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Boureka — traditional dish from Istanbul, Israel
Snack Vegetarian

Food Flavour DNA

Nutritional Values

🔥600kcal
💪18gProtein
🌾60gCarbs
🥑36gFat
🌿4gFibre
⚖️350 gServing

* Per serving · 350 g. May vary.

Allergens

🌾 Gluten 🥛 Dairy

Also served in

Boureka

How to order / say it
Say it בורקס — [boo-REH-kah]
Order I'd like a boureka, please.
Locally אני רוצה בורקס בבקשה.
Say locally

Flaky pastry filled with cheese or meat.

Why try it?

Boureka is more than just a snack; it’s a testament to Tel Aviv’s history and the merging of culinary traditions from surrounding regions. Enjoyed at any time of day, it’s a comforting reminder of home for many Israelis.

How it tastes

The pastry is buttery and flaky, encasing a rich filling of cheese or spiced meat. With hints of salt and sometimes sweetness from toppings like sesame, bourekas are versatile and satisfying.

Origin & History — first documented: 1920

Originating from the Ottoman Empire, bourekas arrived in Israel with Sephardic Jewish immigrants in the early 20th century. Today, they are a beloved part of Tel Aviv's street food scene, thanks to their flavor and portability.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • 🌾 250 g phyllo dough
  • 🥛 200 g feta cheese
  • 🥚 1 beaten egg
  • 🌿 20 g parsley
  • 20 g sesame seeds
  • 🫒 30 ml olive oil

Method

  1. 1 Lay out phyllo and brush with olive oil.
  2. 2 Crumble cheese and mix with chopped parsley.
  3. 3 Place filling on dough, fold and seal edges.
  4. 4 Brush with egg, sprinkle sesame, and bake.
All Europe recipes — Turkey — Istanbul — Boureka
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