Bulgarian keto guide
Navigable
293 dishes138 keto as served120 with a photo
Keto friendliness
Bulgarian cuisine is reasonably adaptable to keto with careful selection and common modifications.
Top ingredients
Grilled meats (kebapche, kyufte), sirene cheese, fresh vegetables (cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers), eggs, and plain full-fat yogurt are excellent traditional keto staples.
Danger zones
Primary dangers include all bread, potatoes, rice, beans, pastries (banitsa), sugary dressings, and stews often thickened with starches or containing potatoes.
Best for
This cuisine is best for flexible keto dieters prioritizing high protein, comfortable with direct modifications, and vigilant against hidden carbs.
293 dishes · page 1 of 5
Лаврак на скара
Grilled Sea Bass
A whole grilled sea bass, fresh and flaky, lightly seasoned with lemon, salt, and pepper, cooked to perfection…
1 net2 total1 fibre65 protein30 fat550 kcal
Телешко филе на скара
Grilled Veal Tenderloin Steak
A tender and lean grilled veal tenderloin, typically seasoned simply to highlight the meat's natural flavor.…
1 net2 total1 fibre70 protein40 fat680 kcal
Свински гърди на тиган
Pan-fried Pork Belly
Crispy and succulent slices of pork belly, pan-fried until golden and tender. A simple yet incredibly flavorfu…
1 net1 total0 fibre50 protein80 fat900 kcal
Pasturva na Skara
Grilled River Trout
A whole river trout, typically seasoned simply with salt and pepper, brushed with olive oil, and grilled until…
1 net2 total1 fibre70 protein80 fat1000 kcal
Skumriya na Skara
Grilled Mackerel
Whole mackerel, often seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and lemon, then grilled to perfection, resulting in a…
1 net2 total1 fibre50 protein45 fat600 kcal
Zapechena Riba s Domashen Zehtin i Podpravki
Baked Fish with Homemade Olive Oil and Spices
Whole baked fish (often sea bass or carp) seasoned simply with olive oil, lemon, salt, and Bulgarian herbs, ba…
1 net2 total1 fibre60 protein45 fat650 kcal
Пилешка пържола от бут на скара
Grilled Boneless Chicken Thigh Steak (without carb sides)
A succulent, boneless chicken thigh steak, typically grilled on a 'skara' (grill) to a juicy finish, seasoned …
2 net2 total0 fibre50 protein32 fat500 kcal
Патешко магре на скара
Grilled Duck Magret
A pan-seared or grilled duck breast (magret) with crispy skin, often served simply with salt and pepper.…
2 net3 total1 fibre55 protein60 fat780 kcal
Свински врат на скара
Grilled Pork Neck Steak
A succulent grilled pork neck steak, known for its marbled fat content and rich flavor. Typically seasoned sim…
2 net3 total1 fibre60 protein55 fat750 kcal
Телешка пържола на скара
Grilled Veal Steak (without carb sides)
A tender veal steak, expertly grilled on a 'skara' (grill) to bring out its delicate flavor, seasoned simply t…
2 net2 total0 fibre50 protein25 fat450 kcal
Пастърма със запечени яйца
Pastrami with Baked Eggs
A simple yet satisfying dish featuring thinly sliced cured pastrami baked with eggs, often with a hint of spic…
2 net2 total0 fibre45 protein50 fat650 kcal
Pechene Agneshko / Svinaka
Roasted Lamb / Pork
Slow-roasted lamb or pork, a succulent and traditional meat dish often prepared for special occasions or Sunda…
2 net2 total0 fibre110 protein120 fat1600 kcal
Svinaka Purzola
Grilled Pork Steak
A thick cut of pork, typically from the neck or loin, expertly grilled and seasoned. A simple yet satisfying m…
2 net2 total0 fibre75 protein110 fat1300 kcal
Езиче в масло
Beef/Pork Tongue in Butter
Tender, succulent beef or pork tongue that has been slow-cooked until extremely tender, then sliced and pan-fr…
3 net3 total0 fibre50 protein55 fat700 kcal
Карначе на скара
Grilled Bulgarian Fresh Sausage
