Edit time! A few weeks after publishing this story, I have finally made it to the Salon place where managed to take the shots I kind of needed in order to improve this article and make it more … Vanilla Kitchen. So, on a rainy Sofia day and a some sand because of the street repairs, me and my soaky umbrella slipped under the door at Vanilla Kitchen. The girl was probably the most helpful person I could have interacted that same day. After a quick explanation why on Earth am I taking the pictures she allowed the shots. ’ We’re always ready’ she said and didn’t lie at all! If she’s reading - Massive ‘Thank you!’ follows. Wonderful personality and … she even did my order within seconds with lovely packaging and a sticker. You can see it in the pictures. Really, guys, what follows in this articles is Vanilla Kitchen magic!
I am not vegan, vegetarian, veganarian, organic food-addict or live-a-helthy-life-philosopher, you name it but this is the place I always recommend first, if anyone has asked me where to go and have best food in Sofia. Remember - food, not ice-cream!
Place is called Vanilla Kitchen after the owner and the fact that food there is actually made on location. Yes, you read that right. They may only have suppliers for the ingredients but rest is talent, dedication and many spoons of fun in the recipe.
It all began as a small atelier and a dream. Which is what I call great example for business in Bulgaria (where if you need a horrifying experience, you can just found business or just go to the local post office).
I am not going to lie to you, there’s a royal variety of taste and scent when we are talking about their food. These people are that good! Less chemicals means more of these two for sure.
They don’t use non-organic ingredients and in fact, they do have chocolate. That chocolate is natural. Not the cream you see in store. As a chocolate addict, I was skeptic at first but after giving a go, it reminded me of the taste from my childhood. When there weren’t so many chemicals in the food. Which is why whenever I see a friend tagged at the Vanilla Kitchen salon or atelier, I am instantly texting or calling for a bite.
Speaking of which, this place does takeaway. No deliveries which i appreciate. It’s healthier to take a walk. They also have an option for catering. Yup, they can do your sweets for weddings, birthday parties, etc. In addition, their online orders form is a lot of fun because you can adapt the taste and also design the food according the suggested ingredients. I did that several times with friends for several different occasions. Orders in store are something not tested in person however, knowing their experience, they will always help with the choices.
Rest of the Vanilla Kitchen website is another section of the fun you can have in the world of their food. You will find cupcakes, brownies, raw food (aham, raw food in it’s full shine and taste), bites and cookies … list is long. Recipe archive, stories and news are also available which brings the family atmosphere.
Like you have noticed in most of my posts, the location websites are in Bulgarian and this one is not an exception. As I love saying, Google Translate is great option for you and you can use it. I have tried the translating option for several pages from that website and yup, it’s doing well.
You may have noticed that only the salon is large, for more people and located downtown. Be sure that it’s comfortable, has pleasant atmosphere and makes the urban vibe bearable. Places are always clean because the owner and personnel know that there will be children and food around. It’s also part of their vision for the place. They have same opinion about the service. They are always friendly and one more thing - you can’t enter without a smile.
Considering the overview, some may be happy to visit which I will understand. Will also keep the tradition and provide you with directions.
If you have already been here, feel free to share impressions favorite tastes or stories. Will be curious to know more. Others, feel free to ask.
For the Salon: you can do the walking from both underground stations - SU St Kliment Ohridski (which is an idea closer) and the Vasil Levski Stadium. If you are using buses, make sure you are using bus 84 or 184 to Gen Gurko Str, then walk or lines 1, 2, 5, 8 of the trolley buses.
For the Atelier: Station G.M. Dimitrov and then walk or stops Oncology NSBAL (aka the Hematology stop - lines 67, 69, 70, 88, 123 and 413 of the buses. There’s another stop on the other side of the road called Metro Station G.M. Dimitrov where lines are 67 and 413. Rest is walking.
Are you a fan of raw sweets - the ones that don’t need baking,