As incredible as it sounds, Bulgarian cuisine and flavors have traveled all over the world! Рecognizable with its rich flavors, fresh ingredients, and hearty dishes, often influenced by the country's agricultural traditions and diverse cultural history. It combines Slavic, Ottoman, Greek, and Balkan elements, offering a unique and flavorful experience.

Here are some of the most popular Bulgarian dishes:

Shopska Salad (Шопска салата) - This refreshing salad is a national favorite, made with chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and bell peppers, all topped with grated white cheese. It’s typically seasoned with olive oil and parsley. It’s especially popular during the summer and is a staple in most Bulgarian meals. It’s also iconic for being simple yet delicious. You can find it on the menu all over Europe. Of course the best taste is in Bulgaria region, made by local sunny products.
Banitsa (Баница) - A traditional pastry made of layers of filo dough filled with a mixture of eggs, yogurt, and white cheese. There are variations of banitsa, such as versions filled with spinach, pumpkin (the sweet version), or meat. Commonly eaten for breakfast or as a snack, banitsa is often served during festive occasions, especially on New Year's Eve when it is made with good luck charms hidden inside.
Tarator (Таратор) - A cold soup made from yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, dill, walnuts, and water, often served chilled. It’s light and refreshing, making it a favorite during the hot summer months. Tarator is a popular starter or side dish, especially when served alongside grilled meats.
Kavarma (Кавърма) - A traditional slow-cooked stew made with pork or chicken, onions, peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, and spices. It’s often prepared in clay pots, which help concentrate the flavors. Kavarma is a comfort food, popular throughout the country, especially in colder months.
Sarmi (Сърми) - Stuffed cabbage or vine leaves filled with a mixture of minced meat (usually pork or beef), rice, and spices. Vegetarian/Vegan versions with rice, herbs, and vegetables are also common. This dish is often served during Christmas or other festive occasions and can be found year-round in many restaurants. It must be tasted!
Meshana Skara (Мешана скара) - A mixed grill platter featuring various types of grilled meats, including kebapche (grilled minced meat rolls), kyufte (meatballs), pork chops, and sausages. Grilled meats are a favorite in Bulgaria, and this dish is often ordered at restaurants when people want to sample a variety of flavors. It’s served with sides like fries, salad, or lutenitsa (a spicy tomato and pepper sauce).
Kebapche (Кебапче) - A long, grilled minced meat roll, similar to a sausage, typically made from pork or a mix of pork and beef, seasoned with cumin and black pepper. A common item on barbecue menus, kebapche is often served with fries and a side of mustard or lutenitsa. It’s a must-try at Bulgarian grill restaurants.
Patatnik (Пататник) - A potato-based dish from the Rhodope Mountains region, made by grating potatoes and mixing them with onions, spices, and sometimes cheese, before baking or frying the mixture into a thick, savory cake. This rustic dish is particularly beloved in the mountain regions but is enjoyed across the country.
Moussaka (Мусака) - The Bulgarian version of moussaka is made with layers of potatoes and ground meat (usually pork or beef), topped with a creamy egg and yogurt mixture and well baked. It differs from the Greek version, which uses eggplant. It is a popular family dish, often served with a side of yogurt and is a staple in home cooking.
Sirene po Shopski (Сирене по шопски) - This dish features white brined cheese (sirene) baked with tomatoes, peppers, eggs, and herbs in a clay pot. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish, typically served as an appetizer or a light meal.Sirene po Shopski is a common dish in traditional restaurants and is loved for its blend of melted cheese and fresh vegetables.
Bob Chorba (Боб чорба) - A hearty bean soup made from white beans, onions, carrots, tomatoes, and various herbs. It can also include meat, but vegetarian versions are common and especially popular during the Orthodox Christian fasting periods. This soup is a traditional Bulgarian comfort food and a regular part of everyday meals.
Shkembe Chorba (Шкембе чорба) - A tripe soup made from beef or pork stomach, seasoned with garlic, vinegar, and chili peppers. It’s known for its strong flavor and is often considered a hangover cure. A popular choice for Bulgarians after a night of drinking, it’s often eaten with lots of garlic and chili for extra.
Rakia (Ракия) - A traditional fruit brandy, made from fermented fruits like plums, grapes, or apricots. It’s a strong spirit and is commonly served as an aperitif before meals or during celebrations. Almost every Bulgarian household has their own homemade rakia, and it is an integral part of Bulgarian culture, especially when toasting to health and happiness.
Lutenitsa (Лютеница) - A spread made from roasted red peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, and garlic, often seasoned with herbs and spices. It’s usually served as a side dish or spread on bread. A beloved condiment, it’s often homemade, though commercially made varieties are also popular. Lutenitsa is served with grilled meats, bread, or as part of a traditional Bulgarian breakfast.

Bulgarian cuisine is a reflection of the country’s rural lifestyle and rich history. Its focus on fresh vegetables, dairy products, and grilled meats, combined with regional and cultural influences, makes it a flavorful and diverse cuisine. Whether you're enjoying a simple Shopska salad, indulging in a rich stew like Kavarma, or sipping a glass of rakia, or wine. Bulgarian food offers something for everyone!