Good burek has to meet three requirements: good baker, good dough and good stove

From 16th to 19th August 2018. the Southern Serbian city of Niš hosted a manifestation dedicated to the most popular breakfast in Nis – burek. This gastronomic specialty, which may be found in the cuisines of many Balkan countries, that used to be part of the Ottoman Empire, is of special significance to Nis, since the first “round” burek was made here. "The history data says that it was made by Istanbul baker Mehmed Oglu in 1489. Since then, in Serbia, the burek is known as a dish made of dough, filled with cheese or meat, made in a round baking tray", said for SBS Serbian President of City Association of Bakers Mr Bratislav Vukadinovic.

Burek Source: Ivan Mancic

This year, tourists had an opportunity to taste burek made by a leading bakers from Nis, Macedonia, Bulgaria and Greece at this unique tourist and gastronomic event. Also to see the preparation and to taste the biggest burek in the Balkans and to enjoy the interesting musical program.

Photo Ivan Mancic

Burek Days is held every year in the late August - early September in the open air near the Nisava River. Locals and tourists enjoy the abundant offer of the specialty -– a typical Balkan-style cheese pie, known as burek. This unique event started in 2003 and is held every year within three days. It is accompanied by various cultural events with the participation of performers from the country and abroad (Bulgaria, Greece, Macedonia).

Photo Ivan Mancic

The first evidence of burek in Nis dates from 1498, and the city is considered to have been the first in the country where burek was made. Interestingly,  in 2007, 100 kg. burek with a diameter of 2 metres was made in Nis. This year bakers made a massive burek weighed over 200 kg.

Photo Ivan Mancic

The organizer of the event is Association of bakers from Nis, with the support of the Ministry of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications of Serbia, the City Municipality Mediana, Youth Office and the Tourist Organization of Niš.

The biggest burek in the Balkans was made in Nis on Friday evening. This massive burek weights 200 kilograms. 

Photo М.Smiljkovic