Toto and I have already tried all the restaurants on the first floor of the Crossroads Bldg. on 32nd St, Bonifacio Global City, so we thought it was time we visited the upper floor. Balkan was empty when we arrived at around 11:30am on a Friday and we were just ecstatic to be the first guests! The place is so PRETTY... so picture perfect!
We came here not knowing what to expect. Interiors - isang malaking check! 10 out of 10! We love the colorful trinkets and pictures that peppered their white walls. Also love how bright it is inside.
But the food? We had no idea what we were about to fill out stomachs with. And the menu didn't even help. What is Sopska Salata? Pljeskavica? Karadjordjeva? Sure, there's a brief description per item on the menu but it's too 'generic'. The waiting staff were thankfully very patient to answer our 100 questions. After about ten minutes, we finally ordered...
But the food? We had no idea what we were about to fill out stomachs with. And the menu didn't even help. What is Sopska Salata? Pljeskavica? Karadjordjeva? Sure, there's a brief description per item on the menu but it's too 'generic'. The waiting staff were thankfully very patient to answer our 100 questions. After about ten minutes, we finally ordered...
#13 Cevapcici Burger, P230 - ★★★★★
The description on the menu says: "the signature Serbian dish made from ground beef." Not that helpful, no? When it finally arrived, it just looked like the stereotypical American food. Pero grabe!! All it took was one bite and I knew right there and then that it was going to be the reason I'd go back to Balkan. Three pieces of very tasty sausages (or cevap) sandwiched between homemade buns. ❤❤❤
ćevapčići is a grilled dish of minced meat, a type of kebab, found traditionally in the countries of southeastern Europe (the Balkans) |
#18 Stuffed pljeskavica, Php330 - ★★★☆☆
Description on the menu: "Ground beef steak stuffed with mozzarella, served with rice or fries." Basically, this is the bigger version of cevapcici. The meat used is the same but pljeskavica has an umay factor.
Traditional pljeskavica is made from mixture of ground meats shaped into a patty. Typically two or more out of lamb, pork, beef, or veal, grilled with onions and served hot on a plate with side dishes |
Apple Juice (Php80) and Iced Cappuccino (Php90) - ★★☆☆☆
Nothing special about these. Both of them were actually a bit bitter than expected. Next time we'll try traditional Serbian drinks, if they have any!
Overall, we were happy with this little discovery of ours although we were honestly expecting something more traditional, something we haven't seen before, something that doesn't look like an upgraded version of McDonald's. But the taste more than made up for the lack of "aesthetic" wow factor! #DamingAlam :p
Total cost for 2pax: Php803 (inclusive of 10% service charge)
Total cost for 2pax: Php803 (inclusive of 10% service charge)