Galia, Dimitar, and Robert are the main characters of our story today, and we can guarantee that their enthusiasm is truly contagious, while their stories are both entertaining and inspiring.
In fact, the idea for Farm Bites was born over a pot of lyutenitsa (a traditional Bulgarian pepper and tomato spread) in the heat of last summer. At the time, they had no idea how they would buy the business or how to run a restaurant. It all started when a group of friends gathered over beers, intending to prepare lyutenitsa as a complimentary treat for the guests of the Hakuna Matata hostel, located on the upper floors. The hostel, now in its third successful season, caters mainly to tourists looking for a central yet budget-friendly stay. Their main focus is on youth groups and sports teams, fostering a highly inspiring, multicultural atmosphere full of enthusiasm.
At that moment, Galia was the only one who knew the lyutenitsa recipe. Their first attempt failed, but the second one was a success. These small challenges brought the team closer together and motivated them to renovate and modernize the old tavern on the ground floor—one of the first in Plovdiv, the city of the seven hills.
They did everything themselves. Initially planning just a small cosmetic refresh, the project soon turned into a full-scale renovation of the long-neglected space.
None of them had professional kitchen experience, but they all loved to cook and experiment. Their recipes are inspired by old family cookbooks, handwritten notes of traditional proportions, and dishes passed down from grandmothers and great-grandmothers, combined with their own creative interpretations and an intuitive feel for flavors.
They operate on a weekly menu system, posting daily offerings on social media. However, if you get the chance, it's worth visiting in person—the food looks incredibly appetizing and tempting. The menu is anything but small, featuring soups, main courses, and desserts—at least two options in both meat and vegetarian versions.
Their main goal is to prioritize farm-fresh products, sourcing from various local farms. This way, you can be sure that the butter is real, the milk and cheese are just like the ones you tasted at your grandmother’s village, and the meat is carefully selected and of high quality. They've even invested in their own smoking and seasoning equipment to ensure the best flavors.
Although they've only been open for a short time—their official launch was just a few days ago—they already have regular customers who enjoy dining in or ordering food for home or the office. For now, deliveries are limited to the city center, and they personally handle them in the most eco-friendly way—on foot or by bicycle.
Every Sunday, they'll be tempting hangover sufferers with a Garlic Brunch, where the star dish is shkembe chorba (Bulgarian tripe soup), alongside other traditional Bulgarian recipes. In the future, they plan to introduce themed brunches, changing with the seasons and special occasions.
For the warmer months, they are preparing a hidden backyard garden, a tranquil oasis perfect for an afternoon bistro where locals and visitors of our town can unwind with a drink in hand. Galia, who worked as a sommelier abroad for many years, is sure to curate an exceptional drinks menu.
Another huge advantage of the place is the rooftop terrace of the hostel, which offers a stunning panoramic view of the city. It’s the perfect spot for experiencing Plovdiv’s signature "aylyak" lifestyle—a must if you want to blend in with the culture of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city.
Trying to sum up everything in just a few hundred words is a real challenge. But the truth is, the best way to experience Farm Bites is to visit in person. Feel the energy, catch their infectious enthusiasm, and discover for yourself why it’s a place you’ll want to keep coming back to—whether for the warm hospitality, the delicious food, or the unforgettable experience.
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