The Bulgarian cuisine is very diverse. Not only the typical national recipes, but also the influences from neighboring countries make Bulgarian dishes something truly special. Thanks to modern adaptations and the creation of new dishes, there are also plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans. So, there's something for everyone!
Breakfast in Bulgaria is not valued nearly as much as lunch and dinner. However, there are a few dishes that are considered typical breakfast options.
Mekitsa is a type of flatbread made from kneaded dough that is fried in hot oil. The breads are usually topped with sweet toppings such as powdered sugar.
This is not a complete dish, but rather a spread that is often eaten on bread or crackers. The spread consists of peppers, chili peppers, tomatoes, onions, salt, sugar, and oil. The peppers are diced, fried, and then cooked with the other ingredients in oil and water. The spread is also often served as a dip with meat dishes.
This dish consists of layers of buttered phyllo dough filled with a mixture of eggs, yogurt, and cheese, topped with feta. The dough puffs up while baking and becomes fluffy. The cheese melts, and together the ingredients create a sort of airy cheese bread.
Typically, appetizers consist of bread or mixed platters with various snacks. Salads are also commonly served as appetizers.
This salad is quick and easy to prepare and consists only of vegetables, topped with Bulgarian sirene cheese. The salad is not only served as an appetizer but is also enjoyed as a side dish with the main course.
This salad is essentially another version of the Shopska Salad, but with added ingredients that change the flavor significantly. In addition to the usual ingredients (cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, onions, and cheese), mushrooms, eggs, and ham are added. Especially in summer, this salad is popular as it makes a great snack on hot days due to its fresh ingredients.
This salad is probably better described as a dip. It is very similar to the typical tzatziki from Greece. The creation, made mainly from yogurt, garlic, and cucumbers, is garnished with dill, ground walnuts, oil, and salt, making it light and refreshing.
There is a wide variety of soups in Bulgaria. Some of the soups are very rich and hearty, and many can be eaten with bread as a main course. In winter, warm, hearty soups are served, while in summer, cold soups are popular.
This soup is often referred to as the national dish of Bulgaria. Beans are the main ingredient in this dish. They are soaked in water overnight, and then the water is drained, and the beans are slowly cooked in a pot. It is simmered with paprika, onions, spices, and salt until the desired temperature is reached.
Ribena Chorba is a fish soup. It is made with various types of fish or fish heads. Additionally, vegetable pieces cooked in fish broth are used. Typical vegetables for this soup include potatoes, carrots, onions, peppers, and tomatoes.
This soup is often eaten as a hangover cure after a long night. It is made from tripe, water, flour, milk, red wine vinegar, garlic, paprika, and hot chili peppers.
This stew consists of vegetables, meat, and spices. Potatoes, zucchini, tomatoes, peppers, and other vegetables are cooked together with meat and spices for a long time. This gives the stew a unique flavor. The stew can also be made vegetarian or with fish. There are many variations of this stew.
This dish is listed first in the main courses, as it is very similar to a stew and could just as well be categorized here. It is a mix of various types of meat and vegetables, which is slow-cooked in a clay pot before being served. Often, this dish is served in a loaf of bread.
For this traditional dish, pork is diced and fried with tomatoes, dried peppers, and onions. Sometimes fried eggs are served as a side dish.
Kashkaval Pane is particularly suitable for vegetarians. The dish consists of fried and battered kashkaval cheese, which is served like a schnitzel with salad or fries.
For this recipe, peppers are the main ingredient. Chushki Burek is a stuffed and then fried pepper. The pepper is filled with a mixture of cheese, eggs, and fresh herbs. It is then coated in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs and deep-fried until crispy. It is usually served with a sour garlic-yogurt sauce or a fresh salad.
Patatnik is a potato dish. It consists of potato slices, onions, salt, pepper, eggs, sirene cheese, and paprika cubes mixed together and baked in the oven.
Often, just a lot of fruit is eaten, but there are also very famous desserts such as chocolate mousse. We present two typical desserts in this section.
This chocolate cake is a very popular dessert. Five delicate layers of dough are covered with dark chocolate. These layers are stacked on top of each other, alternating dough and chocolate. The whole cake is also coated in chocolate or a creamy ganache. It is decorated with walnuts, coconut, almonds, and chocolate.
This pastry consists of thin sheets of dough filled with a mixture of grated pumpkin, nuts, sugar, and cinnamon. Either sliced or cut into smaller pieces, the dish is dusted with powdered sugar. It is also often served for breakfast. Yogurt is an ideal complement to the dish.
Alcoholic beverages, particularly those produced in Bulgaria, are very popular and well-known. Especially various wine varieties and fruit brandies can be found everywhere, and you should definitely try them!
This wine is made from a local and very popular Bulgarian grape variety. Especially in warmer climates, this grape ripens well and is used to produce both varietal wines and blends.
Rakia is considered the national drink. It is a fruit brandy made from various fruits such as peaches or apricots. The drink is produced in most parts of the country and is very popular.
The Bulgarian cuisine is very diverse. In addition to various soups and stews, there are numerous main courses, desserts, and pastry options. Vegetarians can enjoy many of the dishes without having to change the ingredients. For vegans, the selection may seem quite limited at first, but with a few adjustments, some dishes are also possible. So, everyone is sure to find something, and you can discover some new flavors.
