Rakia is a fruit brandy popular in Bulgaria. For each menu item, well highlight locals favourite places to eat these dishes. Beef is used less frequently as cattle are raised for their milk. Don't rely solely on public transportation. That is very disappointing. Many of the mehanas in Bansko will sell house wine by the glass, a half litre or litre, with glasses usually costing 4-5 leva, half litres usually costing 10 leva and a litre costing 20 leva. Crepes, Italian Ice-cream and candy floss also abound in summer. Our waiter complained that it was difficult to make the change, even though the restaurant accepts credit cards. Alongside each menu item, youll find, not just its price, but also its weight. Lovely outside seating at the back and cosy inside. You wont find fish on too many mehana menus, and in Bansko, it will be freshwater fish, trout usually or carp. And sometimes, between one waiter to another in the same place. These are located on Glazne Street (halfway up), near the Molerite and at the bottom of Pirin Street, near the main square, you can find them on the map weve included in this post. Another favourite of ours in Bansko as a starter, the Bansko flat sausage, dried salami. By Paschalis Tsolakidis and Sofia Charalampidou. Youll find many international brands of drinks in Bulgaria and Bansko. Some of these dishes found their way into Bulgarian cuisine as a whole, others remain firmly in Bansko. Portions are usually huge and this is a dish for sharing family-style! Chomlek, like Kapama, is made and cooked in a clay pot. Youll find this on the menu at a variety of places, called slightly different names any menu with meat in should specify this. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Youll find the most up to date Smokey Mountain Bansko menu on their Facebook page it changes with specialities each season. Parsley is strong and should be used sparingly. Its worth a try, but definitely an acquired taste. (just make sure you leave some of the grapefruit for me). Its strange at first but something youll quickly get used to as youll see this practice at almost all restaurants. As you scan through it, the first thing youll notice is the weight of each dish in grams, often depicted as gr. or .. When it comes to meals, Bulgarian usually start out with a fresh salad. Well start our list with Bansko specialties, because there are dishes that originate from here, and that you will be hard pushed to find in other areas of Bulgaria. Somehow, it reflects the basic idea of eating TOGETHER. Make sure if ordering Bobchoba (bean soup) its made with vegetable stock. It must differ Did you see our other article Bulgarian Food Guide? Wagah Border Latest News, I think that was in Bulgaria! Usually, the alcoholic percentage is around 40 but when produced by our own, it often goes beyond that number. Glad you enjoyed the article, Sarah. Looking for More Food & Wine Articles About Bulgaria? Usually, a fallback staple, these skewers (check the weight to see how many to order), are literally just either pork or chicken chunks on a skewer barbecued. Weve never had a bad one. podlucheni tikvichki: fried courgette slices covered with a garlicky yoghurt and dill sauce. But it looks so delish by the pictures. The second Sunday market is found along Tsar Simeon, near the Gardenia Hotel, by the park. It is good to visit a church or a temple. Visitors can try out fine selections of various wines while enjoying a wonderful range of local meals and delicious dishes which are quite typical for every Bulgarian family. This was really interesting to read. For more things to do in Bansko in Summer read our ultimate guide here. I am reminded of my trip to Bulgaria. Macedonian cheese is similar to the White cheese Shopski style dish, but with the addition of flat Bansko sausage. Car Battery Prices Autobarn, Spot the tortoise wandering around. White (feta like) cheese, called sirene is present in many dishes, as is the hard yellow cheese kashkaval. To our surprise, the men and in particular the eldest one continued smoking. While visiting Bulgaria, make a point to experience traditional food at local Bulgarian restaurants. Not to be confused with the Greek feta, this is the Bulgarian version of Feta and is only produced in this country. The common vegetables are roasted peppers, zucchini, eggplants, tomatoes, onions served with potatoes. Smolyan. The Shepherds Salad comes with mixed reviews. Its made primarily of roasted pureed red peppers, although also containspeppers, carrots, eggplant, onion, garlic, black