A Taste of Bulgaria: Traditional Dishes Worth Discovering

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The Flavours Waiting Just Beyond Your Balcony

One of the best parts of buying a property in Bulgaria? The food. From crisp mountain yogurt to sizzling meat stews and fresh coastal salads, Bulgarian cuisine is simple, hearty, and deeply rooted in tradition.

Whether you’re relaxing on your terrace or dining in a seaside tavern, these are the flavours waiting just beyond your balcony.

Shopska Salad

The national classic

A refreshing salad made with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, peppers, and grated Bulgarian white cheese (sirene) on top — all dressed with olive oil and vinegar.

Best enjoyed with a cold rakija at sunset.

Sirene (Bulgarian White Cheese)

Crumbly, salty, and one of a kind

Made from sheep or cow’s milk, sirene is similar to feta but firmer and more tangy.

Used in everything — from salads and pastries to baked dishes.

Banitsa

The king of Bulgarian breakfasts

Layers of flaky pastry filled with whisked eggs and sirene cheese, then baked golden.

Traditionally eaten on New Year’s Eve with lucky charms hidden inside.

Kavarma

Slow-cooked comfort in a clay pot

A rich meat stew (usually pork or chicken) with onions, peppers, carrots, and spices, simmered for hours. Often topped with a fried egg.

Served bubbling hot in traditional ceramic bowls.

Tarator

Cold soup for hot days

A refreshing yogurt soup made with Bulgarian kiselo mlyako, grated cucumber, garlic, dill, and walnuts.

Served chilled in summer — light, tangy, and perfectly Balkan.

Kiselo Mlyako (Bulgarian Yogurt)

The original probiotic powerhouse

Made with a unique Lactobacillus bulgaricus strain that exists only in Bulgaria, our yogurt is creamy, mild, and incredibly healthy.

A staple in nearly every Bulgarian meal — from breakfast to dessert.

Airyan

Cool, salty, and simple

A drink made from diluted yogurt and a pinch of salt — perfect for hot weather or after a heavy meal.

You’ll often see it served with grilled meats or banitsa.

Sarmi (Stuffed Vine or Cabbage Leaves)

Tiny packages of flavour

Stuffed with rice, herbs, and sometimes minced meat, these rolls are slow-cooked and often served with yogurt.

A traditional dish at both everyday meals and holiday tables.

Kebapche

The Bulgarian answer to a barbecue

Grilled minced meat rolls (pork or beef), seasoned with cumin and black pepper.

Rakija

The spirit of Bulgaria

A strong fruit brandy (usually grape, plum, or apricot) — rakija is more than a drink, it’s a ritual.

Sipped slowly with salad, stories, and friends.

Lyutenitsa

Bulgaria’s spicy-sweet treasure

A slow-roasted spread of red peppers, tomatoes and aubergine.

Slather it on bread, serve with meat, or just eat it by the spoon. Yes, it’s that good.

Black Sea Seafood: The Coastal Crown

Living by the sea means having access to fresh, local seafood every day.

Kalkan (Turbot): The Black Sea’s most prized flatfish — firm, delicate, and often grilled or roasted whole.

Fried Tsatsa: Small fish, lightly floured and deep-fried — perfect with beer on the beach.

Grilled Skumriya (Mackerel): Savory, oily, and full of flavor.

Black Sea Mussels (Midi): Steamed with wine, garlic, and herbs — served everywhere from beach bars to fine restaurants.

Ribena Chorba (Fish Soup): A light tomato-based broth with fresh herbs and local catch.

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