The Eternal Quest for the Best One

How many times have you heard the question: “Where can you find the best burek in town?”

Well, let me tell you—I’ve never seen anyone officially crowned or awarded for making the ultimate burek. And you know what the catch is? There isn’t a single “best” one. There are plenty of great ones, sure, but the best burek is always the one that’s wrapped in nostalgia, tied to a special emotion.

The Challenge: Find the Ultimate Burek

I challenge all of you—whether you’re just someone who loves to eat, consider yourself a foodie, or are a full-blown professional in the gastronomy world—to embark on a mission: which burek is truly the best in the region!? And please, don’t forget to report back!

My Personal Burek Quest

I, too, have tried to find the one. With a heavy heart, I must admit—I’ve never had burek in Bosnia. So do I even have the right to an opinion? Who knows. But I have tried burek from Hrelić, Dolac, Kvatrić, Trešnjevački plac, Jarun, Utrine, Sofra, all sorts of bakery versions (including that iconic but slightly disappointing one from Dafina), then the famous market burek in Labin, multiple bureks in Rijeka, and even the legendary Ljubljana burek.

Out of all of them, my absolute favorites are the Labin burek and the one from Hrelić. Maybe it’s because I don’t visit those places often, so they have this rare, nostalgic charm. Who knows.

How Do You Even Judge a Burek?

Technically, we know what makes a good burek and what to look for:

Crunch factor – crispy or soft?
Filling – the amount, texture, and flavor
Dough – is it airy, chewy, or just…sad and soggy?
Grease level – do you feel light and happy after eating it, or like the wolf from Little Red Riding Hood 

But let’s be real—some of these “technical details” don’t mean much to me. Crispy or not? I honestly don’t care (my husband was ashamed of me when I admitted this).

What really wins me over? Less filling, not too fresh and hot, but rather “rested” and slightly chewy, with just the right bite resistance. That, for me, is the ultimate burek! And, of course, it must be paired with yogurt. If I plan it right, it’s gotta be Greek yogurt, preferably from Veronika.

Burek: The Fuel of the Nation

It’s no surprise that people talk so passionately about this beautiful creation of dough and filling. Burek is a dish that the average Croat simply cannot live without.

A national survey—the first of its kind in Croatia—even confirmed this shocking truth: Croatians would rather eat burek with cheese than chocolate.

KABOOOM! Yes, you read that right. And as much as I love sweets, I must admit—I stand with my people. 

The Eternal Debate: What Even Is Burek?

Now, let’s talk about one of the Balkans’ greatest, most heated debates: Is burek only the one filled with meat, or can it be filled with literally anything?

I have officially chosen my side—I firmly believe that burek can be filled with anything and still be called burek. And I will die on this hill!

This debate will never end, but my decision is final. Don’t even try to convince me otherwise. I’ve asked many so-called “experts,” and none of them have given me a solid explanation for either side. So, I made my own choice.

A Tribute to All the Bureks I’ve Ever Eaten

This post is not just about finding the best burek—it’s a heartfelt tribute to every single burek I’ve ever eaten.

To the ones that comforted me while I soaked them in my tears.
To the ones that cured my hangovers.
To the “regular” bureks that woke me up, saved me when I was starving, and kept me sane when hunger rage (hangry) kicked in at 2 AM.

And finally, I have to say—the new Pan-Pek burek with ABC cheese is a freaking MASTERPIECE.

Right now, it’s one of my top choices, mostly because, well… it’s easy to find, and I’m lazy. Nothing with burek can ever be bad. And adding ABC cheese? Pure genius.