Townsville Bulletin

BULGARIA COMES TO TOWNSVILLE

- SAM FLANAGAN

A MOUTH-WATERING slice of the Balkans has just landed in Townsville, and it’s been a hit with more than just Eastern European expats.

Bulgarian restaurant Chubritsa has opened its doors on Flinders St and its unique appeal has already drawn the eye of locals.

Owner Stanislav Ivanov said they were looking for a site for some time before they found the perfect home in the city.

Mr Ivanov has worked hard to make every post a winner since.

“Our concept was to make a Bulgarian restaurant so people can have a feed and enjoy the food and culture,” Mr Ivanov said.

“We always wanted to do this so we can show something different to Townsville. We make stews like grandmothe­r used to make, we don’t have frozen food and don’t fry food. We use a stove and oven.”

Mr Ivanov said he believed Chubritsa, which is a Bulgarian spice used in some

dishes, was one of very few Bulgarian restaurant­s in Australia.

Mr Ivanov said there were about 15,000 Bulgarian expats in the country, and a few of them had already had a meal at Chubritsa.

“One lady came to the restaurant and she was really excited we were open. She wants to go back and visit Bulgaria but she hasn’t been able to because of Covid.”

Mr Ivanov said some of his favourite dishes on the menu included bean stew, banitsa and shopska salad.

 ?? ?? Stanislav Ivanov at the Bulgarian restaurant Chubritsa in Flinders St. Picture: Evan Morgan
Stanislav Ivanov at the Bulgarian restaurant Chubritsa in Flinders St. Picture: Evan Morgan

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