This summer is quite rainy, temperatures are jumping upside-down each next day. However, this doesn’t change the fact that traditionally people look for lighter food over that season. Fresh fruits and vegetables push away pork, also in favor of fish dishes. Doctors and dietitians once again give the following piece of advice: “Eat fish and drink more liquids in periods of heats!”

It turns out that rumors on mostly imported fish being consumed along the Black Sea coastline are not so true. Traders say most fish products they offer are Bulgarian. Mainly sea bream and European seabass are imported from Greece, along with squid and octopus. This is due to the fact that the Mediterranean is much richer in fish supplies than the Black Sea.

Pavlin Lesidrenski runs a big fish restaurant at the sea capital of Varna and he gives us more details on the fish taste of the Bulgarians:

“The average Bulgarian wants Bulgarian fish, when on holiday, but it has to be fresh. Lots of scad, bluefish and small sprat are consumed, as people do look for turbot, despite its high price.”

Foreign tourists at the seaside also love Bulgarian fish and show no interest to the Greek species. The explanation is simple: each foreign market offers sea bream and European seabass at affordable prices, they can be found everywhere. More from Mr. Lesidrenski on the tastes of foreign tourists:

“Foreigners also look for small Black Sea fish. They always ask on the local species offered,” Mr. Lesidrenski goes on to say. “Russians for instance are keen on turbot, as it is much more expensive in their country than here…”

The interest is obvious, but what about prices? Foreigners see those as very cheap, but the Bulgarians don’t think so. Turbot is more expensive, but a dish of garfish or scad is at the price of a portion of chicken or pork. Some restaurants have different promotions each week, in order to encourage the consumption of more expensive dishes. Thus anyone can taste all kinds of seafood. The Bulgarians remain traditionalists and wouldn’t go for some exotic meals. Here is what is most wanted and respectively most offered right now, according to Mr. Lesidrenski:

“The Bulgarians refuse to make experiments. We offer seafood, such as shrimp, octopus, squid and clams, but people stick to traditional things. For instance, Burgas clams /clams with their shell and rice/ is one of the most preferred local dishes. We don’t experiment with things like sweet-sour taste, as the Bulgarians wouldn’t go too much for it. Sushi is best received, regarding the more exotic plates. Bulgarian trout is the most successful among river species. All the fish is mostly fried, or grilled with side dish, in order for the real taste to be preserved.”

So, it is clear for the Bulgarians: no experiments, Black Sea and grilled fish only!

English version: Zhivko Stanchev