The article was updated in January 2023
Talking about the classic cuisine of the Balkans, we can’t help but start by clarifying that each of the countries located on the Balkan Peninsula is strongly influenced by its neighbors. For example, the dishes of Bulgaria, Greece and Turkey have many similarities, such as the variations of the classic moussaka, which, although with small differences, is found in all three countries.
In recent years, there have been very few restaurants in Plovdiv that offer recipes known for centuries. Quite a large part, especially the ones in the neighborhoods, closed because of the pandemic; others have enriched their menus with European and diverse recipes, and others have included Bulgarian dishes, but with a so-called modern twist and with the latest culinary techniques in preparation and presentation.
We’ve selected some restaurants where you can still find individual dishes made Bulgarian style, but keep in mind that not all of them are in the traditional folk style and not all of them offer exclusively Bulgarian dishes.
Our first recommendation is the Yuzhen Polah chain, which has several restaurants in different parts of the city. The restaurants are spacious and their food is well-prepared and tasty. They are often chosen for family celebrations, and thanks to the various sized halls and open gardens, it is extremely rare for someone not to find a place to eat there. Their menu is a mix of cuisines, but for traditional tastes we recommend the shopski popcorn and the Roden Krai platter.
Our first recommendation is the Yuzhen Polah chain, which has several restaurants in different parts of the city. The restaurants are spacious and their food is well-prepared and tasty. They are often chosen for family celebrations, and thanks to the various sized halls and open gardens, it is extremely rare for someone not to find a place to eat there. Their menu is a mix of cuisines, but for traditional tastes we recommend the shopski popcorn and the Roden Krai platter.
Regardless of whether you’re looking for coziness, hospitality, a return to the primordial Bulgarianness or a nice memory of the most important moments in your life, Megdana restaurant will gladly offer you all of this. Remember with pride that you are Bulgarian with the emblematic setting, culinary specialties and live music. Megdana offers an exciting look back at the Bulgarian roots, food and home for the Bulgarian soul! Keep in mind that it opens after 5 pm and there is no way to try it for lunch.
19th century restaurant near the Thursday market is our next suggestion. It is also furnished in a typical Bulgarian style and its focus is on traditional Bulgarian cuisine, with salads and dishes prepared on a sach predominating. Fridays and Saturdays are often reserved for live music nights.
Hitar Peter in Karshiyaka is another option, for which we should clarify that recently they have enriched their menu a lot with various offers, and if you feel like eating something more typical for Bulgaria, try the tongue or tripe in butter from the warm appetizers.
In Old Plovdiv there are also two places where we can take you virtually.
Grazhdanski Club is a pleasant establishment with delicious food in large portions. They usually don't open for lunch on weekdays.
Photoclub is our discovery among the nice non-tourist restaurants, where we recommend trying the offal and dishes with roasted ears and slanina. Is there anything that is more Bulgarian!
Traditional recipes can also be found in some places around the neighborhoods, and we invite you to share your favorites in the comments.
You can expect more delicious offers from the best Plovdiv guide!