Bosnia is a land of contrasts, immense natural beauty, and blessed, or some would say cursed, by being at the crossroads of many great civilisations. This has ensured a unique mix of culture and a culinary history that is worthy of the history that the land has witnessed over the centuries.
One individual has taken her love for cooking and turned it into a unique business in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. While the streets of Sarajevo may be thousands of miles away, Anida, whose micro business trades under the name Dapur Orang Bosnia (Malay for The Bosnian’s Kitchen) on Instagram, has brought the authentic flavours worthy of the rich history in which they were born.
Enter the burek and zeljanica, two versions of Bosnian pies. These savoury treats are staples of Bosnian cuisine, combining tender layers of dough with mouthwatering fillings that are sure to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you prefer a meaty filling or a fresh, vegetable-packed option, these pies are a perfect way to explore the rich, traditional flavours of Bosnia.
Let’s begin with the burek—the iconic Bosnian pie filled with seasoned minced meat. A dish that transcends generations, the burek is beloved not only in Bosnia but throughout the Balkans. It is typically made with ground beef or a mix of beef and lamb, spiced with onions, black pepper, and a touch of salt. These ingredients are rolled into layers of dough, creating a perfect balance of crispy, flaky layers on the outside and juicy, flavourful filling on the inside.
The dough used for the burek is an art form in itself. It is rolled out so thin that it almost becomes translucent. The process of stretching the dough is a time-honoured tradition passed down through Bosnian families, and it is as much a celebration of skill as it is a demonstration of love and patience. Once the dough is rolled, the filling is added, and the pie is shaped into a spiral or a coil, allowing the delicious meat mixture to be evenly distributed throughout.
Now for the zeljanica… something lighter yet equally delicious. This variant of the traditional Bosnian pie is filled with a mixture of spinach and cheese, offering a fresh, flavourful alternative to the meaty burek. The zeljanica is the perfect dish for vegetarians or anyone craving a burst of greens.
The filling is made with fresh spinach, which is sautéed until tender and combined with crumbled white cheese—typically a mild feta-style cheese—and sometimes a bit of ricotta. The spinach and cheese filling is seasoned with a bit of salt, pepper, and sometimes a touch of garlic, creating a vibrant and savoury taste. Like the burek, the dough for zeljanica is rolled out in thin layers and folded over the filling, creating a flaky, golden crust once baked.
Perfect for sharing, instead of ordering sandwiches or nasi lemak for those big corporate lunches in the office, many business leaders are looking to show that they have broader culinary tastes and are ordering from Dapur Orang Bosnia.
Be it for a gathering over breakfast, lunch or tea break, the burek and zeljanica are simply the perfect choice. Try them out yourself by placing an order through Dapur Orang Bosnia’s Instagram. 