Hello!

My name is Eni. I was born in the Balkans, but life brought me to the United Kingdom 20 years ago, where I have been living ever since. I was lucky to meet my soulmate, my South African husband, 18 years ago in London, and together, we travelled around the world and experienced a lot of different cultures and cuisines. That is how my love for food was born. 

Living in London, I grew to appreciate the fusion of cultures and food. Having been born in a closed society at the time of socialism in Bulgaria, I was hungry for the world. I wanted to experience more and more of it, and as much as I experienced and learned about the world, the more I began to appreciate and think of the Balkans as a place of great interest and history.

The Balkans have millennia of fusions – mixing of genes, cultures, traditions, and food.

The Balkan Peninsula can be described as a hub where the West meets the East, which is what I find so fascinating and inspired me to start this blog. I am passionate about showing the world a bit more about the Balkans.

When you think of the Balkans, you should remember that it is an ancient land with a long history. A land of ancient gods in the South, a homeland of fearless and crafty Thracians, a place where the Romans and the Crusaders passed through, left their traces. Even monarchs from the Austro-Hungarian bloodline, cousins to our British monarchy, reigned in some parts.

Nowadays, many associate this area with the Eastern bloc with crime and instability, which is inevitably part of the Balkans’ history. But the Balkans also have an exceptionally long culinary tradition and rich culture. The countryside is beautiful, and the people are friendly and hospitable. I highly recommend visiting.

A few years ago, when I was going through my mom’s stuff, I found a handwritten recipe book.

She collected local recipes all through her life from family and friends. I decided to recreate these recipes and learn more about the local cuisine to keep the tradition alive. I will share some of these recipes here, as they are very traditional to the Southern Balkans.

Of course, over the years, new cooking techniques have been developed, and the recipes have evolved naturally. Here, you will find traditional Balkan recipes in tune with modern cooking techniques and the local availability of cooking products.

Balkan cuisines have a wealth of vegan, vegetarian and meat dishes. There is a variety that will satisfy everyone’s taste.

The Balkans have ancient traditions in preserving food. I have dedicated a separate section in my blog to canning and preserves, where you will find recipes for traditional relishes, pickles, sauerkraut, jams, etc.

I hope you enjoy my recipes, and please post your comments. I would love to hear what you think about the recipes and your experiences if you have visited this part of the world.

If you like a recipe, please do not forget to rate it and leave a comment in the form located below the recipe card! I would love to hear from you! To receive new exciting recipes and learn more about the Balkans, subscribe to our mailing list by following the link  Subscribe.