New cultural-gastronomic center shows Bulgarian culinary tradition in Romania

The Bulgarian minority in Romania marked a significant event with the official opening of the Bulgarian Inn in the village of Izvoarele (Hanul Bilgarilor), Teleorman County (Southern Romania)- a locality with Bulgarian roots dating back over 200 years. The Bulgarian culinary center there is now part of Romania’s national gastronomic network.

The initiative is a vivid expression of the local community’s efforts to preserve and promote Bulgarian culinary culture, language, traditional costumes and customs.

A symbol of identity and heritage

Coordinated by Bianca Vasile, the Bulgarian Inn is the first Bulgarian ethnic gastronomic point in Romania. It serves as a symbol of the identity and cultural continuity of the Bulgarian community, whose ancestors settled in the region at the beginning of the 19th century.

“This achievement is extremely important not only for us, but for all Bulgarians who want their traditions to live on in Izvoarele”, emphasized the project coordinator.

The opening of the Bulgarian Inn gives the community new visibility and creates a space where visitors, including guests from Bulgaria, can enjoy authentic Bulgarian dishes prepared according to traditional recipes passed down from generation to generation.

“Our mission is to revive traditional dishes—recipes inherited from our grandmothers and mothers. It is a great responsibility, but above all, a tremendous joy and honor”, added Bianca Vasile.

The Bulgarian Inn means more than just gastronomy. It is a living cultural center where visitors can hear the archaic Bulgarian dialect spoken in the community, see the traditional local costumes, and learn stories about the history of the Bulgarians who settled in Teleorman two centuries ago.

A Tribute to the Past: La Han

The name of the gastronomic point pays tribute to the former mansion of former Boyar Petre Iliescu, known in Izvoarele as La Han, a meeting place for local villagers and surrounding communities. Although the original building no longer exists, its spirit is being revived through culinary workshops, tastings, cultural gatherings, and themed events dedicated to Bulgarian heritage, held at 85 Morii Street in Izvoarele.

Dining in this “Bulgarian” corner of the southern Romanian village is possible only by prior reservation and is limited to small groups of up to 12 people. The menu is set together with the host and is adjusted according to the season, the guests’ preferences and the inspiration of the local cuisine, thus offering each meal a unique and personalized experience. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility of the village, and during the summer heat, the coolness of the Gaurici Valley.

Thus, the newly opened Bulgarian culinary center becomes an open invitation to anyone who wants to see how the Bulgarians in Izvoarele live, cook, interact, and celebrate their identity, turning it into a cultural bridge between Bulgaria and Romania.

Published and translated by Kostadin Atanasov