Sofia Street Food Tour: Tasting Bulgaria on the Go
A foodie’s guide to quick bites in the capital – from banitsa and kiufte meatballs at street bakeries to shopska wraps at farmers’ markets – including where locals go for the best cheap eats.
Bulgaria’s capital city, Sofia, is a vibrant mix of cultures, history, and—perhaps most deliciously—flavors. For food lovers looking to experience a city through its taste buds, Sofia offers an exciting street food scene that’s rich in tradition, full of character, and easy on the wallet.
Morning Must: Banitsa with Ayran
Begin your culinary stroll with a true Bulgarian classic—banitsa. This flaky pastry, filled with salty white cheese and eggs, is a national staple. You’ll find it fresh and hot at almost every street bakery in the city. Locals often pair it with a glass of ayran, a cold, salty yogurt drink, creating a savory breakfast that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
Where to try:
HleBar (49 Oborishte St.) – For a slightly artisanal take on banitsa.
Pekarna Vitosha (Vitosha Blvd.) – A local favorite with generous portions.
Midday Magic: Kiufte & Kebapche
Around lunchtime, the scent of grilled meats fills Sofia’s open-air markets and side streets. Kiufte (spiced minced meatballs) and kebapche (cigar-shaped meat patties) are grilled to perfection and served hot with a piece of bread, a dab of mustard, or some lyutenitsa (a pepper-tomato spread). The taste is smoky, savory, and unmistakably Balkan.
Where to try:
Ladies’ Market (Zhenski Pazar) – Head to the grills near the middle of the market.
Krivoto (The Crooked One) – A local pub known for classic grill fare on the go.
Fresh & Fast: Shopska Salad Wraps
Bulgaria’s iconic shopska salad—a mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and grated sirene cheese—has been reimagined into convenient wraps by creative vendors at Sofia’s farmers’ markets. It’s a healthy, light bite that still delivers strong flavors and texture.
Where to try:
Roman Wall Farmers’ Market (Saturday only) – Look for stalls selling wraps with fresh cheese and herbs.
Bitaka (flea market food trucks) – Occasionally offers fusion versions with local flair.
Sweet Ending: Lokum & Tikvenik
No food tour is complete without something sweet. Try a slice of tikvenik—a rolled pumpkin pastry dusted with powdered sugar—or grab a few pieces of lokum (Turkish delight) from one of the city’s old-style sweet shops.
Where to try:
Tsar Shishman Street – Home to small bakeries and traditional sweet shops.
Slavyanska Beseda Pastry Shop – A charming stop for retro desserts.
Insider Tips for Foodies
Try the underground kiosks near major metro stations like Serdika and NDK—popular with locals for fast eats.
Don’t skip the drinks: Bulgarian yogurt smoothies and herbal sodas (like “Boza”) are worth a taste.
Markets are your friend—Vitosha Blvd is touristy, but side streets and public markets offer more authentic prices and flavors.
Final Thoughts
Sofia’s street food scene is a treasure trove of culinary delights, offering a perfect balance of traditional taste and modern creativity. Whether you’re on a quick lunch break or embarking on a full-day food tour, you’ll find that the best way to understand Bulgaria is through its food—one bite at a time.
