Banitsa is a traditional Bulgarian pastry dish, prepared by layering a mixture of whisked eggs, natural yogurt, and pieces of white brined cheese between filo pastry and then baking it in an oven. Traditionally, lucky charms are put into the pastry on certain occasions. These charms may be coins or small symbolic objects (e.g., a small piece of a dogwood branch with a bud, symbolizing health and longevity).
Banitsa is served for breakfast with plain yogurt, ayran, or boza. It can be eaten hot or cold. Some varieties include banitsa with spinach or the sweet version, banitsa with milk or pumpkin.