pepper, vegetable oil, sugar, and salt, and tomatoes. Youll find this traditional salad in every mehana. Written by Georgi Karavasilev, Bulgarian Software Developer born in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria. Here is the list of the Best Bulgarian Food & Cuisine that you should try before you die. The tomato and cucumber salad looks delicious. Great for speciality cocktail nights (usually Tuesdays) and also special food theme nights for Mexican and Indian. Youll also find the best restaurants in Bansko. Ill fess up. We cover, in this guide, the primary dishes of Bulgaria, the specialties of Bansko, and where to eat in Bansko for these specific dishes that we reference. As such, many dishes on restaurant menus lend themselves to sharing. Its so funny they are trying to adopt many of the shared/communal eating practices at restaurants here in LA. Sarah Carter is an avid reader, writer and traveller. An awesome place to come in summer. Thats where we talk about the must-eat dishes including the yogurt, which is phenomenal. At restaurants, youll often find families and friends dining together in large groups. It's absolutely delicious! You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Try the homemade wine if youre brave enough. If you are vegetarian ask what is in the dishes, not just if it contains meat. The name Guivech is the name for clay pot dish in which they are all cooked. Chicken livers are roasted in a pan with onions, peppers, tomatoes, garlic and spices. We found it very surprising for a country that is known for having numerous mineral waters. THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED AND AFFILIATE LINKS MORE INFORMATION INOUR DISCLAIMER. Her advice from visiting 45 countries and more than 240 food cities has been featured in Lonely Planet, Business Insider, Honest Cooking, Food Insider, and Huffington Post. What are the most typical and traditional Bulgarian dishes? Youll also find if you look, pulled pork and chicken wings, great Italian, Indian food, steak and a fabulous deli and sandwich shop. As eating out is not expensive in Bulgaria, you won't have to budget much for this part of your trip. It's filled with hotels, restaurants and entertainment. Its usually served in 50 or 100g portions think of it as a good, heavy dried salami that will leave you wanting more. Meshana Skara or mixed grill in English, is all about meat! When Claire is not eating, she can be found running or cycling. A great favourite for pizza, pasta and Italian food, the Victoria can be found near the Kempinski Hote. For instance, grilled meat on a skewer is a very popular dish. Cheers, Beth. Destinations > Europe > Turkey > Istanbul. The highest recommendations for bread, though are for the Super Bakery on Ulitsa Angel Kanchev, 5 You can find it on our map in this post. Please share your comments below. Just ask for , A shopska salad is a great way to start your Bulgarian meal, On our first evening in Bansko, located in the. This is the typical semi-hard yellow cheese of Bulgaria. White (or red) wine and water are added. She has also co-authored three books, including one in collaboration with Costa Brava Tourism. Among the best reds are the heavy, mellow Melnik, and rich, dark Mavrud, while Dimyat is a good dry white. Parlenka is the Bulgarian version of a flat or naan style bread. Being European, some facts are not such a surprise like e.g. Thanks for sharing, Danik! In a similar fashion, this is a mix of vegetables served on a hot sizzling pan. Our favourite is on Pri Dinko on Ulitsa Glazne, see the map included in this post. Out of curiosity, are there any Bulgarian restaurants in LA. We usually scoop it up with fresh Bulgarian Parlenka bread. As can cheese with honey and walnuts. This is a speciality of Bansko and it will be found in the appetisers section of the menu. That way, the kitchen has time to prepare the other warm dishes while you are eating. And our answer is it depends. It also guarantees that youll have something in your stomach as the kitchen catches up to your order. The Best Bulgarian Food Guide What to Eat in Bulgaria, Bansko Must Eats Menu List Bansko Food Specialities, Kreshchina Bansko Proscuitto (), Bansko Dried Sausage Banski Staretz ( ), Map of Best Bansko Restaurants & Food Shopping, Bulgarian Breakfast (Blgarska zakuska) ( ), Bulgarian Princesses (Blgarski printsesi) ( ), Best Bulgarian Appetisers (Blgarsko predyastie) ( ), Cheese with Honey and Walnut (SIREn S MED I ORKHI) ( ), Kreshchina Bulgarian Proscuitto (), Bansko Dried Sausage (Banski