Bulgaria is not only known for its history and cultural heritage but also for its flavorful cuisine. If you love food, exploring Bulgarian dishes shouldn’t be missed. Here, local ingredients and traditions combine to create hearty and savory dishes that reflect the country’s rich past.
What to Eat in Bulgaria
If you’re visiting Bulgaria, you’ll want to dive into both traditional and street foods. Whether you’re grabbing a cheap snack or enjoying a multi-course meal, there’s something for everyone.
1. Banitsa
Banitsa is a staple breakfast item. It’s made from thin layers of dough, filled with eggs, cheese, and sometimes pumpkin or spinach. You can find it in local bakeries all over the country. Pair it with a glass of ayran (a salty yogurt drink) for a complete taste of Bulgaria.
2. Shopska Salad
A visit to Bulgaria isn’t complete without trying Shopska salad. It’s the national salad, made from tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, peppers, and topped with grated sirene cheese. It’s a refreshing starter, best enjoyed in the summer. Add some rakia (Bulgarian brandy) on the side to make it perfect.
3. Tarator
Tarator is a cold soup made from yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and dill. It’s perfect for those hot summer days when you need something refreshing. You’ll often find it served at lunch or as a prelude to meals in Bulgarian households and restaurants.
4. Kavarma
Kavarma is a slow-cooked stew made with pork or chicken, combined with onions, peppers, and other vegetables. Each region of Bulgaria has its own version, but it’s always savory and hearty. If you get cold, this dish will warm you right up!
5. Moussaka

Bulgaria’s version of moussaka is different from the more famous Greek version. It’s made with potatoes and ground pork or beef, topped with a light yogurt-based layer. It’s a filling dish that will keep you going all day.
Street Foods You Must Try
Street food culture in Bulgaria is vibrant, and some of these finds are unbeatable on price and taste.
1. Kebapche
Kebapche is Bulgarian’s answer to kebab. It’s minced meat (usually a mix of pork and beef) shaped like a sausage and grilled to perfection. You can find it being served with bread and often a side of Shopska salad at food stands or small eateries.
2. Meshana Skara
If you’re a meat lover, order Meshana Skara. It’s a mix of different grilled meats: kebapche, kyufte (a type of meatball), and sometimes pork or chicken skewers. Bulgarians love their meat, and this plate will give you a sampling of the local barbecue.
3. Mekitsi
Mekitsi is a deep-fried dough treat, similar to a donut but flatter. It’s often dusted with powdered sugar or served with jam or honey. You’ll find Mekitsi at stalls in markets or community events, and they make for a quick and delicious snack.
4. Lukanika
Lukanika is a cured sausage, seasoned with various herbs and spices. It’s perfect as a snack or appetizer with bread and cheese. Often found in markets, it makes a great salty bite to enjoy while exploring.
5. Princessa
This simple snack is a slice of bread topped with a mixture of minced meat and cheese, then grilled. It’s served open-faced and makes for a quick, affordable bite.

Regional Specialties
Bulgaria’s cuisine varies from region to region, showcasing different specialties based on local traditions and ingredients.

1. Shkembe Chorba (Tripe Soup)
This popular Bulgarian tripe soup is often served as a hangover cure. Made with cow tripe, milk, spices, and garlic, it has a creamy and spicy flavor. You’ll find it in traditional restaurants, but it’s not for everyone due to its strong taste.
2. Patatnik
Hailing from the Rhodope Mountains, Patatnik is a potato-based dish that’s simple but delicious. Grated potatoes are mixed with onions, eggs, and spearmint, then fried in a pan. It’s crispy yet soft, and full of local flavor.
3. Kapama
Heading to Bansko? You have to try Kapama. It’s a layered dish of cabbage, rice, and different types of meat baked in a clay pot. The slow cooking ensures that all flavors meld together, making it a favorite during winter.

4. Chushki Burek
This regional specialty, popular in southern Bulgaria, is made with roasted peppers stuffed with eggs and cheese. They’re then battered and fried for a crunchy, cheesy snack. You can find them in small towns and local taverns.
Where to Eat in Bulgaria
The best way to enjoy Bulgarian cuisine is to mix and match different places to eat.
1. Local Taverns (Mehanas)
If you want to enjoy Bulgarian food in a cozy atmosphere, head to a “mehana.” These traditional restaurants offer local dishes made with fresh ingredients. Many mehanas feature live folk music, creating a true Bulgarian feel.

2. Street Markets
Bulgaria’s open-air markets are full of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products. If you want to sample cheese or grab a quick snack, local markets are the place to go. Try Sofia’s Women’s Market or Plovdiv’s Central Market for a wide range of food products.
3. Bulgarian Bakeries
For breakfast and snacks on the go, check out local bakeries. You’ll find everything from freshly baked bread to pastries like banitsa. Most bakeries are scattered across every neighborhood, making it easy to grab something on the run.
4. Fine Dining Options
If you are up for a more upscale experience, Bulgaria does not disappoint. Places like “SASA Asian Pub” in Sofia or “Hebros” in Plovdiv offer high-end dining that mixes traditional Bulgarian flavors with modern cuisine.
You’ll also find that along the Black Sea coast, many seafood restaurants serve freshly caught fish prepared simply to emphasize the freshness of the ingredients.
5. Street Food Stalls
In cities like Sofia, Varna, and Burgas, you’ll easily find street food stalls that serve everything from kebapche to sweet pancakes. They are a cheap and tasty way to eat like a local.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
While Bulgarian cuisine is often meat-heavy, there’s no shortage of vegetarian options. From Shopska salad to tarator, you’ll find plenty of meat-free dishes. Many traditional meals such as stuffed peppers or sirene po shopski (cheese in clay pot) can also be enjoyed without any meat at all.
For vegans, it can sometimes be a bit more challenging, but restaurants are starting to include vegan versions of common dishes on their menus. You might want to visit specialty places like “Sunmoon Bakery” in Sofia or “The Little Things,” which offer vegan-friendly items.
When to Eat
Mealtimes in Bulgaria are not too different from the rest of Europe, but there are a few things to note. Breakfast is often light, typically pastry-based, while lunch is the biggest meal of the day. Dinner is usually smaller and served around 7-8 pm.
In some rural areas, you might find that dinner is eaten even earlier. If you want to experience true Bulgarian hospitality, it’s worth trying to get invited to a Bulgarian family dinner. Meals here are long, family-filled events, with plenty of homemade rakia!
Final Tips for Eating in Bulgaria
When dining out, tipping in Bulgaria is customary. Around 10 percent is typical for good service. Also, when eating traditional Bulgarian bread, it’s polite to break it with your hands, rather than cutting it.
Lastly, don’t be surprised if you leave your meal feeling incredibly full. Bulgarian food is hearty and often served in large portions. The locals want to ensure you leave their table with both your stomach and heart full!
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