A Taste of Bulgaria in Sveti Vlas: Exploring the Best of Bulgarian Cuisine

Bulgarian cuisine is a delightful blend of flavors and spices, influenced by the country’s rich history and diverse cultural influences. And there’s no better place to experience it than in Sveti Vlas, a charming seaside town on the Black Sea Coast. In this foodie’s guide, we’ll explore the must-try dishes of Bulgarian cuisine and where to find them in Sveti Vlas. From hearty stews to fresh seafood, get ready to take your taste buds on a culinary journey through Bulgaria.

Try the following authentic dishes when you visit Bulgaria:

1. Try the Famous Shopska Salad: No Bulgarian meal is complete without the famous Shopska salad. This refreshing dish is made with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, and topped with crumbled sirene cheese, a Bulgarian feta-like cheese. You can find this salad on the menu at most local restaurants and cafes.

2. Indulge in a Delicious Kavarma: Kavarma is a hearty stew made with meat (usually pork or chicken), vegetables, and spices. It’s a popular dish throughout Bulgaria and is usually served with rice or potatoes. You can find kavarma on the menu at traditional Bulgarian restaurants in Sveti Vlas.

3. Savor the Flavors of Banitsa: Banitsa is a savory pastry made with layers of filo dough and a filling of feta cheese and eggs. It’s a popular breakfast food in Bulgaria and is usually served with yogurt or ayran, a refreshing yogurt-based drink. You can find banitsa at local bakeries in Sveti Vlas.

3. Sample Fresh Seafood Delights: Sveti Vlas is a fishing town, so it’s no surprise that seafood is a staple of the local cuisine. Fresh fish, mussels, and octopus are just a few of the seafood dishes you can enjoy in Sveti Vlas. You can find seafood restaurants along the marina and beachfront.

4. Indulge in Sweet Treats: Bulgarian cuisine has a variety of sweet treats to indulge in. Try the baklava, a sweet pastry made with layers of filo dough, honey, and nuts, or the tulumbi, a fried pastry soaked in syrup. You can find these sweet treats at local bakeries and dessert shops in Sveti Vlas.

5. Shkembe Chorba: Shkembe chorba is a hearty soup made with tripe and spices, such as paprika and garlic. This traditional Bulgarian dish is often served with vinegar and garlic sauce on the side, and is believed to be a cure for a hangover. You can find shkembe chorba on the menu at traditional Bulgarian restaurants in Sveti Vlas.

6. Kebapche: Kebapche and Kyufte are Bulgarian versions of a grilled meatball, made with ground beef or pork and a blend of spices, such as cumin and paprika. Its shape is elongated and looks like a minced meat hot dog. It’s usually served with a side of French fries and a fresh salad or the traditional lyutenitsa saunce. You can find kebapche at most traditional Bulgarian restaurants and barbecue joints in Sveti Vlas.
Don’t miss out on trying kufte, a Bulgarian version of meatballs made with a mix of ground beef and pork, onions, and spices such as cumin and paprika. These delicious meatballs are often served with a side of mashed potatoes, and can be found on the menu at traditional Bulgarian restaurants in Sveti Vlas. Be sure to ask for them with a side of lyutenitsa, a spicy red pepper and tomato spread that’s a common condiment in Bulgarian cuisine.

7. Lyutenitsa is a staple condiment in Bulgarian cuisine that is often served alongside meat dishes or as a spread on bread. Made from roasted peppers, tomatoes, and spices, this savory relish has a rich, smoky flavor and a slightly chunky texture. It’s a great way to add some depth to your meal and is commonly found in markets and grocery stores throughout Bulgaria, including Sveti Vlas. Locals often make their own lyutenitsa at home during the late summer months when peppers and tomatoes are in season.

From savory stews to refreshing salads and elegant fish, Bulgarian cuisine is a delightful blend of flavors and spices. And in Sveti Vlas, you can experience the best of this local cuisine. And for the ultimate Bulgarian cuisine experience, be sure to visit the Nassi Hotel’s restaurant and #SOUL beach bar & dinner, where you can try these authentic dishes and more. If you are looking for accommodation in Sveti Vlas – look no further than Nassi Hotel. Learn more on why to book a lux room in our family hotel below.