There are many peculiarities about Bulgarian cuisine. Take radishes for example, it is not the red tuber used in cooking but the green leaves. Bulgarians cut them into thin strips, add some cold water and sugar to taste to make Marator, a traditional cold soup.

A recent international poll, and subsequent television programme, determined 50 things to eat before you die, in descending order to the most popular (an acknowledged source is stated where possible)


Top 50

14 of the top 50 places in the poll were taken by fresh water / seafood category. In some ways the poll appears elitist, subsequent research highlighted most were blissfully unaware of Harry’s Café Pies or Durian fruit, the majority also reticent to savour the delights of Guinea Pig!

There follows a selection of the good and the bad, cheap and expensive, restaurants in Sofia. Food and drink consumption vary by person, the time, the occasion and so no attempt has been made to second-guess how much you will spend. Where no specific indication of restaurant type is given, the bill of fayre is cosmopolitan. Find a restaurant in the locality through the hotel concierge or www.bgmaps.com. It is always advisable to make a reservation to avoid disappointment. If you are using a UK Sim Card the telephone numbers will need to be preceded by +359 2, or 02 using a Bulgarian Sim Card. Your comments after the event, are as always, very welcome and will be included in future edition of the definitive guide.