What do people eat in Bulgaria?

Diet

Bulgarians usually have breakfast between 8-9 o’clock. A typical breakfast is small and may consist of a pastry and coffee. Lunchtime is at 12 o’clock and may include kebapcheta (grilled minced beef, pork or veal rolled into sausages), kavarma (individual casseroles of pork, veal, onions and mushrooms), or sarmi (vine or cabbage leaves stuffed with rice or meat). These dishes are accompanied by kartofi (potatoes), vegetables, and bread. Dinner is usually between 7 to 8 pm.

Meals are usually eaten at home, especially in the evening. Sometimes children have one meal at school and workers at some restaurant nearby. Fish is popular along the Black Sea coast. Fish may be grilled, fried, or prepared in a soup or stew. Tsatsa, a small white fish, is deep-fried in batter and served with fried potatoes. Skumriya na keremidi is mackerel baked in an earthenware container with a rich tomato sauce.

Bulgarians enjoy Turkish and Middle Eastern desserts such as baklava (flaky pastry stuffed with pistachio nuts coated in a sweet syrup) and kadayif (shredded wheat stuffed with nuts in syrup). Bulgarians also enjoy a great variety of torta (cakes) filled with maslena (buttercream), frukti (fruit), or shokoladova (chocolate) as well as sladoled (ice cream). Bulgarians drink their coffee very strong. Herbal teas are also popular. Bulgarians enjoy local wines such as Melnik, a red wine from the southwestern region. Bulgarian spirits include slivova rakiya, which is made from plums, pliska, a type of cognac, and vodka. Bulgarians also make beer: two of the most popular brands are Zagorka and Astika.

Mealtime

In addition to three meals a day, Bulgarians might have a mid-morning snack and afternoon coffee. The continental style of eating is most common. Conversation is expected and everyone waits for all to finish before leaving the table. Napkins are placed on the table, not on the lap. Most Bulgarians eat together during the day when people are at home or at least for dinner during work days.

Popular Bulgaria Recipes

Aubergine Purée (Kyupolu) - Side Dish
Banitsa (Cheese pastry) - Side Dish
Banitsa with Spinach - Side Dish
Cold Yogurt Soup - Side Dish
Guveche - Main Dish
Kavarma - Main Dish
Kebabcheta - Main Dish
Shopska Salad - Side Dish
Stuffed Cabbage Leaves - Main Dish
Stuffed Peppers With Egg and Cheese - Main Dish
Surmi - Main Dish
Yoghourt (Yogurt) - Side Dish

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