Sofia Airport

Sofia Airport isn't exactly a foodie destination, but it holds its own better than you might expect. The main action happens in Terminal 2, the busier of the two, where you'll find a handful of sit-down spots and grab-and-go counters past security. Local chain Happy Bar & Grill is a reliable bet — it serves honest Bulgarian comfort food alongside international staples, and the portions are generous enough to tide you over on a long haul. Terminal 1 is more limited, so if you have a choice of where to spend your pre-flight time, Terminal 2 wins easily.

For a genuine taste of Bulgaria before you board, keep an eye out for shopska salad — that crisp medley of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and generous crumbles of white sirene cheese that every Bulgarian grandmother considers her own invention. Some airside cafés also carry banitsa, the flaky filo pastry stuffed with cheese or spinach that locals eat for breakfast without apology. Pair it with a strong espresso and you've had a more authentically Bulgarian morning than many visitors manage in the city itself. Don't overlook the small bakery-style kiosks near the departure gates — they move fast and the pastries are fresh.

If you're after something heartier or want to sit down properly, arrive a little early. Peak morning and early evening hours can stretch café queues, and the seating fills quickly around major European departure windows. Prices are airport-inflated, naturally, but not outrageously so by Western European standards — a full meal with a drink should come in under twenty euros without much trouble. A small selection of Bulgarian wines and rakia (the national fruit brandy) appears at the duty-free and some bars, making for a convivial last impression of the country.