Discover the Secrets of Traditional Bulgarian Cuisine

Join Chef Ivan Petrov for an Exclusive Online Culinary Experience

November 25, 2024 | 7:00 PM EET

Register Now
Assortment of fresh Bulgarian ingredients like peppers, tomatoes, herbs, and cheese.

An Authentic Taste of Bulgaria, From Your Kitchen

Balkanska Trapeza invites you to a special online event exploring the rich history and vibrant flavors of traditional Bulgarian cooking. Plovdiv, a city steeped in millennia of history, also boasts a culinary heritage as deep and varied as its ancient streets. This webinar aims to bring a piece of that heritage directly to your home.

Led by our esteemed Head Chef, Ivan Petrov, this exclusive session will guide you through crafting beloved Bulgarian dishes, sharing not just recipes, but the stories, traditions, and regional variations that make each bite significant. It's more than just a cooking class; it's a cultural immersion, a chance to connect with techniques passed down through generations in Bulgarian households and professional kitchens alike.

Whether you are an experienced cook looking to expand your repertoire or a complete beginner eager to explore a new and delicious cuisine, this webinar is designed for you. You'll gain practical skills, historical context, and a deeper appreciation for the art of Bulgarian food. Prepare to embark on a unique culinary journey that promises both learning and delight.

What Awaits You

Cooking utensils on a rustic wooden table.

Master Key Recipes

Engage in a hands-on, step-by-step live demonstration where Chef Ivan will guide you through the preparation of 2-3 iconic Bulgarian dishes. Learn the techniques, timing, and little secrets that ensure perfect results every time. Expect to cover classics that define Bulgarian home cooking.

Open vintage cookbook.

Culinary History

Journey through Bulgaria's rich gastronomic past. Discover the fascinating origins of the dishes, the influence of various cultures throughout history, and the cultural significance these meals hold in Bulgarian traditions, holidays, and daily life.

Selection of aromatic spices and herbs.

Ingredient Insights

Gain valuable knowledge about the essential ingredients that form the backbone of Bulgarian cuisine. Learn about key spices like chubritsa (savory), unique dairy products like sirene (white brine cheese), and seasonal produce typical of the Thracian Valley region around Plovdiv. Get tips on sourcing authentic ingredients.

Chef's hat icon.

Q&A with the Chef

This is your chance to interact directly with a master of Bulgarian cuisine. Ask Chef Ivan questions about techniques, ingredients, substitutions, and his personal culinary philosophy during a dedicated question and answer session at the end of the cooking demonstration.

Meet Your Culinary Guide

Professional headshot of Chef Ivan Petrov smiling.

Chef Ivan Petrov

Head Chef at Balkanska Trapeza

Chef Ivan Petrov is more than just a chef; he is a passionate guardian of Bulgarian culinary traditions. Born and raised near Plovdiv, he grew up surrounded by the aromas and flavours of authentic home cooking. With over 20 years of dedicated experience, he has honed his skills mastering classic recipes, understanding the nuances of regional variations, and innovating respectfully with the abundant local produce found in Bulgaria's fertile lands.

Before becoming the heart of Balkanska Trapeza's kitchen, Ivan travelled across Bulgaria, learning directly from grandmothers in villages and experienced cooks in renowned establishments, absorbing the wisdom passed down through generations. His approach is rooted in authenticity, using time-honoured techniques and insisting on the freshest, seasonal ingredients. He believes food is a powerful way to connect with culture and community.

Ivan is deeply dedicated to sharing the warmth, authenticity, and vibrant spirit of Bulgarian food with the world. He is not only skilled but also a gifted storyteller, eager to share the history and personal connections behind each dish. Join him for this webinar and experience his passion and expertise firsthand.

Event Schedule (EET)

  • 7:00 PM - 7:15 PM

    Welcome and Introduction to Bulgarian Cuisine: Chef Ivan kicks off the session, welcoming participants and providing a brief, engaging overview of the rich tapestry of Bulgarian culinary heritage, its key characteristics, and what makes it unique.

