Lost in Plovdiv

Today, we dedicate our story to another person who has made Plovdiv their home.

Just a few steps away from the beginning of “Otets Paisiy” Street, if you pass by early in the morning, you’ll not only see people lining up for transport cards but also dozens waiting for the warm, fragrant pastries from the charming Madame Silve bakery. You can’t miss it—its aroma is unmistakable, and the choice isn’t easy.

The bakery opened just over a year ago, but during the warmer months, Zafer and Silvi relocate their business to the seaside, delighting vacationers with their baked goods.

The couple met in the 1990s in Pamporovo, where Zafer was on a business trip, and Silvi was a translator. Silvi, a graduate of a culinary school in Smolyan, has worked in Bulgaria, Turkey, and Germany. She is the inspiration behind their family venture and the reason Zafer has stayed in Bulgaria for 35 years.

Some of the bakery’s recipes are Turkish, as Zafer’s family has run a bakery in Turkey for over 60 years, while others are Silvi’s creations. Drawing from her extensive experience, including time with the renowned Balkantourist, Silvi experiments with flavors and ingredients to craft mouthwatering treats.

Every morning at 4:30, the preparation of their irresistible baked goods begins, and by 8:00, the display is filled, making it almost impossible for food lovers to choose.

Their banitsas and böreks are must-tries, and there are four varieties to choose from. The buttery gevreks melt in your mouth, and the kozunak pastries are made with special flour and Belgian chocolate. The mekitsi? You’ll have to try them yourself, but be quick—they sell out early!

Let’s not forget the gingerbread cookies with homemade cream - Silvi’s unique recipe. Something that you can try only is the "Sivit Burger", which literally translates to  "sweet burger" and it is available with fillings like pumpkin and spelt, banana and chocolate, or pistachio and avocado.

Fans of Turkish desserts can enjoy authentic asure with various fruits, hazelnuts, and walnuts, or the traditional kazan dibi - a forgotten delicacy from the past. Their milk baklava is also a favorite, which here it is ordered in large trays.

For cake lovers, we highly recommend the Garash cake, made using the original Balkantourist recipe. No matter which treat you choose—whether for a special occasion or a sweet workday indulgence—you can’t go wrong.

They take orders for a wide range of sweet and savory baked goods. Despite being relatively new to the culinary scene, they are already well-known, attracting customers from Sofia and foreign tourists. Even children bring special gifts for the skilled bakers.

Everything at Madame Silve is made with love, and you can taste it in every bite. Combined with the warm hospitality and smile of the owner, it’s a true recipe for delight!