What to Eat for Breakfast in Bulgaria: A Morning Culinary Delight.
quoi manger au petit déjeuner en bulgarie
They say that the breakfast is the most important meal of the day. True or false, but in any case in Bulgaria you will find something to make you happy. As for myself, I'd love me a great breakfast, especially when I am on a vacation. When I was little,I loved going to my grand parents, at the countryside, because my grand-mother was very careful to make this meal special for us, her grand-children. Thanks to her, I could discover the diversity of the traditional Bulgarian meals and especially the breakfast. These meals have a special place in my heart. Whenever I miss my country, I start the day with a great "Banitsa" and everything is better from that point on.
Table of Contents
Savory Breakfast Dishes in Bulgaria
Bulgarian breakfast is a real treat for lovers of savory flavors. Imagine starting the day with a generous slice of banitsa. It’s crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and absolutely irresistible. If you prefer something heartier, try mekitsi, fried dough often served with cheese or yogurt. And, of course, there are always sandwiches, perfect for those in a hurry. After such a breakfast, you’ll feel ready to conquer the world… or take a nice nap.
Banitsa: The Bulgarian Table’s Must-Have
quoi manger au petit déjeuner en bulgarie
The banitsa is undoubtedly one of the most iconic breakfast dishes in BulgariaThis flaky pastry is usually filled with salty white cheese called sirené (the Bulgarian equivalent of Greek feta). But it can also contain spinach, pumpkin, or even apples for a sweet version. People love banitsa for its crispy texture and rich, savory taste. Traditionally, the dough is homemade, but you can also buy filo dough from supermarkets to save time. The sirené is mixed with eggs and yogurt, then wrapped in the dough and baked until golden.
As you explore the Balkans,you may encounter variations of banitsa, perhaps called börek or burek. Each country will tell you that its version is the original. From what I know, its origins lie in Ottoman cuisine, which has greatly influenced Bulgarian food.
Every region in Bulgaria has its own version of banitsa.For example, in the north,you’ll find thicker, richer banitsas, while in the south,they are lighter, sometimes enhanced with roasted red peppers. Along the Black Sea,banitsas are the go-to snack for beach goers lounging all day.
Mekitsa: The Fried Indulgence
My grandmother was a master at making this indulgent, very greasy dish. Mekitsas are fried doughnuts often served at breakfast in Bulgaria. They are made from yeast dough, similar to bread dough, fried until golden and crispy on the outside while remaining soft on the inside. I have vivid memories of my Belgian cousin asking Grandma to make them every morning, and my sister and I happily agreed. Even after gaining a few extra pounds by the end of the vacation, we never regretted those hearty breakfasts.
The dough is made with flour, water, yogurt, eggs, and yeast. Once it has risen, it's rolled out and cut into small pieces before being fried. You can enjoy mekitsas in various ways: sprinkled with powdered sugar, topped with jam, honey, or sirené cheese. They can also be served with plain yogurt for a pleasant contrast between sweet and tangy.
quoi manger au petit déjeuner en bulgarie
Popara: A Bowl of Comfort
Another dish my grandmother often made was popara. It's a traditional breakfast crafts,, typically prepared for children. It’s a mixture of stale bread, warm milk, crumbled sirené cheese, and butter. You’ll especially appreciate this comforting dish during the colder months.
Popara is an affordable and easy-to-make dish, often considered comfort food. You start by heating milk (or water, depending on preference) and pouring it over pieces of stale bread. Then you add crumbled sirené cheese and a bit of butter, letting the mixture soak in.
Some families add sugar or honey for a sweeter version of popara. Others might include nuts or dried fruits for extra texture and flavor. But for me, nothing beats the traditional popara with milk and sirené.
quoi manger au petit déjeuner en bulgarie
Kachamak: Bulgarian Polenta
The Kachamak Kachamak is a version of polenta, often served for breakfast. Bulgarians prepare kachamak with cornmeal, traditionally accompanied by sirené cheese, melted butter, and sometimes sugar for a sweet version.
This rustic, hearty dish is especially popular in Bulgaria. Cornmeal is cooked in boiling water until it thickens, and then melted butter and crumbled sirené are added for extra flavor.
Kachamak can be served with plain yogurt for a refreshing touch or with dried fruits and nuts for a sweeter version. This versatile dish can be adapted to individual preferences.
Gevrek: The Bulgarian Bagel
The Gevrek is a ring-shaped bread, often sprinkled with sesame seeds, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It’s perfect eaten plain or with accompaniments.