  • 7:15 PM - 8:00 PM

    Live Cooking Demonstration: Banitsa & Shopska Salata: Watch and follow along as Chef Ivan prepares two foundational Bulgarian delights: the iconic Banitsa (a layered pastry with cheese) and the refreshing Shopska Salata (a vibrant salad). Learn the techniques, tips for perfect layers, and the secret to a truly authentic taste.

  • 8:00 PM - 8:30 PM

    Deep Dive into Ingredients & Techniques: A dedicated segment exploring the star ingredients used in today's recipes and typical Bulgarian cooking. Chef Ivan will discuss sourcing, seasonality, and specific techniques like how to achieve crispy pastry layers or perfectly dice vegetables, answering common questions about preparation.

  • 8:30 PM - 9:00 PM

    Interactive Q&A with Chef Ivan: An open forum where participants can directly ask Chef Ivan their culinary questions. Whether it's about ingredient substitutions, variations of recipes, cooking tips, or insights into Bulgarian food culture, Chef Ivan is ready to share his expertise.

  • 9:00 PM

    Closing Remarks and Next Steps: Chef Ivan wraps up the event, offering final tips and encouragement. Information on accessing the recording and future events from Balkanska Trapeza will be shared.

Secure Your Spot Today!

Limited spots available for this exclusive online culinary journey. Register now to reserve your place and join Chef Ivan Petrov live!

By registering, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

Hear From Happy Patrons & Attendees

Frequently Asked Questions

This event is designed as a live online webinar. This format allows you to interact in real-time with Chef Ivan Petrov, ask spontaneous questions during the Q&A session, and feel the energy of a live culinary demonstration. While it's live, a recording will be provided afterwards for all registered participants, allowing you to re-watch the techniques and tips at your convenience.
The webinar will be securely hosted on the Zoom platform. Zoom is widely accessible and user-friendly. You will need a stable internet connection and a device (computer, tablet, or smartphone) capable of running Zoom. Don't worry if you're new to Zoom; joining is typically just a click away from the link we provide. The link will be sent to the email address you use for registration well in advance of the event start time.
Absolutely not! This event is crafted to be enjoyable and informative for everyone, regardless of your current cooking skill level. Chef Ivan will explain each step clearly, making it easy for beginners to follow along and learn foundational techniques. Experienced cooks will also benefit from his insights into authentic methods, ingredient nuances, and the cultural context of the dishes. It's a learning opportunity for all.
To fully participate and cook along, you will need certain ingredients and basic kitchen equipment. A detailed list will be compiled and sent out to all registered participants approximately one week before the event date. This will give you ample time to gather everything required. The list will focus on standard kitchen tools and accessible ingredients, with tips on finding potentially less common Bulgarian items or suggesting alternatives where possible.
Yes, absolutely. We understand that schedules can be tight or you might want to revisit the material. A full recording of the live webinar session will be made available to all individuals who complete the registration. You will receive an email with instructions on how to access the recording within a few days after the live event concludes, allowing you to watch it whenever and as many times as you like.
Exterior view of the Balkanska Trapeza restaurant.

About Balkanska Trapeza

Nestled in the historic and vibrant city of Plovdiv, Balkanska Trapeza stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of authentic Bulgarian cuisine. More than just a restaurant, it is a culinary sanctuary dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and sharing the rich gastronomic traditions of Bulgaria. Our philosophy is simple yet profound: honor the past while delighting contemporary palates.

We source the finest, freshest local ingredients, prioritizing seasonal produce from the fertile lands surrounding Plovdiv and across Bulgaria. This commitment ensures that every dish served carries the true, unadulterated flavours of the region. Our menu is a curated journey through classic Bulgarian recipes, many of which have been passed down through generations, refined and perfected over time by our skilled culinary team led by Chef Ivan Petrov.

From hearty stews and succulent grilled meats to delicate pastries and vibrant salads, each plate is prepared with meticulous care, reflecting the warmth and generosity of Bulgarian hospitality. The ambiance of Balkanska Trapeza mirrors this dedication to tradition and comfort – a rustic elegance that invites diners to relax, connect, and savour every moment.

