By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter
Few may be familiar with the southeastern European country of Bulgaria, much less the cuisine, but those who are will know that yogurt is perhaps the most recurring ingredient in its dishes, due in part to a popular yogurt brand.
So to satisfy our curiosity about Bulgarian food, we decided to check out Zelen, described as an authentic Bulgarian restaurant, located in Itaewon.
Step inside the restaurant, and you may feel as if you’ve been transported to Bulgaria. The walls, chairs and tables are done up in warm red and green (the colors of the Bulgarian flag), while fake vines of leaves cover the ceiling. There’s even a fountain with a statue in the middle of the room.
Gaudy decorations aside, we were there for the food. There’s an extensive menu, but we decided to go with the lunch specials that come with an appetizer, main dish and dessert for only about 18,000 won each (excluding tax).
First came the appetizers. The vegetable cream soup was rich in flavor, and even though it was warm, it didn’t leave a heavy feeling. (We must also mention how charming Zelen’s ethnic-patterned dishes and bowls were.) The Shopska salad featured chunks of fresh tomato, cucumber, onion, olives, pepper, and was topped with shredded feta cheese and drizzled with vinaigrette sauce. The cheese added a creamy dimension to the fresh vegetables and tangy sauce.
For the main dish, we were served Pile Princes, which are grilled chicken breasts with tomato sauce and potatoes. The dish had a pretty sizeable serving of chicken breasts, which were stuffed with peppery ground meat. The combination of chicken and meat went surprisingly well, although we felt the tomato sauce was a bit thin.
Another main dish was the Svinski Medallion, a pork dish with cream sauce and grilled vegetables. The pork was adequately spiced, balanced by the creamy and cheesy white sauce.
To finish our meal, we had a bowl of honey yogurt and another of ice cream. The fresh yogurt a staple among Bulgarians was topped with honey, which helped balance the sour flavor.
Since the weather was so hot and humid, ice cream was also a good choice. It was served with thin slices of apple and raspberry syrup.
Service at Zelen was quick and efficient. Customers who like to enjoy late, leisurely lunches should be warned the restaurant closes for a break between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
To get there, get off at Itaewon station, line 6 exit 1.
Turn right at the first alley, then turn left and walk until you reach the end of the road.
You’ll see a flight of stairs on your right, go up and you’ll0 find Zelen at the top. Call (02) 749-0600.