Traditional Bulgarian cuisine is not only diverse, but one of a kind. In fact, it is this diversity that has made gourmets all over the world want to try out one or two dishes from the country. Foods from the country have been influenced from Slavonic, Turkish, Greek, and even Western-European foods. Nonetheless, the main influence comes from classic Bulgarian meals, influenced by Bulgarian way of life, as well as the foods grown in the region.

Most traditional meals in Bulgaria are famed for having rich salads, and the use of dairy products and wines is also common place. Local drinks like menta, rakia and mastika are also used in the country, and are often used as an accompaniment after a meal.

Traditional foods in the country are often steamed, baked or served in form of stews. Grilling is used in most types of meats but deep frying is not commonplace. Among the meats, pork is the most common in the country, and widely eaten.

Yoghurt and white brine known as feta cheese is common in most meals, and in most homes it can be found in almost all meals.

Traditional pastries in Bulgaria include those made with cheese and meat, known as banista. Another version of banista involves the use of bread, and is known as sirenka. Other fillings that can be used in traditional pastries include rice and spinach.

Salads eaten in the country, are usually passed down from generation to generation and they are usually tasty because the veggies are grown in the rural areas, and eaten whilst fresh most of the times. The Shopska Salad is the most popular in the country, but other salads that may be worth a try include Monk's Salad, Roasted Peppers Salad, Shepherd's Salad, Dobrudzha Salad and Snezhanka.

Traditional main dishes in the country include grilled foods like meatballs, grilled sausages, grilled meats and kebapches. Dishes and stews in clay pots are also popular and dishes include Kavarma, Chomlek, Shkembe Chorba and Kapama. In the Thracian area, there is a dish made from vine leaves or stuffed cabbages, and is eaten a lot due to its unique taste and presentation. The Cheverme - a whole lamb roasted using a spit is also popular in the country, and a visit to Bulgaria cannot be complete without sampling this Rhodope based dish. Potatoes are also another food that makes an entry to traditional meals, and it is found in the potato stew, Patatnik and Ogreten.

Lastly, traditional delicacies found in Bulgaria normally consist of meat foods and cold cuts. The flat sausage is the most famous in the country, but other delicacies in the country include Banski Starets and the Elena Pork Leg.

Therefore, if you are visiting Bulgaria, it is advisable to visit the various regions in the country, in order to fully experience the various traditional cuisines that define that part of the country.

Soups

Tarator

Soup Topcheta

Shkembe Chorba

Salads

Snejanka

Shopska Salad

Russian Salad

Meals

Kavarma

Stuffed Peppers

Kebapche

Desserts

Medenka

Funiiki

Drinks

Rakia

Bulgarian Wine

Boza