Gevrek Sofia
Bagel's Bulgarian cousin
Yana from Sofia
I recently rediscovered a forgotten treat, which I have systematically underestimated in my childhood - the gevrek. It is a truly simple food - a doughy, bready circle with a big hole in the middle, or should I say - a big round hole with a little bread around it? Either way, gevrek is probably the closest one can get to a bagel in Sofia - taste-wise as well as price-wise.
When I was little, there were plenty of gevrek sellers around the centre of the city, strategically positioned at bus stops and crossroads of big boulevards, selling out of big paper bags to keep the gevretzi (plural in Bulgarian) warm. Most of them have disappeared, but some are still selling them at the same spot for decades. If you look out for them, you might be lucky enough to come across one of the most characteristic snacks of old Sofia.
If you prefer not to rely on chance, one place that has been selling gevretzi for ages is right on the side of Halite. The minuscule booth looks extremely low-profile, but, believe me, they sell the best gevretzi around - hot and crispy on the outside and chewy and dense on the inside. Better get there before 13:00 to catch the best batch. Pop into Halite to get some olives to accompany your gevrek, sit in front of the old bath (now the History Museum of Sofia) and enjoy a cheap lunch in one of the nicest parts of the city.
Sofia Spotter Yana
About this spot
ulitsa Ekzarh Yosif 21
- Mon - Sat 08:00 - 19:00, Sun 08:00 - 18:00
1 gevrek:
BGN
0.70
Our Sofia City Guide
Find your way with 130 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Sofia
Vishneva tram stop
Hidden forest stop in Sofia
Here is a hidden gem - a cute tram stop: Vishneva (which means sour cherry in Bulgarian), a small, charming wooden house in the forest.
by
Tsvetomira
Filipova
Zona Urbana
Recycled art
At "Zona Urbana" Sofia you can buy a fabulous, unique bag or wallet made from old newspapers or paper maps. It's a shop perfect for recycle freaks!
by
Tsvetomira
Filipova
Made in Blue
The Instagrammable restaurant
"Made in Blue" is a popular, unique restaurant for meetings and good food in Sofia. You can't miss it - the whole house is painted in blue...
by
Tsvetomira
Filipova
Skaptoburger
King of burgers
"Skaptoburger" is located in the heart of Sofia and won the King of Burgers award for 2016. This restaurant, its monthly offers, some ale... what more?
by
Simo
Stefanov
Antep Baklava
Bites of heaven!
"Antep Baklava" in Sofia is a small pastry shop that makes the best baklava and other Turkish desserts in the city! You have to try the Shobiet...
by
Yana
Alexieva
Boyana church
A UNESCO world heritage site
"Boyana Church" in Sofia is one of my favorite temples in the city. It's a UNESCO heritage gem of a site from the 11th century, next to giant sequoias...
by
Yana
Alexieva
65 Svetulki
Trendy place for a drink
"65 Svetulki" in central Sofia is a bar rapidly becoming a favorite destination for locals. What I love is its terrace and alternative bohemian design...
by
Yana
Alexieva
The Little Things
As tasty as homemade
"The Little Things" in Sofia hits the spot for me: this homey restaurant with delicious food really pays attention to the details in every small element...
by
Yana
Alexieva
Franco's Pizza
The best pizza in Sofia!
"Franco's Pizza" has definitely the best pizza I have tasted in Sofia so far. The menu here is short and consists of authentic Italian pizzas...
by
Yana
Alexieva
PhotoSynthesis
A place for ideas... and coffee
"PhotoSynthesis" has grown into one of the biggest photography hubs in Sofia. They have a great gallery and I love their glass-roof bar and the quiet cafe.
by
Yana
Alexieva
Parlenka Gourmet BBQ Bar
Tasty Bulgarian grill
"Parlenka Gourmet BBQ Bar" is a grill restaurant in Sofia you should seriously stay clear from if you're vegetarian or vegan. But it's good for lunch...
by
Yana
Alexieva
Heading to Sofia?
130 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Sofia?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 130 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Snacks
Our team loves Sofia
Get to know our other Spotters from Sofia
As featured on:
