The most prominent outlet in Rockdale's Macedonian burek ghetto, Balkan Oven has tables out on the King St plaza that are great for coffee on a nice day (and their coffee is pretty cheap). The burek is the same as other local places, big thick pastries packed with filling and excellent value since a $6 quarter makes a decent meal. We were lucky enough to get a fresh and hot one with really crispy pastry. The slow and scatterbrained service let the place down a bit.
On a warm day, we ventured to Rockdale to try a new cuisine and sample some Balkans food at the Balkan Oven Burek Bakery Cafe! We opted for two quarter bureks, one of the spinach and cheese and one of the mince meat. The flaky pastry was so buttery and delicious, and reminiscent of the light and fluffy texture of roti bread. In terms of the fillings, the clear favourite was the mince meat, which was so tender and flavourful, but not overwhelming. I could’ve easily eaten two quarters, but we did get full quite quickly, so one quarter per person is doable. We also enjoyed the spinach and cheese, but would’ve preferred the cheese to be more melted, and the filling a little less rich.
Helen | Grab Your Fork
+4.5
was drawn to Balkan Oven Burek as soon as I saw all the old men in shirts and cardigans sitting out the front. The men here are in no hurry, nursing coffee and cigarettes as they catch up on all the news in a constant stream of Macedonian and Croatian chatter.
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