Eating out in Bansko - Bower guide 

Bansko, a gem in Bulgaria, is not only famous for its stunning ski slopes and beautiful mountain scenery but also for its delightful culinary scene. As your trusted property selling experts at Bower Properties, we believe that enjoying the local cuisine is a crucial part of experiencing the charm of Bansko. Here are our top tips for eating out in Bansko, ensuring you savor every bite! 

1. Explore Traditional Bulgarian Mehanas

Mehanas are traditional Bulgarian taverns, and they are a must-visit in Bansko. They offer an authentic dining experience with hearty meals, live folk music, and a warm, rustic atmosphere.

• What to order:

• Kapama: A slow-cooked meat stew, often with several types of meat, sausages, and sauerkraut, traditionally served in a clay pot.

• Chomlek: Another slow-cooked dish, usually beef or veal with potatoes, mushrooms, and vegetables.

• Banski Starets: A local dry-cured sausage, perfect as an appetizer.

• Shopska Salad: A refreshing salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, and grated sirene cheese.

• Chicken in Cornflakes with Milk Sauce: To most this sounds like breakfast but in fact it’s a delicious crispy fried chicken dish with garlic sauce.

• Recommended Mehanas:

• Banski Han: One of the oldest and most famous with their own special dishes that you can’t find elsewhere.

• Molerite: Offers excellent live music, they are famous for their wide selection of Bulgarian wines. It’s a popular place for celebrating birthdays and weddings.

2. Don't Miss Out on International Cuisine

While traditional Bulgarian food is fantastic, Bansko also boasts a growing number of restaurants offering international cuisine. From Italian to Asian, you'll find options to satisfy any craving.

• Italian: Look for pizzerias and pasta restaurants that often use fresh, local ingredients. Try https://www.alpen.bg/ 

• European: Many establishments offer a broader European menu, including French and British influences. https://chefshousefusion.com/ 

• Guest House: At Bower Properties we love the Hayloft, Reni and Ivan the owners will organise personal parties up to 16 people in a banquet style - a superb experience as if dining in a friends home. https://www.staibansko.com/ 

• Asian: A few places cater to those looking for flavors from further afield, though these are less common than traditional mehanas. There is more choice during the winter months. The large apres ski pubs often have a good selection of Asian inspired menu choices.

3. Consider Lunch Deals and Daily Specials

Many restaurants and mehanas offer attractive lunch deals (daily menus) which are often more affordable than dinner options. This is a great way to sample different places without breaking the bank. These tend to be away from the main ski gondola area.

• "Obedno Menu": Look for signs advertising this, which means "lunch menu." Our favourites are Castello and The House.

• Time: Lunch deals are typically available between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Often specials sell out fast to go early if you can.

4. Book in Advance, Especially During Peak Season

Bansko can get very busy, especially during the ski season (December to March) and summer months. If you have a specific restaurant in mind, it's always a good idea to make a reservation, particularly for dinner.

• Contact Information: Most restaurants have a phone number available online or on their premises for reservations.

5. Embrace the Local Wine and Rakia

Bulgaria has a rich winemaking tradition. Don't hesitate to try the local red wines, which pair perfectly with the hearty Bulgarian speciality dishes.

• Wine Recommendations: Mavrud is only to be found in Bulgaria so definitely worth trying.

• Rakia: Often served as an aperitif, be prepared for its potency!

6. Enjoy the Atmosphere and Entertainment

Many mehanas offer live folk music and dance performances, especially in the evenings. This adds to the overall dining experience and provides a glimpse into Bulgarian culture.

• Schedule: Inquire about live entertainment schedules when making reservations or walking by.

7. Don't Forget Dessert

Bulgarian desserts are often sweet and indulgent. Try Tikvenik (specialy in the winter) or Krem Karamel for a sweet end to your meal.

Bansko's culinary scene is an integral part of its charm. Remember there is a lot more to see and experience in the old town, make sure you walk down and try it. We hope these tips from Bower Properties help you thoroughly enjoy it.  If you're considering a property in Bansko, remember that a great dining experience is always just around the corner.

 

For more insights into life in Bansko and properties available, contact Bower Properties at Albena Gerdova or visit us at Bower Properties - Недвижими Имоти / Real Estate Agency.

We'd love to help you find your perfect home in this culinary paradise!