Azahar: a Spanish signature in Sofia
Seasonal dishes from a Spanish chef
If you doubt that teleportation is possible, try Azahar.
Step into Azahar and the mood shifts towards flamenco, paella and long fiestas. It’s a small piece of Spain in central Sofia, with care extending from the plate to the materials in the interior. The guiding ideas are quality and fidelity to tradition. Together, they give the restaurant its Spanish character.
Ingredients with a pedigree
At Azahar, flavour begins with provenance, so key ingredients are imported directly from Spain’s leading producing regions.
The jamón comes from the Juan Manuel family, whose ham has received Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture award for best ham of the year. The kitchen also uses Oro Bailén Bio olive oil, which the restaurant describes as a multiple winner of international quality awards.
At the heart of the kitchen: craft and tradition
Behind the food is a Spanish chef from San Sebastián, with more than 25 years of experience in renowned restaurants and as a teacher at the Basque Culinary Center. He brings that expertise and a Spanish sensibility to the Sofia kitchen. For the season, he has created dishes with carefully chosen premium ingredients that
combine contemporary technique with the character of the Basque Country.
Another key element is the Maestro Jumaco oven, made by Spanish craftspeople drawing on more than 130 years of tradition. Its horno moruno design distributes heat deeply and evenly, helping the ingredients develop their aromas and textures. It’s used for one of Azahar’s signatures: whole roast suckling pig, or cochinillo, prepared in the Segovian tradition. The pigs are imported from that region for the characteristic combination of tender meat and delicate, crisp skin.
A taste of the season
There’s plenty beyond the roast suckling pig. Spanish Sunday Brunch brings a generous buffet of traditional dishes cooked in the Maestro Jumaco oven and served in a Spanish setting. For the glass, the wine cellar holds more than 40 Spanish labels alongside selected wines from around the world.
That should be enough to start making plans.
Gather a few people around a table at Azahar and try the seasonal dishes, bringing Spanish flavour, warmth and energy to Sofia.
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