Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Beer
(pivo
or
bira)
is sold everywhere,
either in bottles or in draught
(nalivna)
form,
which is generally cheaper. Leading nation-
wide brands are Zagorka, Kamenitsa, Ariana
and Shumensko, while there are several re-
gional brews, which are rarely available far
beyond their home areas. Lower-alcohol fruit
If you're looking for a quick and easy Bulgarian re-
cipe,
www.findbgfood.com
gives instructions for
several popular dishes.
beers have become popular in recent years.
The national spirit is
rakia
(a clear and potent kind of brandy, usually made from
grapes, although versions made from plums or apricots can also be found), and there are
countless brands available. It's drunk as an aperitif, and served with ice in restaurants and
bars, which often devote a whole page on their menus to a list of the regional
rakias
on of-
fer.
Bulgaria produces huge quantities of both white and red
vino
(wine), which varies
greatly in quality (see
Click here
)
.
Where to Eat & Drink
Restaurants
Most outlets providing seating describe themselves as restaurants, and this covers a pretty
broad range of dining spots and every imaginable type of cuisine.
In the big cities and coastal resorts, most restaurants will offer menus in English and,
occasionally, other languages. Reservations are rarely necessary, unless you are in a large
group or the restaurant is especially popular. Bills will usually be 'rounded up', and a ser-
vice charge of 10% is sometimes added. If it isn't, a small tip is expected.
Mehana
A
mehana
(tavern) is a more traditional restaurant, often decorated in a rustic style, ad-
orned with rugs and farming implements, and offering only authentic Bulgarian cuisine.
Some of these, of course, are tourist traps, luring foreign tourists with noisy 'folk shows'
and waiters in fancy dress, though the genuine places provide a pleasant atmosphere in
which to sample the very best local food. Look out for those frequented by locals.
Cafes & Markets
Cafes are cheaper affairs and include basic self-service cafeterias offering pre-cooked
meals, soups and salads. In the cities, small basic cafes or snack bars offer drinks and
