility as a savory or sweet dish.

Banitsa is mainly eaten for breakfast or lunch and is available at every bakery and many supermarkets.

4. Tarator: a refreshing yogurt soup

Tarator is a soup based on yoghurt and cucumbers. The main ingredient is yoghurt, often mixed with water to dilute the soup. It is flavoured with fresh cucumbers, garlic, dill and often walnuts.

It is served chilled and can be garnished with a dash of olive oil.

The soup has a refreshing and slightly sour flavour, and it is a popular choice in summer because of its cooling properties.

Tarator is considered a traditional Bulgarian dish and can also be found in other Balkan countries under different names and with some regional variations. It can be served as a starter or as a side dish.

5. Shopska salad: the national pride that can be found everywhere

Shopska salad is a colorful and refreshing Bulgarian salad consisting of simple, fresh ingredients. It reflects the Bulgarian flag with white cheese (white), cucumber (green) and tomato (red). It is therefore not surprising that the shopska salad is the most popular dish in Bulgaria!

The shopska salad is similar to the Greek salad and is a delicious fresh salad with tomatoes, green pepper, cucumber, red onion, Bulgarian white cheese, and often olives.

Shopska salad is a light and nutritious salad that is often served as a starter or as a side dish with grilled meats. It is known for its simple preparation and rich flavors.

The 3 best main dishes: lots of meat and fresh vegetables

After the delicious side dishes, you might now be curious about typical Bulgarian main dishes. That comes in handy!

Because there are lots of delicious dishes to be found on restaurant menus. Discover our three favourites here!

1. Kavarma: delicious meat stew

Kavarma is a Bulgarian dish consisting of stewed meat with vegetables. It is prepared by roasting or stewing meat, such as pork, chicken or lamb, with onions, peppers, tomatoes and spices. The dish can vary depending on the region and personal preferences.

Kavarma is usually seasoned with spices such as paprika, black pepper, thyme and bay leaf. Sometimes white wine is also added for extra flavour. The result is a deliciously flavourful stew with tender meat.

You often get kavarma served in an earthenware pot as a kind of soup.

Like many other traditional dishes, kavarma is often prepared in a clay pot and baked in the oven. It is a favourite dish in Bulgarian cuisine and is often served with side dishes such as potatoes, rice or bread.

2. Shkembe Chorba: surprisingly delicious tripe soup

‘Shkembe chorba’ means dragon's breath. That's what it looks like and that's what it tastes like.

It is made from tripe. This is the first stomach of ruminants, in this case of the cow.

It doesn't sound very appetising, yet it is considered the ultimate comfort food in many countries worldwide. And for this soup, tripe is the main ingredient.

But don't let the idea of eating a stomach deter you; it tastes delicious!
The soup is perfect for a cold winter day to warm up with a hot soup.
Besides, it is said to be a good remedy for hangovers.

The soup contains some delicious ingredients that provide a rich flavour, such as paprika and chilli peppers. garlic, vinegar and milk are also important ingredients.

At first glance, it may not seem so appetising, but the soup is known for its rich flavour and basically everyone who tries it immediately loves it!

And if you can really just stand the idea of eating a stomach, you can replace the tripe with oyster mushrooms.

3. Sirene po Shopski: a simple oven dish in earthenware pot

Sirene po shopski is a well-known dish that originated in Bulgaria. ‘Sirene’ means cheese and this is the main ingredient of this dish. ‘Shopski’ stands for the Bulgarian region where this dish originated: Shopluk.
This is a region in western Bulgaria, which includes the capital Sofia.

It is a simple to prepare oven dish that, according to tradition, should be served in an earthenware pot. If you don't have one, an oven dish will do, of course.

Sirene po shopski is made with Bulgarian white cheese (which can be replaced with feta), eggs, pepper, tomato, onion and parsley, among other ingredients. Finally, butter is added to make it creamy.

Sirene po shopski is often served as a main dish, accompanied by bread to dip the delicious juices on. It is a popular dish in traditional Bulgarian taverns and is loved for its simple but rich flavours.

It is a perfect dish for the lover of Mediterranean flavours, who loves the combination of fresh vegetables, savoury cheese and egg.

The 3 best local dishes in Bansko

Every region in Bulgaria has different dishes and customs. The Bansko region is known for using a lot of seasonal produce and fresh vegetables.

What are typical regional dishes in Bansko? Here are the three best dishes!

1. Bansko kapama

Bansko kapama is a typical Bansko dish and is even named after it. It is a hearty dish consisting of slow-cooked meat (often pork) and various vegetables, such as cabbage and carrots. It also often contains rice, tomato sauce, garlic and onion.
It is flavoured with herbs and spices, making it a perfect meal to warm you up after a day in the mountains.

