Discover Moldova with #MOLDPRES: Gagauz Sofrasi - cultural, culinary experiences inspired by Gagauz traditions, lifestyle

The ethnic and tourist complex Gagauz Sofrasi is placed in the ‘’biggest village from Europe’’ – Congaz – and represents the culture and history of the Gagauz people. This Gagauz cultural complex with traditional houses made of clay includes a museum, provides national Gagauz dances and music, as well as a diverse gastronomic experience at its traditional Gagauz restaurant.  Also, visitors  may take part in the tasting of Gagauz wines and can enjoy them with cheese and Kavurma, a type of fried meat, mutton, met in the Turkish cuisine.  
New facilities of accommodation at the Gagauz Sofrasi boarding house with USAID’s support  
Gagauz Sofrasi, one of the well-known tourist complexes from Moldova, has increased its capacity of accommodation through the inauguration of a hotel with 11 chambers. Carried out with the support of the Rural Competitiveness and Resilience Activity in Moldova Project (RCRA) of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), this extension provides tourists with more possibilities to enjoy for a longer time unique cultural and culinary experiences, inspired by the Gagauz traditions and lifestyle.  
Placed in the heart of Autonomous Territorial Unit (UTA) of Gagauzia, Gagauz Sofrasi attracts visitors through its authenticity; it includes a museum, a traditional restaurant and a wine cellar, all integrated in a picturesque rural framework. Through the new investment, the complex consolidates its position as a top tourist destination, backing the region’s economic development and promoting the Gagauz cultural heritage sustainably.     
Following the turning to account of a grant worth 630,600 lei, as well as of an own investment of about 732,000 lei, Gagauz Sofrasi doubled its capacity of accommodation through the opening of a mini-hotel, which will contribute to the increase in the duration of the stays, as well as to the attraction of new visitors.  
„The Gagauz Sofrasi complex is more than an accommodation place – it is a unique gate to the culture, history and traditions of the Gagauz people. Through USAID’s support, this remarkable example of family entrepreneurship not only doubled its capacity of accommodation, but also became a regional point of attraction, contributing to the economic growth and the promotion of the region,’’ the deputy head of the USAID Mission Moldova, Zeinah Salahi, said.    
Correspondent: Lilia Grubii
Photo: Mihai Vengher