Bulgarian cuisine has become more diverse thanks to the influence of foreign restaurants. But Bulgarians are still not familiar with some popular international dishes. For instance, gingerbread or pot-au-feu would not be on a Bulgarian restaurant menu and are not typical for Bulgarian cuisine.

The cuisine of Bulgaria, like the culture of the country itself, is vibrant and unique. Bulgarians have an abundance of fresh ingredients that they use to create their beloved dishes.

Whether you’re looking for something hearty like kapama (stuffed pork shoulder) or light and delicate like mezhepa, there’s no doubt that bulgarian food will surprise and delight your palate.

Bulgarians are also big fans of wine. The region is home to many recognizable international varietals that were mass planted during the socialist era. Today, however, Bulgarian winemakers have embraced their native grapes and are more focused on drinkability. Luckily for us, this means that wines from Bulgaria are starting to gain more attention in the U.S. Hayk of G&B Importers explains, “There’s more curiosity about Bulgarian wines in the States than I’ve seen in 10 years. And I see it growing.”

In addition to the classics, Bulgarian cuisine boasts a large assortment of ethnic dishes from its many regions and historical influences. Despite these varied influences, Bulgarians are very proud of their national cuisine and will likely continue to maintain this culinary heritage into the future.

One dish that is truly Bulgarian is shkembe chorba, a soup made from the stomach lining of an animal and mixed with fried paprika and hot red pepper. This is not a soup for the faint of heart, but it’s a must try for those who dare!

Another traditional Bulgarian meal is kozhki vrachny, a casserole of chicken, onions and potatoes. This dish is often served at weddings and other celebrations, and is a great comfort food during the cold winter months.

Lastly, don’t leave without trying a glass of rakia (booze). Rakia is distilled from fermented fruit and can be flavored with a variety of herbs. Some of the most common flavors are grape, plum, apricot and fig. It can be consumed cold or mulled with honey and spices.

The best part about eating bulgarian is that it’s all so affordable. The ingredients are fresh, and the recipes are simple. You’ll find Bulgarian foods in restaurants around the world, but you can also cook them at home with a little bit of practice. Here are a few of our favorite bulgarian recipes to get you started.