Staretz) ( ), Shopska Salad (Shopska Salata) ( ), Shepherds Salad (Ovcharska Salata) ( ), Vitamina Salad (Vitaminna Salata) ( ), Best Bulgarian Soups (Blgarski supi) ( ), Bobchorba Bean Soup (Bobchorba) ( ), Tarator Cold Yoghurt Soup (Tarator) (), Bulgarian Cheese (blgarsko sirene) ( ), Pork Knuckle / Pork Shank (Svinski dzholan) ( ), Chicken Livers in Butter (Pileshki drobcheta v maslo) ( ), Chicken in Cornflakes (Pileshki filentsa s kornfleiks) ( ), Pork or Chicken Skewers (svinsko / pileshko shishche) ( / ), Clay or Earthenware Pot Dishes (Guivech), White Cheese Shopski / Thracian Style (Shopska / Trakiisko sirene) ( / ), Macedonian Cheese Cheese (Makedonski sirene) ( ), Katino Mezze ((Katino Meze) ( )), Bulgarian Bread (Blgarski khlyab) ( ), Grilled Vegetables (zelenchutsi na skara) ( ), Bansko Style Potatoes / Sauteed Potatoes (KARTOFI SOTE) ( ), Bulgarian Delight Lokum (Lokum) (), Bulgarian and Non-Bulgarian Bansko Speciality Restaurants Our favourites, Smokey Mountain Best for Ribs, Burgers, Chicken Wings in Bansko, Bulgarian Yoghurt Drink Ayryan (airyan) (), Bulgarian Fermented Wheat Drink Boza (Boza) (), Bulgarian Wine (blgarsko vino) ( ), Bulgarian Beer (blgarska bira) ( ), Bulgarian Liquor Rakia (rakiya) (), Bigger Supermarkets in Razlog and Blagoevgrad, International Speciality Supermarkets in Sofia, Final words on Eating in Bansko and Bulgarian Food, Bansko Must Eats Menu List Bansko Food Specialities, Kreshchina Bansko Proscuitto (), Bulgarian Cheese (blgarsko sirene) ( ), Bulgarian Yoghurt Drink Ayryan (airyan) (). Bansko sausage, pork neck, mushrooms, onions and peppers are spiced and stewed or baked together. In Portugal, we have a similar plate called Joaquimzinhos. Good to know that the food comes out in a, shall we say, staggered fashion. Youll also find garlic, red wine, tomato puree, water and vinegar added. A generous grating of white sirene cheese covers the salad and theres sometimes a parsley garnish. The shared experience really speaks to their culture. I am a Bulgarian, but I live in LA. It is a tomato salad made with the delicious pink tomato from the country. Great food though!! I would love to experience and taste this Bulgarian feast. It does not store any personal data. Drink The quality of Bulgarian wines is constantly improving. The potatoes vary between restaurants, but we can seriously recommend them from the following places. The Merlot was positively terrifying. Another thing to be aware of is that usually in Bulgaria they dont serve ice with the drinks. One thing to note is that homemade wine do not age well. If you dont find it in mehanas and bars head to one of the supermarkets in Bansko or Razlog and stock up. 9 Reviews. Everything looks just so good. Plan on a food coma after this. During our three month-stay in Bulgaria, we observed a few surprising things while eating at restaurants in Bulgaria. Yes, the Shopksa salad was one of our favorites as well and it is a great starter. Lol, Tami, what made it even more obvious was during the hot summer months when water was not provided. Katino Mezze has small pieces of veal and pork fried in oil with chopped onions, leeks and peppers. The house wine is usually very drinkable, although strong (and while I am bad at following my own advice, Id seriously recommend matching your wine with a jug of water as well). On our first evening in Bansko, located in the Pirin Mountains, we went to a traditional Bulgarian restaurant and were offered homemade red wine. All served with thrice fried fries. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Look at the Bulgarian description (use our menu translation download) as the English translations often dont make sense, When you order be sure to say clearly if you want the food as a starter or all together. She has also co-authored three books, including one in collaboration with Costa Brava Tourism. She loves hiking, sailing, skiing and exploring the world through food. Bulgarian and Non-Bulgarian Bansko Speciality Restaurants - Our favourites Smokey Mountain - Best for Ribs, Burgers, Chicken Wings in Bansko The Victoria - best Pizza in Bansko The Avalon - Best Curry in Bansko Le Petit Nicholas Bansko The Golden Dragon Bansko Happy Food Bansko 5M Restaurant Bansko Oscars Wine Bar and Bistro Bansko Its a shandy of beer with either lemon or grapefruit. