The bacterium behind it, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, was discovered in 1905 by the Bulgarian doctor Stamen Grigorov. Yoghurt is everywhere: in "таратор"
(a cold summer soup with cucumber, dill, garlic and walnuts), in "айрян"
(a salty drink) and simply with honey. At the shop, look for full-fat: "пълномаслено"
.
Explore Bulgaria
Bulgarian yoghurt
Bulgarians rarely say "йогурт"
— they say "кисело мляко"
, literally "sour milk".
Ned Jelyazkov · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source
History of Bulgaria
An illustrated history of Bulgaria
Explore Bulgaria
Animsaj · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source
The Rose Valley
Between the Balkan Mountains and Sredna Gora lies "Долината на розите"
— the Rose Valley around Kazanlak and Karlovo.
Artkostov · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source
The fire dancers
In a few villages of the Strandzha Mountains, "нестинари"
(fire dancers) dance barefoot on glowing embers — "жар"
— holding icons of Saints Constantine and Helena.
Wishes for every occasion
Bulgarians love good wishes.