Zehtidjievata Kushta; mehana times

Pork Sache

Zehtidjievata Kushta may be hard to pronounce, but it’s easy to find. This year when the Bansko restaurant scene has improved, Many new places (click here to see what’s new)  have made it to so much I somehow neglected the old mehanas.

These are the traditional Bulgarian restaurants – old style interior and home made local food.

In the early days of Bansko, mehanas were pretty much all you could find here. Some more than ready with tricks for the Bansko visitor. Now, with the gourmet, sushi and international cuisine places tempting us, I recognise that new travellers to Bansko seeking out a local experience need to know about some more places to try.

So here it comes.

I was invited to eat again at Zehtidjievata Kushta. I agreed, as when I was last there for lunch I noticed there were many Bulgarians enjoying their lunch. Thinking this is a trick free zone, we gathered up a group of both Bulgarians and foreigners and gave it a try in the evening.

Katak dip: yoghurt and peppers. Delicious with bread as a starter

Zehtindjievata Kushta is off the shopping part of Pirin street, there is a big sign directing the way. An old house with a garden, wood, stone and roaring log fireplaces. I’ve added it to the interactive map in the Bansko mobile app.

Casting a quick eye over the menu the prices are reasonable for the typical home-made dishes. Be aware that the local experience is enhanced, for some, with live music in the evening. For others this may be a negative.

The menu includes most Bulgarian and Bansko specialities. A good selection of dips and salads ranging from 6 to 9 leva each. They all go very well with the great flat bread they bake there called “Parlenka” (4.50 leva).

Chicken with broccoli

The Parlenka with a traditional dip made from cottage cheese and roasted red peppers called “Katak” and a “village salad” which is like the most popular shopska salad, but with added peppers.  You can rarely go wrong with these salads, they’re usually very good (less so in winter, but still better ingredients than elsewhere).

The menu includes all types of Bulgarian cuisine meat dishes either grilled or slow-cooked in a pot. “Kavarma” is a pot of meat (choice between chicken or pork) cooked in onion, carrots, mushrooms, peppers and tomatoes (11.50 leva).

No Man's Land "600"

Another very popular Bulgarian dish is the “Sache” which is a hot plate of sizzling vegetables and meat.

We chose the Pork sache (19 leva for 400 grams which is enough for 2 people).

There are some more international dishes on the menu, if you traditional is not your thing. The chicken fillet with broccoli and coconut milk (14 leva), was given the excellent verdict.

The wine menu includes the major Bulgarian brands. We chose the new “600” wine by No Man’s Land – always a safe bet. I noticed they have Damyanitsa’s more upscale edition “Redark” if you want to treat yourself. Otherwise, you can always have the house wine

A traditional chicken Kavama. Tasty

Generally, everyone in our group found the dishes really tasty. Service was also quick and attentive. The only downside for me was the loud live music which at times interfered with our conversation, but other people in the restaurant were clearly enjoying the whole thing.

Conclusion

Go to the Zehtindjievata kushta for tasty local food at reasonable prices.

For the full local experience with live music, go in the evening, but if you prefer eating and talking in silence – go during the day.

Address:

11 Georgi Kovachev St.

tel: +359 899 559 599