Gevrek is similar to Turkish simit, reflecting the Ottoman influence on Bulgarian cuisine. The dough is shaped into rings, briefly boiled, and then baked until golden. Sesame seeds add extra flavor and texture.
Traditionally, gevreks are enjoyed with sirené cheese or jam. They can also be topped with tomato, cucumber, and olives for a balanced and flavorful breakfast.
quoi manger au petit déjeuner en bulgarie
Sandwiches and Toasts
The sandwiches and toasts are also common for breakfast in Bulgaria. A popular example is a sandwich with sirené cheese and roasted red pepper, combining the salty cheese with the sweetness and slight smokiness of the peppers.
In some parts of Bulgaria, toasts are topped with lutenitsa, lutenitsa, a paste made from red peppers and tomatoes, offering a rich and slightly sweet flavor that perfectly complements the salty cheese.
A particularly popular sandwich of this type is called the "Princess." Having grown up in a Russian-speaking family,I never understood why such a fancy name was given to a simple slice of bread topped with tomato sauce and minced meat. To tell you the truth, I still don’t understand it. But that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy the taste.
Sweet Breakfast Dishes in Bulgaria
For those with a sweet tooth, Bulgaria won’t disappoint. "Kifla" is a popular choice, often filled with jam or chocolate. But don’t miss out on Bulgarian yogurt, a true classic. And for a more traditional touch, try "milinki" (brioche), which will make you feel like it’s Christmas, even in the middle of July.
Milinki: Buttery Buns
Milinki, soft little buns, are often served for breakfast in Bulgaria. Made from a dough of flour, milk, yogurt, and yeast, they are topped with a mixture of butter and cheese before being baked.
These buns originate from the Thrace region, but their popularity has spread throughout the country. The dough is formed into small balls, placed in a pan, brushed with melted butter, and sprinkled with grated cheese. Once baked, milinki are golden and wonderfully fragrant.
They are perfect on their own or served with homemade jam, honey, or yogurt. Their light and airy texture makes them irresistible, especially when fresh out of the oven.
Kiselo Mlyako: Bulgarian Yogurt
If you ask any Bulgarian to talk about Bulgaria, they will quickly mention kiselo mlyako. Indeed, this is one of Bulgaria’s most famous inventions known around the world. You probably know it as “Bulgarian yogurt.” Renowned for its probiotic properties, it’s eaten plain or with fruits, honey, or cereals.
The yaourt bulgare is famous worldwide for its health benefits. It’s fermented with specific cultures of lactic bacteria that are good for digestion and the immune system. In Bulgaria, yogurt is often considered an elixir of longevity.
In summer, especially on the Black Sea coast., it’s common to have a dessert of Bulgarian yogurt with homemade fig jam. Believe me, it’s a delight.
Kifla: Sweet Bread Roll
The Kiflas are a sweet bread roll often filled with jam, chocolate, or hazelnut spread. They’re a popular choice for a quick breakfast or snack.
Originally from Austria, kifla has become popular across Eastern Europe. The dough is similar to brioche—slightly sweet and buttery. Once stuffed, it’s rolled into a crescent shape and baked to a golden brown.
These rolls are great on their own or enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea. They’re perfect for those who crave a small sweet treat in the morning to start their day.
The word kifla is also often used as a playful nickname between friends 😊.
quoi manger au petit déjeuner en bulgarie
Breakfast Sides in Bulgaria
Ah, Bulgarian breakfast sides are quite the story! To start, there’s always a selection of fresh fruits and vegetables. Imagine juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and sweet peppers, ready to add a burst of freshness to your morning. But don’t be fooled—this is just the beginning. Things get serious with "soudjouk," a delicious dry sausage, spiced just right to give you the energy to tackle any day. And to top it all off, there’s "ljutenitsa," a divine red pepper and tomato spread, slightly spicy, perfect for slathering generously on fresh bread. With such sides, even the most gloomy Monday morning becomes a celebration!
Soudjouk: Dry Sausage
The Soudjouk is a dry, spiced sausage often sliced and served at breakfast. Its intense flavor and firm texture make it the perfect addition to a Bulgarian breakfast plate.
Soujouk is made from beef or pork, mixed with spices like cumin, paprika, and garlic, and air-dried for several weeks. It’s often served with fresh bread, sirené cheese, and fresh vegetables. It can also be added to scrambled eggs for a protein-packed breakfast.