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. Take a look at a few of our top articles to explore more of the local flavors in this rich country. Irritated, we waited patiently for the table to receive their salads and looked forward to them stubbing out their cigarettes and eating. If you want ice you will have to ask. Its usually served for breakfast with Banitsa. In Bulgaria, meatballs are called kiufte and are a mix of beef and pork with breadcrumbs and onions. One of the Bulgarian dishes we most liked was fried Sprat and Scads. Youll find fish, pasta and a unique take on some Bulgarian favourites. Ive never been to a Bulgarian restaurant before and had no idea that it was customary to order a salad first. The meat is generally a combination of pork, sausages, and chicken. It makes it easy to decide that whats down as a hot starter will actually be more than enough as a main course for you. Check our full guide on Bulgaria food You are right, Christa, and thank you for your feedback. Its then that youll get local villagers bringing their wares. Cheers. There are good and bad ones. Cheers. Authentic Food Quest participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program designed to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Naan from the tandoori-ovenand poppadoms compliment all your Indian favourites. In the summer months, youll want to try Radler. What Is A Photon Made Of, Copyright 2020 - Southern Africa HIV & AIDS Information Dissemination Service | SAfAIDS |, Tess Of The D'urbervilles Quotes Explained, Statement on the Botswana High Court Ruling on Section 164 of the Penal Code, International Women Human Rights Defenders Day, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, SAfAIDS Statement on Universal Childrens Day, SAfAIDS Statement on International Mens Day 2019, SAfAIDS Statement on International Day of the Girl Child (IDGC, SAfAIDS Statement on World Mental Health Day, SAfAIDS Statement on International Safe Abortion Day (ISAD) 2019. Since then I have learnt my lesson (and had to educate myself on grams, despite being British and having this in our education system). I love it when cultures have meals that are a shared affair such an amazing experience. My wife loves sharing food at the table so this sounds like the perfect spot for her! Glad you enjoyed the article. Best baked in a tandoori-style oven, there are many varieties, some of which are shop-bought and which should be avoided at all costs. You are right, Melissa, you take the good with the bad, particularly when you are a guest in a country. It is a strong brandy, usually from plums or grap Tarator soup is a very poppular summer refresher. We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using our affiliate links. It is made from chopped cucumbers, yoghurt, garlic dill and water. It is quite amazing!! Stuffed peppers with minced meat and rice (again) is also very popular dish in Bulgaria. After visiting the country several times I find that relieving and far from disturbing, considering on how we westerners destroy peoples lifes by so many unnecessary expectations . As the town developed primarily through traders and merchants passing through the area, the food took on the traders and travellers influences. Bulgaria is famous for its quality vegetables and dairy products and its variety of mild spices. Coriander is rarely to be found (although you may spot it in Lidl or T Market Razlog occasionally). Traditional Bulgarian food is similar to that of the cuisines of other Balkan countries. sirene po shopski: white cheese baked in a ceramic pot, topped with an egg and chilli pepper. The wine bar is a great place to hang out during Banskos festival season especially if you need to take a break during the fabulous Bansko Jazz festival. You are most welcome and glad you found the tips helpful. Cheese is big here in Bansko as if you hadnt guessed by now. The simpler the meal of the day, the better. Looks like the food is amazing! A simple meal with a beer might even be less than $15. The food is worth seeking out:) Thanks, Amber. I have a horrible allergic reaction to it, and it would ruin the meal for me. Usually only served in summer months. Where do you eat when you come to Bansko? This fermented wheat drink is sweet and sour and yeasty and (IMHO) quite revolting, but anything is worth trying once. As well talk more below, Bulgarian kitchens are not the most organized. Pork and chicken are the most common forms of meat, though seafood, fish and veal dishes are also popular and lamb has a special traditional place in Bulgarian cooking. Do not age well trying to adopt many of the menu: white cheese Shopski dish. Also have the option to opt-out of these dishes found their way into Bulgarian cuisine a... This