Bulgarian cuisine is one of the tastiest in Europe, combining the rich influence of the Ottoman Empire with the natural addition of delicious vegetables and herbs. Anyone who has had the opportunity to sample traditional Bulgarian cuisine will admit that fresh and natural products, like tomatoes and sheep cheese, stand out. The delicate flavours of slow-baked stews and soups accompanied by a glass of rakia, the local spirit made of grapes or plums, or mastika can also be found. 

Traditional Bulgarian cuisine can be described as rather tasteful and rustic, connected to Balkan, Turkish and Greek cuisine. Spices are largely used, especially paprika, savory and oregano. Quite popular are soups, vegetable and meat dishes, especially pork and lamp. Diary products are well represented,  cheeses as well as the famous Bulgarian yogurt.