Top 5 Bulgarian Dishes
Bulgaria, a country in Eastern Europe, captivates with its beauty and grandeur. Located on the shores of the Black Sea coast, Bulgaria is renowned for its seaside resorts and marvelous cities with architecture and atmosphere that leave an indelible mark on every traveler's memory.
Amidst the innovations of the modern world, Bulgaria's capital, Sofia, and other cities have preserved ancient traditions of Bulgarian culture. If you seek something special to remember your journey to this country, you should definitely explore the unique craft products of Bulgarian folk artisans.
However, you cannot leave Bulgaria without tasting the dishes of its legendary cuisine. Influenced by trends from the West, East, and South, Bulgarian culinary tradition impresses with a wealth of colors, flavors, and aromas. The splendid blend of spices, sun-kissed local produce, and Bulgarians' love for delicious food truly make Bulgarian cuisine exceptional and worthy of attention.
Today, we will tell you about 5 traditional Bulgarian dishes that you should definitely try while traveling in Bulgaria:
Shopska Salad
Photo: Shopska, Source: https://30seconds.com
Shopska Salad is a traditional Bulgarian salad considered a national treasure. It got its name from the region of Shopluk, where it originates. The salad has a simple set of ingredients - tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and onions. The vegetables are diced, and then, white brine cheese is added, harmonizing the vegetables with a creamy taste. Finally, the ingredients are mixed, drizzled with fresh oil and lemon juice, and garnished with finely chopped herbs. The dish is traditionally served as an appetizer or starter to main courses.
Moussaka
Photo: Musaca, Source: https://www.deliciousmeetshealthy.com
Moussaka is a classic Bulgarian dish that is quite popular not only in Bulgaria but also in many Balkan countries. Some call it a pie - and they are right. Moussaka consists of layers of potatoes, eggplants, and minced meat or vegetable stew. Each layer is seasoned with spices like coriander, turmeric, and garlic. Then, the Moussaka is baked in the oven until it acquires a golden crust. Due to its popularity, Moussaka has numerous variations characteristic of specific regions or even - cities. Traditionally, the dish is prepared for festive occasions.
Banitsa
Photo: Banitsa, Source: https://tarasmulticulturaltable.com
Banitsa is a Bulgarian pastry made from thin layers of dough and various fillings, both savory (cheese, spinach, or potatoes) and sweet (pumpkin, apples, and other fruits). The ready-made dough is rolled into translucent sheets, layered, brushed with cream, and filled. The layers are then rolled into a roll and transferred to the oven. When Banitsa gets a golden crust, the pie can be taken out and served with cream sauce or ice cream.
Kavarma
Photo: Kavarma, Source: https://www.internationalcuisine.com
Kavarma is one of Bulgaria's traditional meat dishes. Stewed pork or beef is combined with vegetables, most commonly peppers, onions, carrots, and tomatoes. All the components are simmered together until they become tender and develop a rich flavor. However, the secret ingredient of the dish is Bulgarian herbs and spices that make it uniquely flavorful. Kavarma is typically served in traditional clay pots and is prepared for family gatherings and celebrations.
Sea bass
Photo: Sea wolf, Source: https://www.tripadvisor.com
Sea Wolf is a distinctive Bulgarian dish that incorporates several types of seafood, such as sea bass, bream, or tuna, along with shellfish and other seafood. The most popular is sea bass. To prepare "Sea Wolf," you need to sauté the seafood with fresh onions, tomatoes, and peppers, adding rosemary and basil. The dish is served with crispy-skinned potatoes, rice, or beans, and seasoned with lemon juice. This delicacy is traditionally prepared in restaurants near the Black Sea coast, providing not only a delight to your taste buds but also enchanting Black Sea views.