Try these dishes before leave Bulgaria and Romania – Part 1

We made a short list of the best dishes you have to taste when you come to the Balkans. Especially, when it comes to word about Bulgaria and Romania. As two of the oldest civilizations in Europe, they have a rich history, culture, and delicious food, too. These eight recipes are something you’ve never tried before. But they worth it.

What to taste in Bulgaria

Sudjuk from Gorna Oryahovitsa (PDO, PGI)

We selected this food because it is one of the latest Bulgarian worlds recognized dishes with PDO and PGI obtained. It is a local speciality, not eaten every day but on very special occasions.

Type of dish: salami
Ingredients: chopped beef meat, salt, sugar, black pepper, red pepper
It is often served with: Red wine and bread
Season: All year round
Region: Protected Designation of Origin and Protected Geographical Indication – Gorna Oryahovitsa (10 km from Veliko Tarnovo)
Special event or festival to be connected: Festival of Sudjuk in Gorna Oryahovitsa in June

Rhodopes-style Patatnik

This is a special type of banitsa traditionally made in the Rhodopes mountain region. We chose it because is a very delicious one, and units some of the most common ingredients in Bulgaria – potatoes, cheese, and filo pastry.

Type of dish: main dish
Ingredients: grated potatoes, onions, salt, eggs, butter and spearmint (Djodjen in Bulgarian), all mixed and cooked on a slow fire
It is often served with: Yoghurt
Season: All year round. In spring – made with fresh spearmint for a fresher taste
Region: Rhodopes mountain
Special event or festival to be connected: No

Chicken/pork Kavarma

Kavarma is one of the most favourite Bulgarian dishes made by ages. It is an impressive mix of meat and vegetables, slowly cooked in nicely decorated clay pots.

Type of dish: stew with sauce
Ingredients: chicken or pork, tomatoes, peppers, onions, carrots, savoury, sometimes mushrooms
It is often served with: Rice
Season: All year round
Region: All around Bulgaria
Special event or festival to be connected: No

Lamb drob sarma

The lamb drob sarma is a traditional spring dish in Bulgaria, mostly made in the first days of May and accepted as a symbol of the upcoming spring.

Type of dish: main dish with rice
Ingredients: lamb giblets, rice, spring onion, parsley, eggs, yoghurt
It is often served with: Yoghurt
Season: Spring
Region: All around Bulgaria
Special event or festival to be connected: Easter and Saint George’s Day

We continue with the best Romanian dishes here.