10 Most Popular Foods in Bulgaria

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For everyone who loves exploring new cultures and food, Bulgaria makes an excellent choice. This country has a lot of pleasant surprises for all travelers in terms of both amazing spots and mouthwatering cuisines. From street foods to fancy restaurants, Bulgaria has some good treats for all.

In the section below, we have listed the 10 most popular foods in Bulgaria; try them all by cooking at home or during your visit there.

1. Kebapche

Kebapche is made with minced meat and different spices. You can use different meats, including pork or beef. Some people also use a combination of both types of meat. All ingredients are mixed and then shaped like small sausages. Then, they are grilled. Don’t fry it; it is not a good option. It is normally cooked during various festivals there. 

Recipe for kebapche

2. Banitsa

The traditional and delicious Bulgarian pastry is a treat for your mouth. It is something you can’t resist. Banitsa is prepared by layering a mixture of cheese and beaten eggs. Then, the ingredients are baked. Once prepared, the pastry becomes crusty from outside.

Recipe for banitsa

3. Shopska Salad

If you want to try something light, then consider eating this Bulgarian salad. Shopska salad is prepared with cucumber and tomato as key ingredients. These are chopped before adding. Other ingredients are onions, white cheese, peppers, and olive oil. Some people also add salt and vinegar.

Recipe for shopska salad

4. Tarator

This cold soup called tarator is one of the most-liked dishes in Bulgaria. Tarator is the first course. However, some locals also serve it as a side dish. The ingredients for making this soup are cucumbers, garlic, dill, walnuts, Bulgarian yogurt, lemon, vinegar, and other herbs.

Recipe for tarator

5. Kavarma

Kavarma is a traditional dish. It is prepared in clay pots. It consists of meat and vegetables. For meat, you can use chicken, pork, or beef. The common ingredients are onions, carrots, peppers, leeks, tomatoes, and mushrooms. However, it does not have a single recipe.

Recipe for kavarma

6. Kurabiiki

Kurabiiki is a famous cookie of Middle Eastern origin. It is made with honey, butter, sugar, egg yolks, and flour. It is mostly prepared during holidays and festivals. The cookies are shaped into balls that are dipped in sugar. Once baked, the cookies become delicate brown.

Recipe for kurabiiki

7. Sarmi

Sarmi is a stuffed vine leaf or cabbage. It is stuffed with the yummy bend of rice, mince, and different spices. However, if you are a vegetarian, then you can skip the meat. It is normally served before the main course as a starter.

Recipe for sarmi

8. Bob Chorba

Bob chorba, or in simple words, the boiled beans, are made with a combination of different vegetables and beans. The common vegetables are onions, tomatoes, peppers, and carrots. During summer, spearmint and savory are also added. Some people also add meat for better taste.

Recipe for bob chorba

9. Lukanka

The traditional and highly aromatic Bulgarian sausages are something you don’t want to miss. It is very spicy because it uses nutmeg, sweet peppers, hot peppers, salt, coriander, and cumin mixed well in meat. While for meat, locals normally use the intestines of pigs or cows.

Recipe for lukanka

10. Mishmash

Mishmash translates to the mixture of different things. This Bulgarian food is made with vegetables like peppers and tomatoes, and eggs. While other ingredients are onions, white cheese, salt, and pepper. This food can be eaten anytime from breakfast to dinner.

Recipe for mishmash

Sources:

Taste Atlas

American University in Bulgaria

Travel Talk Tours