Bansko kapama is labour-intensive to make and is often seen as a dish for special occasions. It combines different types of meat with the savoury taste of sauerkraut and spices, making it a distinctive and flavourful dish within Bulgarian cuisine in Bansko.

2. Chomlek

Chomlek is a stew dish from Bulgarian cuisine. It is prepared with meat (usually lamb or pork), vegetables and spices. The specific ingredients may vary depending on the region and personal preferences, but the dish is known for its savoury taste and rich texture.

Seasonal vegetables are often added to the dish, giving it a surprisingly delicious and special taste all year round.

Chomlek is usually simmered slowly, mixing the flavours and making the meat tender. It is often served with bread, rice or potatoes.

Note that dish names can vary, and the exact composition of chomlek can differ depending on where it is prepared. After all, it is a regional dish!

3. Meshana Skara

Meshana Skara is a barbecue dish that includes different types of meat, such as pork, lamb, beef, chicken and sausages.
The meat is usually marinated in herbs and spices before being prepared on the grill.

The marinated pieces of meat are grilled on the barbecue until they are nicely cooked and juicy.
Meshana Skara is often served with an assortment of side dishes, including salads, grilled vegetables, potatoes or bread.
This dish is popular at summer gatherings, family parties and restaurants specialising in grilled meat. It is a social way of eating, with people enjoying different types of meat together, often combined with local sauces and spices.

The dish is served on a large board or plate, allowing everyone at the table to grab pieces of meat for themselves.

Famous Bulgarian drinks and desserts

Bulgaria is also known for its delicious desserts and pastries. One of the most popular desserts is ‘baklava’, a sweet pastry made of layers of filo pastry filled with chopped nuts and topped with sweet syrup. Baklava is a real treat and is often served on special occasions.

Besides the delicious food, Bulgaria also has a number of traditional drinks worth trying. A popular drink is ‘rakia’, a strong brandy made from fruit, such as grapes, plums or apricots. Rakia is often drunk as an aperitif or digestif.

Another traditional drink is ‘boza’, a light alcoholic drink made from fermented grains. Boza has a sweet, nutty flavour and is often served with cinnamon and walnuts.

Discover the best restaurants in the Bansko area

There are endless restaurants to try in Bansko and its surroundings. Each restaurant has its own specialities. So there is a lot to try, but how nice is it to have a list available of the best (and affordable) restaurants in the area?

Here we list three great restaurants in Bansko and its surroundings!

1. Mehana Babuch, Dobrinishte

Babuch is one of the best restaurants in the region. It is always busy and in summer the restaurant garden is open, where you can sit and enjoy the food and a drink in a cosy atmosphere.
Compared to other restaurants, the price is not too bad either, so that's nice.

This restaurant is not in Bansko itself, but in the neighbouring village of Dobrinishte. There are many good restaurants in this village too, such as Makedonska Krachma, Pirin, Stoychevi and so Babuch.

Babuch has an extensive menu of delicious traditional Bulgarian dishes and there is often live music. This combined with the cosy atmosphere makes it a restaurant experience to remember!

2. Five M, Bansko

Five M is located right in the centre of Bansko, on Pirin Street. It is modern and cosy restaurant with good service and delicious food.
Inside, it includes a fireplace and a cosy layout.

There are many different options in delicious dishes. From pizza to salads: basically everything here tastes delicious and fresh.
The lavacakes here are popular for dessert and are labelled by some as the best in Bansko!

If you go skiing in Bansko, you will need plenty of carbohydrates to replenish your energy stores. And that's just as well at Five M. The food is so delicious that it's hard to limit yourself to just one dish!

3. 75's Tasty, Bansko

75's Tasty is a small joint mainly focused on takeaway. Here, in our opinion, you can find the best burgers and fries in Bansko. The burgers taste mega-fresh, well topped, have delicious meat and the portions are top notch.
It opened in 2023, but already stands out with delicious food.

It is located on Pirin Street, opposite Hotel Strazhite, at the beginning of the pedestrian street.

One drawback is that the menu is not extensive, but expensive. It consists mainly of burgers and has the feel of a snack bar.
However, you do get real quality food for this, so it is worth it.

We come here regularly ourselves and definitely recommend it!

Conclusion: embrace the flavours of Bulgaria

Although you might immediately expect it, Bulgaria offers a culinary experience like no other. Discover the delicious flavours of Bulgarian cuisine and be surprised by the diversity and richness of the dishes. Taste traditional dishes, enjoy local ingredients and immerse yourself in Bulgaria's warm hospitality.

So what are you waiting for? Bring Bulgaria to your plate and discover the delicious flavours it has to offer!