If you’re an international music student planning to study in Sofia, Bulgaria, navigating local supermarkets and getting your head around products and prices can seem daunting (especially if you can’t read Cyrillic).
Thankfully, we’ve got you covered with this guide to some of Sofia’s popular supermarkets and street markets.
In this guide, we’ll provide you with insight into each supermarket’s inventory, price ranges, and unique offerings, so that you’re better equipped to shop for all your culinary needs.
By the way, are you a good cook? We hope so!
First, the local currency is the Bulgarian lev, and you should check the current exchange rate against your local currency to better understand your spending.
Exchange rate table:
|
Bulgarian lev |
US dollar |
Euro |
British pounds |
Australian dollar |
|
1лв |
$0.53 |
€0.51 |
£0.42 |
$0.85 |
Note: The prices are converted to a common currency for comparison purposes. Actual exchange rates will vary.
Also good to know − the Bulgarian lev is tied to the euro at a rate of 1.95583. In other words, 1 euro is almost 2 lev. So bear that in mind.
Bulgaria is also in the process of joining the eurozone which could happen as soon as 2026 (though Bulgaria’s accession to the eurozone has been held back several times before, so don’t count on that!).
Ok, ready? Let’s dive in.
Generally speaking, Sofian supermarkets are pretty easy to navigate even if you have zero Bulgarian language skills. The only difference you might notice is certain product categories that might be a bit different to what you’re used to.
For example, you might notice that many Bulgarian supermarkets have a big section for dried and cured meats (like lukanka and salami).
That said, the supermarkets of Sofia don’t work in any special way you might not have encountered, and while an understanding of Bulgarian banknotes and coins and the exchange rate into your local currency will help, card payments are accepted at all major supermarkets.
There are also many international supermarket chains in Sofia, if you’re from Europe, you will recognize some. Because of this many products also have some English or German on them which can make life a little easier for international students.
Without further ado, here are the top supermarkets to check out in Sofia.
Billa is a popular Austrian supermarket chain with a strong presence in Sofia. It provides a wide selection of local and international products.
It is conveniently located throughout the city with a mix of larger and smaller stores and caters to a diverse range of customers, making it your go-to for many daily necessities.
Kaufland, on the other hand, is a large hypermarket chain that provides an extensive range of products, including fresh produce, electronics, and clothing.
The spacious stores are perfect for your bulk purchases and diverse shopping needs. However, do bear in mind that Kaufland is very popular, and certain locations can get very busy on the weekends and around the holiday season.
Lidl is a German supermarket chain popular throughout Europe (arguably the most recognizable in Europe). It’s known for its no-frills approach and offers a range of products from fresh produce to household items.
Lidl can be a little limiting in some product categories, though it changes its stock regularly, sometimes selling unique products for a certain time.
In recent years, Lidl has expanded rapidly in Sofia and opened many new locations (it can be hard to keep track).
Fantastico is a Bulgarian supermarket chain that provides a more local shopping experience. It features fresh, locally sourced produce and a wide variety of Bulgarian products (and some argue certain foods are better there).
The smaller size of the Fantastico stores creates a more intimate atmosphere, offering you a taste of authentic Bulgarian culture. Most Fantastico stores are not as large as some of the others mentioned on this list.
What makes HIT worth considering are two things, 1) it’s got a surprisingly wide selection of goods, and 2) it’s hardly ever crowded (you might just wonder how they stay open) − great if you want to avoid crowds.
There are only two Hits in Sofia, and both are on the outskirts of either end of the city, neither is near the centre, which means they can be challenging to shop from unless you have access to a car.
If you really want to scrimp and save in Sofia, forget the big supermarket chains and head to the neighbourhoods around Sofia to T Market. You’ll also find it has many great Bulgarian food options.
Do note that T Market is almost non-existent in the centre of Sofia, and it may be lacking in certain product categories. Don’t expect to buy home goods, such as electronics, there.
Kam Market is very similar to T Market. Both are cheap supermarket options that are more frequently found in the surrounding neighbourhoods rather than the centre (they even have quite similar branding).
While you might miss out on selection, you will save. The only problem is that Kam Market is not as common around Sofia as some of the other alternatives on this list.
But wait a second... We can’t ignore the street markets!
Sofia boasts plenty of bustling street markets that give you a taste of local life at (sometimes) competitive prices and can taste miles better than anything you can buy at a supermarket.
When visiting the markets of Sofia, it is recommended that you shop around before buying anything − don’t just settle on the first stall you come across.
You may find that one vendor is selling nicer, better-priced tomatoes than another or two stalls earlier, but the cucumbers are not as good.
Haggling is not common in Bulgarian markets, so don’t try talking down the price. The price range is generally considered to be mid to budget-friendly, making it an excellent option for students looking for fresh and affordable produce.
That said, markets can sometimes cost more than supermarkets but the quality from markets can be unrivalled and truly exceed what you buy from the store.
A great way to get the best of both worlds is to buy your basics from supermarkets and then head down to the market stalls for your fruit and veg afterwards.
Additionally, you’ll find vendors selling homemade jams, honey, local cheeses and meats, discover traditional Bulgarian delicacies and encounter other artisanal products.
Tip: Learning some Bulgarian will help you a lot when shopping from markets. Many market sellers don’t speak much English.
Located near the Lions’ Bridge, this market is a colourful array of stalls offering fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, and even traditional Bulgarian crafts. It’s a lively place where you can immerse yourself in the local atmosphere and Middle Eastern influences.
Zhenski Pazar is approximately a 20-minute walk from the European Academy of Fine Arts.
Edge of the centre, Dimitar Petkov Market is perhaps the second largest market in Sofia after Zhenski Pazar. It’s not too far from Konstantin Velitchkov metro station, which is two stops away from Serdika station.
Dimitar Petkov Market is also a great place to get flowers, which is what it’s mostly known for.
Lyulin Market is a bit out of the way for most shoppers (several stops from Serdika station), but it is still a great option to be explored by students looking for fresh and affordable food.
Sadly, Lyulin Market is dying and the main hub where fresh fruit and veg is sold is shrinking as developers move in and buy up the surrounding areas, so it may disappear in the next couple of decades.
There are many other markets (‘pazars’) around Sofia nestled in different neighbourhoods that you should also check out, but to list them all would be a challenge, and many are smaller than the three listed above.
For sure you should check them out, though do note that like Lyulin Market, some are struggling to stay open.
International students in Sofia have a wide range of choices regarding supermarkets and street markets. There’s really no shortage of options and ways to save money (though you may need to travel a bit further sometimes).
Whether you opt for the convenience of Billa, the superstore experience at Kaufland, or the budget-friendly options of T Market and Kam Market, and the street markets, Sofia’s supermarkets cater to your preferences and budget.
That said, to truly know what works for you, you just have to try it yourself.
We hope this guide helps you navigate Sofia’s supermarkets so you can shop with confidence and ease. Happy shopping!