8 Traditional Bulgarian Dishes That You Should Try!

Bulgarian cuisine is rich in flavors and variety, influenced by the country's history, geography, and cultural traditions. Many foreigners fall in love with all these traditional Bulgarian dishes with the first bite. Each has a specific way of being prepared and makes them absolutely delicious. But let’s see the best examples of Bulgarian cuisine and their ingredients.

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Banitsa

According to boiana-mg, banitsa is one of the most famous foods in this Balkan country. It consists of layers of phyllo dough and a filling, typically feta cheese and eggs. The phyllo dough is brushed with oil or butter between layers. The filling is added before the dough is rolled and baked.

Banitsa is a popular breakfast in Bulgaria, often served with yogurt or ayran. It is also a typical recipe on special occasions, such as weddings or holidays. It can be served as an appetizer or a main dish.

Shopska salad

Shopska salad is a traditional Bulgarian course typically served as a starter. It is named after the Shop region in Bulgaria, where the recipe is said to have originated. The salad is prepared with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and peppers. They are mixed with Bulgarian white cheese (similar to feta cheese), vinegar, and sunflower oil dressing. The salad is typically garnished with parsley.

Shopska salad is widespread in Bulgaria, often served in restaurants and at home. It is known for its fresh and colorful ingredients and is considered a healthy and flavorful dish. The salad is also easy to make; its components are readily available in most supermarkets.

Kebapche

Kebapche is a next traditional Bulgarian dish – grilled minced meat rolls made from ground beef or pork mixed with various herbs and spices. The meat mixture is shaped into cylindrical rolls, about the size and shape of a hot dog sausage, and grilled over charcoal until crispy and cooked.

Kebapche is often served with a side of lyutenitsa, a famous Bulgarian relish made from roasted red peppers, tomatoes, spices, and French fries or roasted vegetables. It is a popular street food commonly eaten as a quick, tasty snack and main course.

Moussaka

Moussaka is a traditional Balkan dish with layered eggplant, potatoes, and ground meat, typically beef or pork. It is often topped with a creamy bechamel sauce. The food is usually baked until the top layer is golden brown and bubbly.

Moussaka's exact origins could be more evident, as many regional specialties are found throughout the Balkans, Middle East, and Mediterranean regions. However, the Bulgarian version of Moussaka is typically made with ground meat and vegetables. It is often served as a main course.

Tarator

Tarator is a famous Balkan cold soup or appetizer that is commonly consumed during the hot summer months. It is made with a combination of yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, dill, walnuts, and sometimes water or vegetable broth to adjust the consistency.

The cucumbers are typically peeled, grated, or finely chopped, then combined with the yogurt, garlic, and dill and the Tarator is almost done. Crushed walnuts are added to the mixture, giving the dish a unique texture and flavor. The dish is then chilled in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. That helps to meld the flavors and thicken the soups.

Sarmi

Sarmi is a folk recipe that consists of stuffed cabbage leaves or grape leaves. The filling usually contains a mixture of rice, minced meat, onions, herbs and spices. They can be served both warm and cold.

Cabbage leaves are blanched to soften, then filled with the filling and rolled into tight rolls. Place the rolls in a pot, cover with water or broth and cook over low heat until soft.

Shkembe Corba

Shkembe Corba (also spelled “Shkembe Chorba”) is a traditional Bulgarian soup. That one is made from tripe, the stomach lining of a cow, sheep, or goat. That is a popular dish not only in Bulgaria but other Balkan countries. It is often served as a hangover cure or a hearty meal during the winter months.

To prepare Shkembe Corba, the tripe is boiled for several hours until it becomes tender and then cut into small pieces. Other ingredients typically include garlic, paprika, vinegar, and sometimes tomatoes. The soup is usually served hot with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dollop of yogurt.

Patatnik

Patatnik is the last traditional Bulgarian dish you should try. The main ingredients are potatoes, as a pancake is made from them. The full preparation of Patatnik involves grating potatoes and onions, mixing them with eggs, salt, and spices. Then baking the mixture in the oven. The dish is usually served warm with Bulgarian yogurt on the side.

The Bulgarian cuisine offers a unique culinary experience that is to be noticed. From savory pastries to hearty stews, Balkan dishes are flavorful and satisfying. If you plan to travel to Bulgaria, try these eight examples of local food culture, and you won't be disappointed.