A traditional Bulgarian fresh sausage, typically made from ground pork (sometimes mixed with beef), seasoned w…
3 net3 total0 fibre48 protein55 fat700 kcal
Агнешки ребра на скара
Grilled Lamb Ribs
Succulent lamb ribs, grilled until tender with a crispy exterior, seasoned with traditional spices like savory…
3 net4 total1 fibre55 protein65 fat800 kcal
Кето Цаца (Пържена)
Keto Fried Sprat
Small, whole sprats (or similar small fish) pan-fried until deliciously crispy and golden. Seasoned simply wit…
3 net4 total1 fibre70 protein50 fat700 kcal
Omelet sas Sirene i Gabi
Omelette with Cheese and Mushrooms
A fluffy omelette made with eggs, filled with crumbled brined white cheese (sirene) and sautéed mushrooms.…
3 net5 total2 fibre30 protein35 fat450 kcal
Телешки мозъчета в масло
Veal Brains in Butter
A delicacy featuring tender veal brains gently cooked in butter with herbs and garlic, offering a rich and dis…
3 net3 total0 fibre40 protein70 fat800 kcal
Печен заек с билки
Baked Rabbit with Herbs
Whole or portioned rabbit, seasoned with a blend of aromatic herbs and baked until tender and flavorful. A tra…
4 net5 total1 fibre80 protein45 fat750 kcal
Пилешки кара дробчета на скара
Grilled Chicken Livers
Succulent chicken livers marinated and grilled to perfection, a popular and flavorful appetizer or light meal.…
4 net5 total1 fibre65 protein35 fat600 kcal
Kashkaval na Skara
Grilled Kashkaval Cheese
Thick slices of Kashkaval, a yellow, semi-hard Bulgarian cheese, grilled until slightly melted and golden brow…
4 net4 total0 fibre35 protein45 fat550 kcal
Пушени свински гърди на фурна
Oven-baked Smoked Pork Belly/Breast
Tender, slow-baked smoked pork belly or breast, often seasoned with garlic and paprika, resulting in rich, sav…
4 net5 total1 fibre50 protein75 fat900 kcal
Пъстърва с масло и бадеми на фурна
Oven-baked Trout with Butter and Almonds
Whole trout, baked in the oven with butter, fresh herbs (like dill or parsley), and slivered almonds, creating…
4 net7 total3 fibre55 protein45 fat620 kcal
Pileshki drobcheta v maslo
Chicken Livers in Butter
Chicken livers pan-fried or sautéed simply in butter, often with a hint of garlic or savory. A rich and flavor…
4 net5 total1 fibre40 protein48 fat600 kcal
Пача
Pork Hock Soup
A traditional, rich, and intensely savory soup made from slow-cooked pork hocks, yielding a gelatinous and fla…
4 net5 total1 fibre45 protein45 fat600 kcal
Свински ребра
Pork Ribs (Grilled or Slow-Cooked)
Juicy and tender pork ribs, typically grilled over an open flame or slow-cooked until the meat easily falls of…
4 net5 total1 fibre60 protein60 fat800 kcal
Платно сирене
White Brine Cheese Platter
A simple appetizer featuring generous slices of traditional Bulgarian white brine cheese (Sirene), drizzled wi…
4 net4 total0 fibre35 protein40 fat480 kcal
Zelena Salata s Yaitsa i Redichki
Green Salad with Eggs and Radishes
A fresh spring or summer salad with crisp lettuce, sliced radishes, fresh dill, green onions, and hard-boiled …
4 net8 total4 fibre15 protein30 fat350 kcal
Агнешка глава в пещ
Baked Lamb Head
A traditional delicacy, a whole lamb's head slow-baked until incredibly tender. This dish is rich in flavor an…
5 net8 total3 fibre70 protein60 fat800 kcal
Пилешки Шишчета
Grilled Chicken Skewers
Tender pieces of marinated chicken thigh meat, skewered and grilled, often with chunks of onion and bell peppe…
5 net8 total3 fibre50 protein30 fat500 kcal
Sudzhuk i Pastarma Platter
Cured Meats Platter
A classic Bulgarian appetizer featuring thinly sliced, air-dried and cured meats. Sudzhuk is a spicy fermented…
5 net5 total0 fibre60 protein95 fat1100 kcal
Пилешки бутчета на фурна
Baked Chicken Thighs
