If you are vegetarian or vegan – this article is definitely not for you. Even if in recent years it is becoming more and more popular being meat-free and even following the Orthodox church’s fasts, Bulgaria remains tightly related to eating meat, which is often found in most of our traditional dishes. I would admit that in my travels I have discovered that we cannot cook it as well as we think we can, compared to many other countries, but the fast food restaurant in this article is certainly one of the exceptions to this argument.

Parlenka Gourmet BBQ Bar offers exceptionally delicious grilled meats and their famous parlenka – a flat white bread also prepared on the grill. The side dishes popular in Bulgaria are all present  – cabbage and carrots salad, beans salad, lyutenitsa – all fresh and highly recommended. The one thing I do not like here is the accent the manager puts on the fact that you cannot order a salad separately– because it is only served as a side. So, really, do not come here unless you like meat.

The place has a small seating area at the back with plastic chairs and tables, which is practical but not too cozy. I always prefer taking food out to eat home with proper cutlery (theirs is also plastic). Parlenka is the ideal locals spot for a quick cheap bite, so bear in mind that during lunchtime it might get a bit busy.