MELBOURNE & SYDNEY | Lepa Flaiban founded her food truck, Burek On Wheels, and the end of Sydney’s lockdowns in 2021. It was a way of her sharing her passion for sharing her Balkan heritage, preserving tradition, and celebrating family.
From a small truck that would pop up at small events, selling a handful of traditional Balkan delicacies, Burek on Wheels has grown into something much more. Today, as well as still operating the food truck, Lepa caters for events and functions across Sydney. Additionally, she runs burek / pita making workshops. I checked out the first Melbourne workshop, which was recently held at new Windsor restaurant Eat Italiano by Pino.
I grew up eating burek (or cora as my family call it), but never made much of an effort to make it myself. Both of my babas (grandmothers) made great versions of it, and there was always a steady supply to enjoy. I always planned to learn how to make it, but you know the way these things go. I moved to London, then Melbourne, there were no written recipes, and the next thing you know so much time has passed, both babas have passed away, and there’s no more cora.
Over the past few months, inspired by my May trip to my ancestral village in Northern Greece, I’ve been perfecting my fillings, substituting handmade dough with filo pastry. While delicious, it’s not the same. At Lepa’s burek making workshop, I was determined to learn how to get the dough and pastry right. It’s a small group, with Lepa joined by her mother, baba to Lepa’s daughter, who was also there on the day.
It’s a fun experience, with lots of laughter, shared conversation amongst the participants, and plenty of family anecdotes. Unlike most cooking classes, you’re not given recipes during the class (you get the recipes at the end). Instead, you’re taught the way you’d learn at home, by feel and intuition. If you’re not used to cooking this way, don’t fret. Back yourself and know that Lepa and baba are there to help, with lots of tips and tricks.
While waiting for your burek to bake, you’ll listen to Balkan music, participate in some traditional dancing if you like, and enjoy a meal by the hosting venue.
Burek On Wheels Burek Workshops
Various Locations
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Website