Banitsa

Banitsa (banitza or banica) is one of the most popular traditional dishes in Bulgaria. The Bulgarian word banitsa (баница) derives from the old Bulgarian (гъбнѫти) and means “to lie down”. In Bulgaria, banitsa is a symbol of Bulgarian cuisine and traditions.

Banitsa is a filled pastry that can be sweet or savory depending on the ingredients used. The banitsa is prepared by placing a mixture of beaten eggs and pieces of sirene (a traditional semi-hard Bulgarian cheese made from cow’s, sheep’s or goat’s milk and kept in brine), in the center of several layers of filo pastry, before baking it.

Bulgarian cuisine, like most other cuisines in the Balkans, is a simple, rustic and peasant cuisine based on ingredients such as vegetables, meat (especially pork), yogurt and cheese.

This traditional Bulgarian pastry is something you’ll find across the country at bakeries, coffee shops, canteens and bus stations. It’s buttery, cheesy, goodness is highly addictive. This snack (that goes very well with coffee) is prepared by stacking up layers of filo pastry dough – or fini kori as the Bulgarians call it, with butter and traditional Bulgarian cheese before it is baked. If you’re on a diet, you’ll definitely overshoot your calorie limit with a couple of Banitza, but trust me – it’s worth it.