About Us
Mama Bilka opened its doors to the public in February 2023 in Sofia, Bulgaria. With over 100 different high quality herbs imported from China, Mama Bilka aims to provide holistic and natural solutions to a variety of health and wellness needs. Using TCM granulated herbs for our herbal beverages and formulas allows us to connect TCM wisdom with modern practicality. Granulated herbs allows for convenience of use while still maintaining their efficacy and natural qualities. At the same time, Mama Bilka promotes and educates the public on Chinese culture, TCM lifestyle, and Chinese tea culture. Mama Bilka is a one of a kind business in Bulgaria, an embodiment of the spirit of connectivity and people to people interactions.
Our Team
Anton Agov
The story of Mama Bilka is one of the transnational and multi- generational connection between China and Bulgaria. Anton Agov, the founder and owner of the store, is the great- grandson of Zhang Sunfen (张荪芬). She was a Chinese national who helped establish the Chinese Language faculty at Sofia University in the 20th century and received the highest honors for cultural contribution to Bulgaria. Anton hopes to further the mutual understanding and growing relationship between China and Bulgaria through Mama Bilka. He was inspired to study Chinese medicine at the Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine because of the family heritage and connection to China. After receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Traditional Chinese medicine, now he wants to bring the wisdom and promise of Chinese medicine to Bulgaria and promote Chinese culture and TCM lifestyle. At the store he provides free consultations and advice on the appropriate TCM formulas for individual clients.
Kiril Dimitrov
Tea ceremonies allows for an exploration of the intricacies of taste and the deep wisdom of an ancient culture in a modern social event setting that promotes person to person interactions. Kiril is a lover of tea and a student of Chinese tea ceremony, having studied with a master at the Chinese Cultural Center in Sofia. With enthusiasm he brings the ancient “way of tea” to the enjoyment of modern society. Through the auspices of Mama Bilka, and utilizing only the he hosts regular tea ceremony events across the country and introduces many to this ancient beverage while educating on its history and uses.