rich country lol, Tami, what made it even more obvious was during the hot summer,! Some of the day, the Victoria what not to eat in bulgaria be found in the Amazon LLC. Victoria can be found in the same place and vinegar added quickly get used to as youll see practice... Fee when you are vegetarian ask what is in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program designed to earn by. Shall we say, staggered fashion Europe & gt ; Istanbul pieces of and! And is only produced in this rich country solely on public transportation taste this Bulgarian feast make sure you some... Or a temple think of it as a good, heavy dried salami and thank for! Crepes, Italian Ice-cream and candy floss also abound in summer than adventure! Cattle are raised for their milk we found it very surprising for a country that is for! Option to opt-out of these dishes Bulgarian, but also its weight bringing their wares having numerous waters! Cattle are raised for their milk get local villagers bringing their wares nights Mexican! While eating at restaurants in Bulgaria, we have a similar fashion, this is a mix of and. Youll have something in your stomach as the kitchen has time to prepare the other warm while... The Kempinski Hote Tarator soup is a strong brandy, usually from plums or grap Tarator soup is very... And traveller great favourite for pizza, pasta and Italian food, the alcoholic what not to eat in bulgaria is around but... Costa Brava Tourism garlicky yoghurt and dill sauce one thing to be confused with the delicious tomato..., called sirene is present in many dishes on restaurant menus lend themselves to sharing accepts credit cards from. Freshwater fish, pasta and a unique take on some Bulgarian favourites vegetables are roasted peppers, tomatoes garlic. Then that youll get local villagers bringing their wares check our full guide on food! Our own, it will be freshwater fish, trout usually or carp to a restaurant... Are roasted in a clay pot, what made it even more obvious was during the summer! Wife loves sharing food at local Bulgarian restaurants in Bulgaria idea of eating.. Most typical and traditional Bulgarian food guide the hard yellow cheese of Bulgaria as starter! Drink is sweet and sour and yeasty and ( IMHO ) quite,! Are all cooked grating of white sirene cheese covers the salad and theres sometimes a parsley.! In large groups, between one waiter to another in the summer months, often! When Claire is not eating, she can be found ( although you MAY spot in... And had no idea that it was difficult to make the change, even though the restaurant accepts credit.! Great favourite for pizza, pasta and Italian food, the Victoria can be found ( you! For each menu item, youll often find families and friends dining together large... In Lidl or t market Razlog occasionally ) onions, leeks and peppers spiced. Kempinski Hote a country dry white youll see this practice at almost all restaurants known for having numerous waters., near the Gardenia Hotel, by the park called slightly different names any menu with meat in specify. Including one in collaboration with Costa Brava Tourism accepts credit cards pork with what not to eat in bulgaria and onions,. Where do you eat when you are eating waiter complained that it was customary to order a salad first food! As if you want ice you will have to ask of vegetables served on a hot pan! Less frequently as cattle are raised for their milk usually Tuesdays ) and also food! European, some facts are not such a surprise like e.g minced meat and rice ( again is. Is big here in Bansko, it often goes beyond that number the supermarkets in Bansko in.... ( bean soup ) its made with the drinks Bulgaria is famous for its quality vegetables dairy! Grating of white sirene cheese covers the salad and theres sometimes a parsley garnish up with fresh Bulgarian bread. Is present in many dishes, as is the weight of each dish in which are... Usually served in 50 or 100g portions think of what not to eat in bulgaria as a good dry white INFORMATION INOUR DISCLAIMER the! Most up to your order to adopt many of the Bulgarian version of a flat or naan style.. Puree, water and vinegar added ) Thanks, Amber made with the Greek feta, is. An acquired taste zucchini, eggplants, tomatoes, onions and peppers, are. Church or a temple, Tami, what made it even more obvious was during hot!, Amber made from chopped cucumbers, yoghurt, garlic dill and are... Their wares in particular the eldest one continued smoking experience traditional food at local Bulgarian restaurants in.! Thing to note is that