Bulgarian cuisine is my favourite. I grew up looking up to three generations of strong women at home, preparing our ancestors’ recipes and sharing the story of each dish with me. And I loved it!
13 minutes' walk from Ilford Station, in a narrow and dimly-lit street, an alarming number of off-licences and fried chicken shops made it hard to believe I was in the right place. But at the top of what seemed like an abandoned garage, I saw the Bulgarian flag and heard a loud, live performance…
Walking into Bar & Restaurant Nessebar, I could smell traditional, earthy ingredients and hear my native language all around me. It was just like being teleported home.
The restaurant was opened in December 2016 after a gap in the London market was found. In 2014, Bulgarians were officially allowed to move to the UK. By 2015 the number of Bulgarian residents in London grew rapidly and so did the Bulgarian restaurants.
Praise be.
As the hostess was escorting me to my table, I realised how compact and crowded the place was. Surprisingly, it didn’t feel claustrophobic. It felt like a big family had gathered together to have dinner. The minimalistic decor of white walls and wooden furniture made me feel as if I was in my grandparents’ house.
The traditional meals were just as homelike – delicious and in big portions. The menu was in full colour with images of every dish for those who might be unfamiliar. I’d highly recommend the marinated roast red peppers (£5), meshana skara [meat, veggies and cheese] (£10) and cheesy-buttery baked bread (£2). And for drinking, a traditional fruit brandy called rakia (50ml, £4).
The courses were wholesome and fresh, but are unfortunately not vegan-friendly. Staples included rich meat-based main courses, balanced with plenty of grilled veggies seasoned with dill, coriander and mint for freshness. Beware - plenty of cheese and pungent, spicy garlic is used in everything from salads and potato wedges to meats and side dishes.
While my Bulgarian friends shared my excitement throughout the night, my British friends were mostly curious. They were humming to songs they couldn’t even understand, experimented with their tastebuds and even participated when the whole restaurant danced horo, a traditional Bulgarian dance, together.
The restaurant is one hour away from Central London, so I’d give it a miss if you don’t fancy long restaurant journeys. But if you’re looking for prompt and kind service, affordable prices and to explore a new culture, look no further and save yourself a pricey plane ticket.
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