Friendly, sunny and democratic Bulgaria is one of the closest and "mastered" European countries by Russians. And this is not surprising - when planning a vacation in this country, it is not at all necessary to stock up on phrasebooks, air tickets and tours to Bulgaria please with pleasant prices, and visa centers are efficient. And, of course, tourists do not have to study the guidebooks hard - many of today's travelers remember the names of local resorts and dishes from childhood or heard them from their parents who visited Golden Sands or Sunny Beach back in the Soviet era.
However, this “culinary” awareness also has its drawbacks. For example, many vacationers sincerely believe that in Bulgaria it is worth ordering only cold soup tarator, legendary Shopska salad and grilled kebabche. In fact, the gastronomic diversity of this country is much more extensive. To appreciate it, we offer TOP-5 unusual, tasty and distinctive Bulgarian dishes that you should definitely taste.
Traditional breakfasts
When buying family tours to Bulgaria, many are worried about what to feed the youngest travelers here. And completely in vain! Pasta with aromatic strawberry or raspberry jam, rose petal jam or lavender honey is an everyday Bulgarian breakfast that will please even the most demanding little gourmets. Another traditional option is the hot Princess sandwich with minced meat, hard cheese, feta cheese, tomatoes and herbs. Chunks of bread with a thick layer of this minced meat are baked in stone ovens and will be a great alternative to the usual "continental" breakfasts in hotels.
Spicy soups
For example, more - this spicy, rich and incredibly tasty soup is compared by many to … hot jellied meat. And they are right - traditionally Bulgarian housewives cook more from pork legs, seasoning the broth with all kinds of spices and roots. It will be especially liked by those who are planning a winter vacation in Bulgaria, this dish perfectly warms, restores strength and even cures colds. And daredevils should look for shkembe chorba in local taverns (by the way, they are called “mehana” in Bulgarian). Shkembe is translated from Bulgarian as tripe - soup is cooked from beef, pork or lamb stomachs and generously seasoned with garlic, hot chili and other spices. By ordering it along with a glass of brandy, any tourist will immediately command respect from the mistress of the mehana and local gourmets.
Banitsy
The secret of these traditional peasant pies is in their variety, banitsas can be twisted and flaky, sweet and savory, an everyday breakfast or a festive dessert. You can safely order banitsa in every new town and mehana - their taste will never be repeated, and the recipes are passed down from generation to generation in the strictest confidence. Obligatory for tasting - banitsa with pumpkin (or pumpkin), meat, feta cheese and tomatoes.
Boza
Today Bulgaria is the only European country where this thick and very tasty refreshing drink is produced, and tours to Bulgaria are practically the only opportunity to taste them. Boza is a light jelly, fermented product of wheat, millet or corn flour, it is very nutritious, rich in minerals and carbohydrates.
Creme brulee
Those who first went on vacation to Bulgaria should pay special attention to the page of desserts in local restaurants. Among the variety of pastries, sorbets and fruit salads, there is certainly a crème brulee. There is a special attitude towards him here - creme brulee is prepared only by experienced chefs from homemade cream and eggs, baked in traditional patterned ceramic tins, and is most often served with baked apples, cinnamon and mint.