Our passion extends beyond our dining tables. We believe in sharing the beauty and depth of Bulgarian food culture with a wider audience. Hosting events like this online webinar is a natural extension of our mission, allowing us to reach food enthusiasts everywhere and introduce them to the authentic tastes and stories that define who we are. We are proud to be a part of Plovdiv's cultural landscape and look forward to sharing a piece of our heritage with you, whether you visit us in person or join us virtually.

Get In Touch

Phone: +359 32 654 321

Email: info@balkanskatrapeza.com

Address:
15 Ulitsa Ivan Vazov, Ground Floor,
Plovdiv, Plovdiv Province,
4002, Bulgaria

Privacy Policy

This privacy policy describes how Balkanska Trapeza collects, uses, and protects the information you provide when using our online platform or engaging with our services, which include traditional Bulgarian cuisine, fine dining, event hosting, catering services, and takeaway and delivery. We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your data in an open and transparent manner, in compliance with applicable data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Information We Collect

We may collect different types of information depending on how you interact with our site or services. This may include:

Information you provide to us: When you make a reservation, place an online order, inquire about events or catering, sign up for a newsletter (if available), or contact us directly, you may provide personal information such as your name, contact details (like email address and phone number), and any other information necessary to fulfil your request or service.

Usage Data: We automatically collect information about how you access and use our site. This may include your IP address, browser type, device information, the pages you visit, the time and date of your visit, and other diagnostic data.

Transaction Data: If you make purchases or bookings through our site, we collect information related to those transactions, such as details about the products or services you ordered, the date and time, and payment status (we do not store full payment card details).

How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for various purposes:

To provide and maintain our service, including processing your reservations, online orders, and service requests.

To manage your account or profile (if applicable).

To communicate with you regarding your orders, bookings, inquiries, or to provide updates about our services.

To improve and personalize your experience on our site.

To understand how our site is used and analyze trends to enhance our offerings.

To detect, prevent, and address technical issues.

To fulfil our legal obligations.

For marketing purposes, where you have provided your consent (e.g., sending newsletters about promotions or events).

Lawful Basis for Processing (Under GDPR)

We process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:

Necessity for the performance of a contract: To provide the services you request, such as processing your online order or reservation.

Your consent: Where you have given us explicit consent to process your data for a specific purpose, such as sending marketing communications. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time.

Legitimate interests: For purposes such as improving our services, managing our business, preventing fraud, and ensuring the security of our site, provided that these interests do not override your fundamental rights and freedoms.

Compliance with legal obligations: When processing is necessary to comply with a legal requirement.

Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, including for the purposes of satisfying any legal, accounting, or reporting requirements. The retention period varies depending on the type of data and the purpose of processing.

Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal data to third parties. We may share your information with trusted third-party service providers who perform functions on our behalf, such as payment processing, website hosting, analytics, or delivery services. These providers are contractually bound to protect your data and only use it for the purposes for which we provide it. We may also disclose your information if required by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data from unauthorized access, loss, destruction, or alteration. However, please be aware that no method of transmission over the internet or method of electronic storage is 100% secure.

Your Data Protection Rights (Under GDPR)

Depending on your location and subject to applicable law, you may have the following rights regarding your personal data:

The right to access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.

The right to rectification: Request that we correct any inaccurate or incomplete data.

The right to erasure ('right to be forgotten'): Request that we delete your personal data under certain conditions.

The right to restrict processing: Request that we limit the way we use your personal data under certain conditions.

The right to data portability: Request a copy of your personal data in a structured, commonly used, machine-readable format and have it transmitted to another controller.

The right to object: Object to our processing of your personal data under certain conditions.

The right to withdraw consent: Withdraw your consent at any time where processing is based on consent.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details provided below. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our site may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience, analyze site usage, and for other purposes. You can control the use of cookies through your browser settings.

Links to Other Websites

Our site may contain links to other websites that are not operated by us. We have no control over and assume no responsibility for the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party sites or services.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update our privacy policy from time to time. Any changes will be effective when posted on this page. We encourage you to review this privacy policy periodically for any updates.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this privacy policy or our data practices, please contact us by postal mail at:

Balkanska Trapeza
15 Ulitsa Ivan Vazov, Ground Floor,
Plovdiv, Plovdiv Province, 4002
Bulgaria

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