Bulgarians are a very family oriented people, and they have strong traditions and values. They are also very proud of their culture and history. This pride is visible in all aspects of their lives, from their food to their folk music.

The Bulgarian cuisine is diverse and full of wonderful flavors. The country has a lot of different ethnic groups and each of them have their own culinary specialties. Some of them are very famous around the world, like the scrumptious banitsa and the deliciously sweet baklava. Other dishes are traditional in specific regions and are prepared according to the recipes handed down by generations.

Bulgarian food is typically very hearty and nutritious. The staples include a lot of vegetables and meat. A typical meal includes a soup, salad and a main dish. The soups are usually very hearty and rich, while the salads are typically fresh and light. The main dishes are typically grilled or cooked in the oven.

Some of the most popular Bulgarian foods are kufte, a kind of flat meatballs that can be made from beef, veal or pork. They are seasoned with garlic and red pepper, making them very tasty and spicy. Another favourite is lutenitsa, which is a spread that can be used as a side dish or a condiment. It is made from slow-cooked roasted red peppers, tomatoes, carrots and a variety of spices. It can be spread on bread or used to dip grilled meats.

A typical Bulgarian dessert is a sweet banyanitsa, which is traditionally eaten at Christmas or New Years. It can be filled with a number of different things, including chocolate, walnuts, sweet milk, yoghurt or feta cheese. Sometimes, lucky charms or sayings written on paper are included in the banitsa to bring good luck.

As is true of most strongly family oriented cultures, Bulgarians tend to have a strong sense of hierarchy. It is common for them to show respect and honour towards the oldest members of a group, including greeting them first, serving them and providing them with the best food. They are also expected to lead and direct others in a polite manner.

The Bulgarians are a very generous and warm-hearted people and this is reflected in their gift giving. When visiting a Bulgarian home, it is important to bring a small gift such as flowers or a bottle of wine. However, when bringing flowers it is important to avoid chrysanthemums, lilies and gladiolas as they are often used at funerals. It is also important to ensure that there are an odd number of flowers when giving them as this is considered a sign of sincerity. In general, when a Bulgarian gives you a gift, it is polite to open it immediately. This is a country that is definitely worth exploring for its cuisine, culture and people. You will not be disappointed!