Juicy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, seasoned simply with traditional Bulgarian spices like paprika and savo…
6 net8 total2 fibre80 protein50 fat750 kcal
Надени гъби със сирене
Baked Mushrooms Stuffed with Cheese
Whole mushroom caps generously stuffed with a savory mixture of grated Bulgarian feta-style cheese (sirene) or…
6 net10 total4 fibre25 protein40 fat480 kcal
Зелена салата с консерва риба
Green Salad with Canned Fish
A simple and refreshing salad featuring crisp green lettuce, fresh green onions, lemon, and olive oil, topped …
6 net10 total4 fibre30 protein45 fat520 kcal
Кебапчета
Grilled Ground Meat Cylinders with Keto Sides
Flavorful grilled ground meat cylinders, typically a mix of pork and beef, seasoned with savory Bulgarian spic…
6 net10 total4 fibre48 protein45 fat580 kcal
Октопод на скара
Grilled Octopus
Tender octopus tentacles grilled to perfection, seasoned simply with olive oil, lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs…
6 net7 total1 fibre60 protein30 fat520 kcal
Кето Рибена чорба (без картофи или фиде)
Keto Fish Soup (without potatoes or noodles)
A light and flavorful soup featuring tender pieces of white fish (such as carp or sea bass), simmered in a cle…
6 net8 total2 fibre40 protein25 fat400 kcal
Кето Супа от коприва / Зелена супа (без картофи)
Keto Nettle/Sorrel Soup (without potatoes)
A creamy, nutrient-dense soup made from fresh nettles or sorrel, often enriched with eggs, yogurt, or heavy cr…
6 net10 total4 fibre20 protein35 fat450 kcal
Кето Плескавица
Keto Pleskavitsa (Grilled Minced Meat Patty)
A large, thick, and intensely flavorful grilled patty of seasoned minced meat, commonly a blend of beef and/or…
6 net8 total2 fibre70 protein60 fat800 kcal
Кокореч
Kokorets (Roasted Lamb Intestines)
A very traditional Bulgarian delicacy made from seasoned lamb or goat intestines, often wrapped around interna…
6 net8 total2 fibre80 protein70 fat900 kcal
Агнешко със спанак
Lamb with Spinach Stew
Tender chunks of lamb slow-cooked with fresh spinach, green onions, dill, and sometimes a touch of tomato. A h…
6 net12 total6 fibre60 protein60 fat800 kcal
Луканка на тиган
Pan-fried Lukanka
Thick slices of 'Lukanka', a prized Bulgarian dry-cured sausage, lightly pan-fried to release its rich, spicy,…
6 net6 total0 fibre35 protein45 fat520 kcal
Яйца по Панагюрски
Panagyurski Eggs (Poached Eggs with Sirene and Paprika Butter)
A traditional Bulgarian breakfast or light meal featuring perfectly poached eggs served over crumbled sirene (…
6 net6 total0 fibre35 protein65 fat700 kcal
Pileshka Supa (Modified)
Chicken Soup (Modified)
A comforting Bulgarian chicken soup made with rich chicken broth, chicken pieces, and typically thickened with…
6 net8 total2 fibre35 protein35 fat500 kcal
Sirene po Shopski
Baked Feta Cheese with Egg
A hearty dish of Bulgarian feta cheese (sirene) baked in a traditional clay pot, topped with a fresh egg, and …
6 net8 total2 fibre50 protein100 fat1200 kcal
Телешко роладче
Veal Roulade (Teleško Roladche)
Tender veal slices rolled and stuffed with a savory filling, often featuring cheese, mushrooms, and herbs, the…
6 net8 total2 fibre78 protein68 fat980 kcal
Сирене на фурна с домати и чушки
Baked Feta/Sirene with Tomatoes and Peppers
A simple yet delicious dish of Bulgarian sirene (a feta-like brined cheese) baked with fresh tomatoes and bell…
7 net10 total3 fibre30 protein40 fat480 kcal
Пилешки сърца с гъби на сач
Chicken Hearts with Mushrooms on a Saj
Chicken hearts sautéed with mushrooms and onions, typically seasoned with traditional spices and served sizzli…
7 net10 total3 fibre50 protein45 fat600 kcal
Кето Гъбена супа със сметана (без брашно)
Keto Cream of Mushroom Soup (without flour)
A rich and velvety soup made with fresh, earthy mushrooms, savory broth, and heavy cream, often seasoned with …
7 net10 total3 fibre15 protein40 fat480 kcal
Кето Дроб Сарма (без ориз)
Keto Lamb Liver with Herbs (no rice)
A keto-adapted version of the classic Bulgarian Drob Sarma, featuring a rich mixture of chopped lamb offal (li…
7 net10 total3 fibre55 protein45 fat620 kcal
Кето Сармички от лозови листа с месо (без ориз)
Keto Stuffed Grape Leaves with Meat (without rice)
Delicate grape leaves wrapped around a savory filling of seasoned minced meat (pork or beef), herbs like mint …
7 net10 total3 fibre45 protein35 fat500 kcal
Бъбреци с гъби
Kidneys with Mushrooms
A traditional and rich offal dish, featuring pan-fried or stewed pork or veal kidneys cooked with mushrooms, o…
7 net10 total3 fibre60 protein55 fat700 kcal
Meshana Skara
Mixed Grill Platter
A generous platter featuring an assortment of traditional Bulgarian grilled meats, typically including kebapch…
7 net8 total1 fibre150 protein150 fat2000 kcal
Миди в масло с чесън
Mussels in Butter with Garlic
Fresh mussels cooked in rich butter with aromatic garlic, often finished with a splash of white wine and fresh…
7 net8 total1 fibre50 protein50 fat600 kcal
Тиквички с чесън и копър (без панировка)
Pan-fried Zucchini with Garlic and Dill (Keto version)
Thinly sliced zucchini, pan-fried or baked until tender, seasoned generously with fresh garlic and dill. Often…
7 net12 total5 fibre7 protein30 fat350 kcal
Кьопоолу
Roasted Eggplant and Pepper Dip (No Bread)
A delightful Bulgarian cold appetizer or spread made from intensely roasted eggplant and bell peppers, combine…
7 net12 total5 fibre5 protein22 fat250 kcal
Пръснати яйца със сирене и луканка/суджук
Scrambled Eggs with Cheese and Cured Sausage
A hearty and popular Bulgarian breakfast or light meal, featuring eggs scrambled with crumbled white brine che…
7 net8 total1 fibre45 protein60 fat720 kcal
Спанак със сирене и яйца
Spinach with Sirene Cheese and Eggs
A wholesome and simple dish featuring fresh spinach sautéed or baked with crumbled sirene cheese and eggs. It'…
7 net12 total5 fibre25 protein35 fat450 kcal
Вешалица
Stuffed Pork Loin (Veshalitsa)
A traditional Bulgarian dish featuring a butterflied pork loin or neck, typically stuffed with kashkaval chees…
7 net10 total3 fibre85 protein75 fat1050 kcal
Questions people ask
What can I eat at a Bulgarian restaurant on keto?
Good orders that are keto as served include Grilled Sea Bass (1g net carbs), Grilled Veal Tenderloin Steak (1g net carbs), Pan-fried Pork Belly (1g net carbs), Pasturva na Skara (1g net carbs), Skumriya na Skara (1g net carbs) and Zapechena Riba s Domashen Zehtin i Podpravki (1g net carbs). Of the 293 Bulgarian dishes in this guide, 138 are keto as served.
Is Bulgarian food keto-friendly?
Keto Atlas rates Bulgarian food "Navigable" for keto. Bulgarian cuisine is reasonably adaptable to keto with careful selection and common modifications.
What Bulgarian dishes should I avoid on keto?
Primary dangers include all bread, potatoes, rice, beans, pastries (banitsa), sugary dressings, and stews often thickened with starches or containing potatoes. Dishes to skip include Keto Green Bean Stew (28g), Kurdi-style Beef/Lamb Stew (22g), Zucchini Plakiya (22g) and Keto Baked Peppers with Meat and Tomatoes (21g).
How do I order Bulgarian food keto-style?
Many dishes become keto with one small request. For Grilled Boneless Chicken Thigh Steak: say "For the Пилешка пържола, no fries, rice, or bread. I'd like grilled vegetables or a green salad with olive oil and vinegar instead." For Grilled Veal Steak: say "For the Телешка пържола, no fries, rice, or bread. I'd like grilled vegetables or a green salad with olive oil and vinegar instead."