Nestled in the heart of the Rhodope mountains in Bulgaria, the small village of Momchilovtsi attracts hundreds of Chinese tourists every year. The unusual destination draws people from around the globe who come to Bulgaria for the festival of yoghurt, famous for its health benefits in China.
In the early 20th century, Bulgarian scientist Stamen Grigorov discovered that a certain strain of bacillus was the basis for yoghurt. In recognition, the strain was called by the scientific community Lactobacillus bulgaricus. According to Prof. Dr. Penka Petrova, who is the director of the Institute of Microbiology at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Bulgarian yoghurt contains not only Lactobacillus bulgaricus but also other bacteria unique to the region, adding that they boost health and immunity.
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According to a 2021 study, fermented dairy products from Bulgaria, such as yoghurt, are linked to longevity. For example, the yoghurt made with Lactobacillus bulgaricus is rich in protein, calcium, vitamins, and probiotics. “Bulgarian yoghurt may be the world’s first probiotic and has been used to treat various ailments. Each bacterial strain isolated from homemade yoghurt has distinct properties,” Petrova said.
Since 2009, after a Chinese dairy company imported the unique bacteria found in Bulgarian yoghurt, Momchilovtsi has seen an increase in Chinese tourists. The product, sold in China as Mosilian, is now a common sight in the local supermarkets. Chinese consumers are drawn to the yoghurt, which features the distinct Lactobacillus bulgaricus bacteria, for its nutritional value and connection to a long life.
Momchilovtsi’s yoghurt is popular not only for its health properties, but also because of the way it has been produced. The local livestock breeders use both cow and sheep milk, with seasonal changes in grazing influencing the texture and taste of the final product.
Now, the village has become a centre for preserving traditional yoghurt-making methods by introducing an annual yoghurt festival. Visitors can not only taste the yoghurt but also learn about the old-fashioned traditional production techniques that have been passed down through generations.
During the festival, locals and tourists mingle, exploring their common passion for Bulgarian yoghurt and culture. Additionally, on a stage in the village square, performers in traditional embroidered costumes sing folk songs and play bagpipes, bringing a festive mood to the visitors.
The surge in tourists has boosted the village’s economy. As more people come to see how the yoghurt is made and to taste the product that is now a common food in Chinese homes, the popularity of the yoghurt has also sparked interest in other Bulgarian foods, further helping the local tourism industry.
