We had some of our healthiest foods while travelling in Sofia, Bulgaria. Our meals were a balanced diet of meat, plenty of fresh salads and lots and lots of... yoghurt. Who ever thought yoghurt was just breakfast food? Here in Bulgaria, their famed Bulgarian yoghurt has found its way into many of their staple dishes, and for a great reason. It is the smoothest, creamiest natural yoghurt I have ever tasted. One of our dinners consisted of yoghurt in most of our dishes. There was our yoghurt drink, salad, dip and even yoghurt soup!
We visited a recommended traditional Bulgarian restaurant for dinner, Hadjidraganov's Cellar. The decor was authentic and the space was decorated with woven cloth, carved ornaments and coloured tapestry. The furniture were wooden and walls were painted with flower motifs. A traditional folklore band even visited every table.
Me and Andy at our table.
We started off with a complimentary Rakia. It is an alcoholic drink that first appeared in Bulgaria in the 9th century and is considered a national drink of the country. It came as a shot and contains about 40% alcohol. It tasted a lot like straight vodka and was a pretty strong aperitif. We then followed with an entree of traditional vegetable soup. It was served in a hollowed large bun, which was crunchy and came fresh from the oven. It was absolutely heaven.
Next was the mixed vegetable starter to share. There were grilled peppers, aubergine, cheese and zucchini.
Our mains of meat and salad came next, and all the dishes were absolutely delicious. The meat arrived in a large hotplate and was tasty, tender and had the creamiest texture we have ever tasted. All the dishes were beautifully decorated and was obvious that the chefs had given each dish special love and care.
Hot plate of mixed grilled meats.
Our lunch at one of Nicolay's favourite restaurants (Zagorka) was one of the most authentic. The decor within the restaurant is without pomp but their dishes are affordable, delicious and even creative. Yoghurt was part of most dishes we ordered. There was the cold yoghurt drink, yoghurt cold soup and yoghurt salad.
Nicolay and Andy outside Zagorka restaurant.
Andy and I at Zagorka restaurant.
Left: A traditional Bulgarian salad, shopska salata. Right: A classic cold, yoghurt soup called tarator.
Left: Cheese coated with cereal flakes with a side dip of cranberry. This was one of my most memorable dish and was an absolute genius! Right: Yoghurt drink.
A classic Bulgarian cucumber and yoghurt salad.
The yoghurt soup and drink were slightly tasteless but in that way it highlighted how healthy it was. Other than Hadjidraganov's Cellar and Zagorka, we also visited another Bulgarian restaurant in Sofia for lunch. Compared to the other two venues, the lunch was not as unique, however we enjoyed each dish nonetheless.
Lunch at a Bulgarian restaurant.
Left: Andy's meal of chicken. Right: My grilled fish.
We've had our absolute fill of yoghurt by the time our trip to Sofia neared the end! However, we both agree that we had some of our healthiest and most well-balanced meals while in Bulgaria. The meats, olives, salads and yoghurt tasted fresh and was always prepared with lots of heart and good loving.
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