Often associated with Greece and Turkey, Bulgarian cuisine is some of the most delicious in Europe. With breakfast being so important here, it’s no surprise that there’s more than a handful of local specialities made for morning snacking. From fresh salads to tender roast meat, traditional home cooking makes the most of fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Drinks in Bulgaria are just as important. Sharing a glass of brandy is considered a social event, so order the local tipple for the most authentic experience. Lots of bars will also serve your drink with a small bowl of nuts or popcorn.

Must-try dishes

Banitsa

Sweet or savoury pastries

A traditional pastry pie available in both sweet and savoury varieties. A popular breakfast version is stuffed with whisked eggs and cheese, while the sweet options include pumpkin, yoghurt, apples, walnuts and honey.

Shopska Salad

Fresh salad with grated cheese

A relatively simple dish, the mixture of flavours in this fresh salad are a delight for the taste buds. Chopped peppers, tomatoes, cucumber and onion are topped with olives and a generous shaving of local sirene cheese. Enjoy as a starter or a sharing side dish!

Tarator

Cold yoghurt soup

This traditional soup is as cool as a cucumber and the perfect remedy on a hot summer’s day. It’s a mixture of yoghurt, cucumber, garlic, walnuts, dill, oil and water. Want to try? Look out for ‘Snow White salad’ on the menu.

Kebapche

A takeaway favourite

Bulgaria’s version of an international favourite, the kebab! Minced meat is combined with aromatic herbs and spices then rolled into a sausage-like shape and roasted on a grill. Usually served with salad or chips, it’s a great option for lunch.

Divine drinks of Bulgaria

Rakia

Fiery brandy

Grapes, plums and berries or apricots are mixed to make this fruity brandy that packs a serious punch. It’s often produced at home and best enjoyed ice-cold with a little water.

Boza

A sweet soft drink

One of the country’s most popular soft drinks, Boza is made from wheat, rye and millet. This malty drink has a thick consistency and acidic sweet flavour. It’s the perfect match to a warm breakfast banitsa.

Menta

Minty green liqueur

This attention-grabbing drink is made from mint leaves, sugar and pure alcohol. Featuring heavily in lots of local cocktails, you’ll see this bright-green beauty topped with sparkling water and flavoured fizzy drinks. Drinking it straight is not for the faint-hearted.

Ayran

A refreshing yoghurt smoothie

Known locally as a great hangover cure, this nutritious drink is a blend of yoghurt, water and salt. Enjoy it as a thick yoghurt or make it more of a drink by diluting with extra water. It’s best served chilled with a hearty breakfast.