Burek from Balkan Bakeries

Burek (or börek as it's called in Turkey) is a common comfort food found all over the Balkans, Northern Africa, and the Middle East. At its core, burek is layers of phyllo dough stuffed with cheese, meat, or vegetables. My favorite burek in Chicago has been the hachapuri at Argo Georgian Bakery. I figured it was time to branch out and try some of the bureks from the Balkan bakeries that dot the north side. I hope to try some others, but for starters I was able to get to two recently.



Beograd is another name for the capital city of Serbia, Belgrade. Next door to the restaurant is a small bakery and butcher shop which was empty when I arrived early on a Saturday morning. I suspect there are some real goodies available later in the day when the shop is busier. Fortunately for me, my early arrival assured warm-from-the-oven burek.



Beograd's burek captured the important contrast between the flaky, crispy exterior and the chewy, moist interior very well. The crust is a little greasy but overall a very good rendition.



I can't believe I've never seen M Bakery before since it's at the corner of Ashland and Lawrence, an intersection I frequently drive by. As you can see from the picture, it's across the street from Crafty Beaver Home Center. Thus is the importance of prominent signage.



They offer a wider selection of baked goods, though honestly most of them struck me as run-of-the-mill continental baked goods. The bureks are hidden in the back, though maybe later in the day, after they cool, they make it out to the main area. Another solid offering, though I'd say a step down from Beograd's. The cheesy filling was more doughy and the crust was more crispy and kind of bready, though less greasy.



While I was waiting for them to box up my burek I poked around the items in the refrigerator. I noticed that they had some homemade cevapcici (skinless, Balkan sausages similar to kofte) so I picked some of that up as well.



While I probably won't be returning for the burek, the cevapcici are a definite do again. The sausages pop when you bite into them because they are seasoned with baking soda. They have a rich lamb flavor and browned up beautifully on the stove.



Both shops also offer a small grocery section so I was able to pick up some ajvar, a vegetable spread made with bell peppers and eggplant, and some kajmak, a thick, yogurt-like spread. These are the traditional condiments served with cevapi. Made for a great breakfast.

Beograd Meat Market
2937 W Irving Park
Chicago, IL 60618
773-478-7575
http://www.beogradchicago.com/

M Bakery
1527 W Lawrence
Chicago, IL 60640
773-275-4444

I love bureks. Have you tried City Fresh on Devon? Pretty good, I think.

Haven't tried it, but from some quick googling, that place looks awesome. I'll report back.