As a culinary traveler exploring Bulgaria, you’ll find an enticing world of tastes and flavors waiting for you. To help you communicate and better enjoy your food journey, here’s a list of essential Bulgarian food vocabulary.

Баница (Banitsa)
This is a traditional pastry dish, usually filled with cheese and eggs.
Всеки български заведение за закуски предлага прясно печена баница. – Every Bulgarian breakfast place offers freshly baked banitsa.

Кисело мляко (Kiselo mlyako)
Literally translated to ‘sour milk,’ this is the Bulgarian yogurt famous for its creamy texture and probiotic qualities.
Киселото мляко е най-доброто за закуска с мед и орехи. – Sour milk is best for breakfast with honey and nuts.

Сирене (Sirene)
A white brine cheese, similar to feta, that’s a staple in Bulgarian cuisine.
Салатата ще е по-вкусна, ако добавите малко сирене отгоре. – The salad will be tastier if you add some sirene on top.

Кюфтета (Kyufteta)
These are Bulgarian meatballs, typically seasoned and grilled.
Кюфтетата са много сочни и подправени с български подправки. – The meatballs are very juicy and seasoned with Bulgarian spices.

Кебапчета (Kebapcheta)
Similar to meatballs but shaped into small oblong patties, these are grilled and often served with sides of vegetables or bread.
Не можеш да отидеш в България и да не опиташ кебапчета. – You can’t go to Bulgaria and not try kebapcheta.

Шкембе чорба (Shkembe chorba)
A traditional soup made with tripe (the stomach lining of a cow), milk, and seasoned with garlic and vinegar.
Шкембе чорбата е популярно средство срещу махмурлук. – Shkembe chorba is a popular hangover remedy.

Мусака (Musaka)
Bulgarian moussaka is a baked dish that includes layers of potatoes, minced meat, and a top layer of yogurt and eggs.
Всеки българин умее да приготвя вкусна мусака. – Every Bulgarian knows how to cook a delicious musaka.

Лютеница (Lyutenitsa)
A relish made from peppers, tomatoes, and a range of spices. It’s often used as a spread on bread or as a condiment.
Лютеницата е чудесна с топла питка и сирене. – Lyutenitsa is great with warm bread and cheese.

Таратор (Tarator)
A cold soup or drink made from yogurt, cucumbers, dill, garlic, and walnuts, it’s a refreshing dish during hot summers.
Тараторът е най-освежаващата супа за летните горещини. – Tarator is the most refreshing soup for the summer heat.

Закуска (Zakuska)
This word refers to breakfast, but can also mean a type of appetizer or snack.
Закуската е важна, за да започнеш деня с енергия. – Breakfast is important to start the day with energy.

Механа (Mehana)
A traditional Bulgarian tavern, it’s a place where you can enjoy Bulgarian dishes in a cozy, often rustic setting.
Всяка механа предлага различни традиционни ястия и домашно вино. – Every mehana offers different traditional dishes and homemade wine.

Ракия (Rakiya)
A strong fruit brandy commonly enjoyed as an aperitif and believed to stimulate appetite and digestion.
Ракията винаги се пие с мезе. – Rakiya is always drunk with some small nibbles.

Гювеч (Gyuvech)
Named after the clay pot it’s cooked in, gyuvech is a slow-cooked stew with various ingredients like meat and vegetables.
Гювечът трябва да къкри на бавен огън за няколко часа. – Gyuvech needs to simmer on low heat for several hours.

Equipped with this vocabulary, you’ll find yourself more deeply immersed in the rich culinary tapestry of Bulgaria. Remember also to savor the experience with locals who will likely appreciate your interest in their food culture. Приятен апетит (Priyaten apetit) or enjoy your meal!