Ljutenitsa: Pepper and Tomato Spread
Ljutenitsa is a traditional Bulgarian condiment made by slowly cooking red peppers and tomatoes with spices until it turns into a thick paste. This spread can be preserved for winter, allowing you to enjoy the taste of summer year-round.
It’s delicious on fresh bread or toast, paired with sirené cheese or other fresh cheeses. Ljutenitsa can also be used as a condiment for sandwiches and omelets.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: A Touch of Freshness
quoi manger au petit déjeuner en bulgarie
Fresh tomatoes and cucumbers are often part of Bulgarian breakfasts, especially during the summer months. They add a refreshing crunch that perfectly complements richer dishes. Bulgarian fruits and vegetables are often exceptional, and you could easily live on them all summer. But let’s be honest, they’re not fatty enough. And fat, as they say, is life.
quoi manger au petit déjeuner en bulgarie
Breakfast Beverages in Bulgaria
To accompany these delights, Bulgarians have a few equally tasty morning drinks. Turkish coffee, strong and intense, is a must to start the day off right. If you prefer something lighter, try ayran, a refreshing yogurt-based drink, diluted with water and lightly salted. And don’t forget boza, a fermented, slightly sweet, and thick drink made from millet or wheat. It might be an acquired taste, but once you get used to it, it becomes surprisingly addictive. With such variety, you won’t get bored at breakfast in Bulgaria!
Boza: A Traditional Drink
The Boza is a traditional Bulgarian fermented drink made from millet or wheat flour. It’s sweet with a slightly tangy taste.
Bulgarians have been drinking boza for centuries. It’s made by cooking the flour with water and sugar, then letting the mixture ferment slightly. The result is a thick and nutritious drink. It’s often consumed with sweet pastries like kifla or banitsa. The sweet and tangy flavor of boza pairs perfectly with richer breakfast dishes.
To be honest, I’m not a big fan of boza. But I still recommend trying it if you get the chance—it’s worth forming your own opinion.
Ayran: The Classic
TheAyran is a beloved drink in Bulgaria, appreciated for its refreshing taste and health benefits. Made from yogurt, water, and a pinch of salt, ayran is especially popular during the hot summer months. This traditional drink, of Turkish origin, often accompanies hearty meals or spicy dishes to balance the flavors and aid digestion. In Bulgaria, ayran is enjoyed from breakfast onward, particularly with dishes like banitsa, adding a touch of freshness and lightness. Easy to prepare and full of probiotic benefits, ayran is a must in Bulgarian cuisine.
quoi manger au petit déjeuner en bulgarie
Coffee and Tea: The Essential Hot Drinks
Finally, no Bulgarian breakfast would be complete without a cup of coffee ot tea.. Les Bulgares apprécient particulièrement le café turcBulgarians particularly enjoy Turkish coffee, served strong and sweet, as well as tea, often brewed with local herbs. Turkish coffee is prepared by boiling finely ground coffee with water and sugar in a small pot called a cezve. For tea, herbs like mint, thyme, or chamomile are frequently used.
These hot drinks are the perfect companions for all the dishes mentioned above. They provide a comforting and energizing touch to start the day off right.
quoi manger au petit déjeuner en bulgarie
As you can see, a Bulgarian breakfast doesn’t do things halfway! Here, fat is life, and sirené cheese is everywhere, like an invisible ninja ready to surprise your taste buds with every bite. You thought you’d start the day with a simple croissant? Forget it! Expect an indulgence of banitsa oozing with cheese, ayran, and crispy sausages. With a feast like this, you’ll be ready to conquer the world... or at least take a nice nap! Come on, be prepared to eat like a king and ask yourself how you are going to move later. And of course if you need help to prepare your next travel by Bulgariafeel free to use in my services oftravel planning.
Bon voyage et bon appétit !
For more useful information
To find your plane ticket :
I can recommend you use ExpediaI trust them with my own travels and when I am working with clients
For your hotel reservation
I invite you to look into Hotels.fr they have a large choice of bookings and your client services are always available
Pour trouver des activités sur place :
I use either viator or GetYourGuideThe two plateforms offer a large choice of activities at reasonable prices
To rent a car
I recommend discovercarsTheir prices are competitive and they have a great customer service
Need more inspiration?
Get a look at my other blog articles to discover the Balkans and the rest of the world
Need a hand?
Contact me to discover my services of travel planning
You want to write an article for my blog?
Want more travel content?
Follow me Instagram