Bulgarian Food – Hearty and Traditional
Unique bulgarian food is banitsa, a pastry that can be savoury or sweet. It is usually eaten at breakfast with a fermented wheat drink called boza and can be filled with eggs and sirene cheese. During the Christmas and New Year celebrations, it is customary to add a piece of paper with wishes inside the banitsa.
A typical meal starts with mekitsa, which are deep-fried simple donuts that can be sweet or savory. This dish goes well with a glass of rakiya, the traditional strong alcoholic drink.
Sudjuk
One of the best ways to understand a nation’s culture is through its cuisine. Bulgaria is no exception. There are many traditional dishes that should be tried when visiting the country. Two of these are sujuk and ljutenica. Both are very tasty and versatile.
Sujuk is a type of sausage made from ground beef and various spices. It is then stuffed into natural or artificial casings. The sausage can be eaten raw or cooked. When raw, it is stiff and challenging to chew, so most people prefer to cook it.
It is commonly served with eggs for breakfast in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Egypt. It is also used in pastries in Turkey and other countries. The Black Sea is near Bulgaria, so the food often features fish. It is often prepared baked or grilled.
Kufte
Bulgaria is a melting pot of Romans, Greeks, and Turks making the country a feast for the eyes and stomach. This is particularly true of its food, which blends the best of Mediterranean and Arabic cuisine.
One of the most traditional dishes in Bulgaria is kufte (or kyufte). It is similar to a savoury meatball or a homemade burger and it’s a staple at barbecues all year round. Ideally it is served with Shopska salad and French fries with Bulgarian cheese and a chilled beverage such as boza or rakia.
Another Bulgarian favourite is lozovi sarmi. Essentially, it’s a stuffed bell pepper given the Moussaka treatment with the filling being a mix of beef/pork and white rice. These are vegetarian-friendly and a must-try if you are in Bulgaria.
Lozovi sarmi
A big part of Bulgarian cuisine are stuffed cabbage rolls called Lozovi sarmi. It is a traditional food for Christmas. It is made from rice, minced meat, onions and herbs. It can be served hot or cold. The dish is a favourite of vegans as well.
Another popular summer dish is tarator, which is a light cucumber and yoghurt soup that is often seasoned with garlic dill. It is a refreshing alternative to greek Tzatziki.
Tarator soup
Authentic Bulgarian Tarator soup is full of cooling cucumber and yogurt with a hint of garlic. It’s a great way to cool down on a hot day, and it’s also a healthy meal. Cucumbers are rich in fiber and vitamins, while yogurt is a gut-friendly food that helps reduce blood sugar levels. The soup is also high in protein, calcium, and B vitamins.
To make the soup, mix the yogurt with a little water and crushed walnuts (optional). Add chopped garlic, salt, and pepper to taste. Then, add the finely diced cucumber and mix well. Then, add more water if necessary and mix again. Serve cold in a glass. Garnish with a few extra chopped walnuts and dill and enjoy! This recipe calls for double cream Greek yoghurt, but low fat would work as well.
Shopska salata
This light and refreshing salad is a Bulgarian tradition. Its name comes from the Shopi people who live in the region where Bulgaria, Serbia and Macedonia meet. Its ingredients are simple: tomatoes, cucumber, and a local brined cheese. Traditionally the salad is dressed with sunflower oil and grated sirene cheese.
The salad is similar to Mediterranean cucumber and tomato salads but has its own distinct personality. It is bright and fresh with a generous helping of parsley and crunchy cucumbers. The juicy tomatoes and tangy sirene cheese add the perfect amount of saltiness.
Like many other dishes on this list, shopska salad is a good accompaniment to meat or fish. It can also be eaten alone as a light lunch. It is a great side dish for picnics and barbecues.