Balkan opened its doors in the Philippines in 2009, but they actually started in Serbia in 2001. Marko and Martin's folks have their very own restaurant-inn there called "Gadska Kafana" or meaning "Pub In Town."
Recently, they held a grand relaunch for their Makati branch. It looks completely different from what it used to before! Aside from that, the food is different as well. The authentic Yugoslavian flavors are still there, but they've moved away from being Balkan Yugoslavian Home Cooking to just Balkan.
They've evolved into a place where you can stay hours and hours with your friends, drinking and eating the night away (which I believe fits better with the Makati crowd). The entire vibe of the restaurant has changed, and from what I've been told, they're planning to renovate their other branches as well.
It was a night for celebrating, with free-flowing wine and beer. And of course, delicious Yugoslavian dishes.
Both their food and drinks menu offer an extensive selection, especially now that they've added more dishes to it.
Here's a sampler of their Meza Platter, Cevapcici, and kebabs.
Recently, they held a grand relaunch for their Makati branch. It looks completely different from what it used to before! Aside from that, the food is different as well. The authentic Yugoslavian flavors are still there, but they've moved away from being Balkan Yugoslavian Home Cooking to just Balkan.
They've evolved into a place where you can stay hours and hours with your friends, drinking and eating the night away (which I believe fits better with the Makati crowd). The entire vibe of the restaurant has changed, and from what I've been told, they're planning to renovate their other branches as well.
It was a night for celebrating, with free-flowing wine and beer. And of course, delicious Yugoslavian dishes.
Both their food and drinks menu offer an extensive selection, especially now that they've added more dishes to it.
Here's a sampler of their Meza Platter, Cevapcici, and kebabs.
We also got to try the dips - Chicken Liver and Egg Pate, Leblebije (Hummus), and my favorite, Plavi Patlidzan (Eggplant Dip).
Their Boiled Lamb was a hit at our table, it came and went in just a few seconds! The tender fall-off-the-bone meat is enjoyed with boiled potatoes and carrots.
The Stuffed Pljeskavica was my favorite out of all the dishes we got to try though. It's the national dish of Serbia - ground beef steak stuffed with mozzarella cheese!
I wish we got to try more, but that's okay, I guess that just means I'll be back soon, Balkan. ;)
Here are some of the other dishes you might want to try as well:
In the photos: Green Salad with Figs, Seafood Pasta, Feta Cheese Dip, Lamb Chops, Goulash, and Pork Chops
Congratulations to Marko and Martin Batricevic, and the rest of the Balkan team for the successful relaunching!
Balkan Makati is located at the ground floor, Maripola Building, Perea Street, Legaspi Village.
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