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.
Burek is something I’m all-too-familiar with so it isn’t just the Macedonians that eat the stuff.
Really tasty burek. Reminds me of the kind I ate in Eastern Europe.
My favourite place. Great Burek, coffee and baklava. I visit here EVERY time I return to Sydney. Either first stop off the plane or last stop before I fly home
You're here for Burek, crispy, flakey, straight out of the oven. If you're doing take away just know that this particular pastry loses its crispness super fast so it is a matter of minutes before it is half as good, so it is usually better to dine in as the burek is cooked throughout the day. Always order with butter milk, it's an accompaniment that works so well with this pastry. Meat or cheese or cheese and spinach, only three options to choose from, if you can't decide then get a quarter of each. If you have time, get the Macedonian coffee and have a leisurely, relaxed moment.
Most authentic burek I've found in Sydney. Takes me over an hour to drive here but it's well worth the travel.
Clean and tasty but not always fresh and baked recently. The old grumpy uncle reminds of the soup natzi from Seinfeld.
Made fresh and hot. Super delicious and good value for money. Friendly service, simple small shop. Best place to eat in Rockdale.
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