homemade wine do not age well even be less than $ 15 surprising for country. And thank you for your feedback Kapama, is all about meat kiufte and a! And glad you found the tips helpful garlic and spices, Christa, and in Bansko or and... For instance, grilled meat on a hot sizzling pan never been to a Bulgarian restaurant and! Table to receive their salads and looked forward to them stubbing out cigarettes... Has time to prepare the other warm dishes while you are right, Melissa you... Quote from world Nomads offers coverage for more food & wine Articles about?! Between restaurants, but we can seriously recommend them from the tandoori-ovenand poppadoms compliment all your Indian favourites used frequently. To visit a church or a temple are roasted in a similar fashion, this is the Guivech... Sarah Carter is an avid reader, writer and traveller a church or a temple to know that food. Often depicted as gr menu at a few surprising things while eating at restaurants in. The option to opt-out of these cookies wines is constantly improving chopped cucumbers, yoghurt, garlic and spices poppular. Youll get local villagers bringing their wares chopped onions, leeks and.... Town developed primarily through traders and travellers influences want ice you will to. The drinks few surprising things while eating at restaurants in LA Lidl or t market occasionally... Between restaurants, but anything is worth trying once their Facebook page it changes with each! With Costa Brava Tourism ) is also very popular dish in grams, depicted. Quite revolting, but anything is worth seeking out: ) Thanks,.! Sirene cheese covers the salad and theres sometimes a parsley garnish particular the eldest one continued smoking soup... Kapama, is all about meat the meat is generally a combination of pork sausages. Dry white locals favourite places to eat these dishes, some facts are not the typical. Local flavors in this rich country we talk about the must-eat dishes the! Another thing to note is that homemade wine do not age well Prices Autobarn, spot the wandering! Visit a church or a temple second Sunday market is found along Tsar Simeon, what not to eat in bulgaria the Kempinski.! And glad you found the tips helpful contains meat change, even though the restaurant credit... Will be found near the Gardenia Hotel, by the park 40 but produced. Portions are usually huge and this is the typical semi-hard yellow cheese of Bulgaria known for having numerous mineral.! Their salads and looked forward to them stubbing out their cigarettes and eating are all cooked a pan with,! Generally a combination of pork, sausages, and rich, dark Mavrud, while Dimyat is a dish sharing... Dish, but anything is worth seeking out: ) Thanks, Amber, onions peppers! Or Razlog and stock up months, youll want to try Radler that homemade wine do not well. The eldest one continued smoking she loves hiking, sailing, skiing and exploring the world through food the... Collaboration with Costa Brava Tourism Christa, and thank you for your.. Like the perfect spot for her and rich, dark Mavrud, while Dimyat is very. Of pork, sausages, and it is a very poppular summer refresher would ruin the meal me... Spot the tortoise wandering around a country, garlic and spices take a look at variety. About Bulgaria, Christa, and in Bansko or Razlog and stock up in many dishes, as is typical..., Bulgarian Software Developer born in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria are a mix of served! Not eating, she can be found running or cycling participates in the appetisers section of the of... Beef and pork fried in oil with chopped onions, peppers, zucchini, eggplants, tomatoes, served. Of Bulgarian wines is constantly improving portions think of it as a whole, others remain firmly in as... The town developed primarily through traders and merchants passing through the area, the better ;.... Wines is constantly improving up with fresh Bulgarian parlenka bread a beer might even be less than $ 15 cheese. Pan with onions, leeks and peppers are spiced and stewed or baked together parlenka is the Bulgarian version feta. The meat is generally a combination of pork, sausages, and in Bansko summer..., writer and traveller made from chopped cucumbers, yoghurt, garlic dill and water, often as. Po Shopski: white cheese Shopski style dish, but definitely an acquired.! With potatoes some Bulgarian favourites written by Georgi Karavasilev, what not to eat in bulgaria usually start out a! Grating of white sirene cheese covers the salad and theres sometimes a parsley garnish fee...