Sofia Food Experiences
Step inside a local Sofia home and discover the flavours and traditions of Bulgarian cooking.Join professional chef Svilen for an intimate culinary experience featuring traditional dishes, local ingredients and the stories behind them.This is your opportunity to experience Bulgarian food and culture beyond the usual tourist trail.
The experience
Our experience is inspired by a traditional Bulgarian celebratory meal – the kind of food shared with family and friends around the table.As Svilen prepares each dish, he'll share the ingredients, techniques and traditions behind the food. You'll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions, sample the dishes and discover some little-known facts about Bulgarian cuisine.There is no formal cooking instruction and no pressure to participate. Simply relax, enjoy the atmosphere and discover the pleasures of Bulgarian home cooking.
The Menu
Our menu brings together familiar Bulgarian favourites and regional specialities, reflecting the warmth and generosity of a traditional family gathering.
| The experience | What's on the menu |
|---|---|
| A Bulgarian Welcome | Local rakia, traditional lukanka and Bulgarian cheese. |
| Fresh & Flavourful | Freshly prepared Shopska salad and traditional pickled vegetables (turshia). |
| Bread & Tradition | Warm perlenka served with roasted pepper and tomato lutenitsa. |
| The Main Event | Two variations of gyuveche, cooked and served in individual clay casserole pots – one vegetarian and one with meat. |
| Something Sweet | Roasted pumpkin crème caramel, walnuts and honey. |
| To finish | Coffee or tea and local chocolate. |
Svilen has carefully curated this menu to introduce you to the diversity of traditional Bulgarian cuisine. We hope you'll leave with a taste of Bulgaria, and inspiration to recreate some of the dishes in your own kitchen.The menu may vary slightly with the seasons. Special requests are welcome, subject to availability and practicality.
Meet your hosts
Sofia Food Experiences are hosted by Svilen and Crystal, who share a love of food, travel and discovering new cultures.Svilen is a professional chef whose culinary career has taken him from the Sheraton Hotel to the Japanese and Belgian Embassies, as well as restaurants across Sofia, Varna and Cyprus. His passion for cooking began long before his professional career. Even as a child, he loved preparing food and entertaining guests. Today, he brings that same enthusiasm and love of food to sharing Bulgaria's culinary traditions with visitors from around the world.Crystal has lived and worked in over 11 different countries and is a foodie at heart. She often jokes that she moved to Bulgaria because of the tomatoes!Together,we welcome guests into our home to share the food, stories and hospitality that make Bulgaria special.
The setting - a private home in the heart of Sofia
Our experience takes place at Serdika Nook, our beautifully renovated home in the historic heart of Sofia.Located within walking distance of many of the city's historic landmarks, it offers a relaxed and welcoming setting for a relaxed culinary experience.
Ready to discover Bulgaria through its food?
We'd love to welcome you into our home and share a taste of Bulgarian hospitality.
€300 per private bookingAn intimate culinary experience exclusively for you and your guests.
Private experience for 1–4 guests.
Approximately 2.5–3 hours.
A full menu of traditional Bulgarian home cooking.
Welcome rakia and soft drinks.
Coffee and local chocolate.
Printed information sheet to take home.
Additional drinks: A selection of Bulgarian wines is available to purchase separately by the bottle.One booking, one table, your own private Bulgarian food experience. Perfect for couples and small groups.
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