Balkan Fresh Burek

Proudly Macedonian, Balkan Fresh Burek in Preston makes burek, and plenty of it. Made from layers of dough alternated with layers of other fillings in a circular baking pan, the burek is then topped with a final layer of dough. For mass consumption’s sake, Balkan Fresh Burek serves their version in large rectangular trays, but will make the round bureks to order.

The shopfront is unassuming – no fancy lettering, just the usual suburban signboard clearly stating its business. The interior dons a simple layout – two freezers near the entrance, a fake palm tree and a food display cabinet.

Traffic in the little store is constant, with a constant stream of people coming in and sitting down at the plastic wood grain-look tables. Choosing is easy: would you like a meat, spinach and cheese, or cheese burek? They’re all $6 a slice, $24 for a tray or $25 for a made-to-order round burek.

Nibbling is not something you should be aspiring to at Balkan Fresh. The slice is large enough to fill a side plate with some overlap, and the pastry is so flaky that any attempt to cut into the burek is met with a loud ‘crunch’, as pastry bits fly like confetti. It’s like a mini celebration with every mouthful.

Even the largest of appetites will be sated with a burek; it’s a big, cheesy, greasy celebration in your mouth. For those who haven’t tried a Balkan burek before, this is definitely one to try. And the best part is that lunch from here won’t break the bank.

BALKAN FRESH BUREK
351 High Street, Preston
9470 2433
Mon 10am – 4pm, Tue-Fri 9.30am – 5.30pm
Sat 9.30-4pm