Balkan Express

Way back in college, a Yugoslavian friend talked me into watching a film entitled “Balkan Express”. It was a madcap funny film, a clever satire that is why I enjoyed it. Fast forward to 2010, when one of my favorite writers and a fellow food aficionado, Manila Boy Spanky Enriquez raved about a restaurant called Balkan Express, I know it’s gotta be good. The fact that it is located near my place in San Juan City, only made it all the more enticing to me. I can add it to my list of San Juan Restaurants I can go to if I’m not in the mood for long drives, such as Everything At Steak, House of Lasagna, Yuu Jin Japanese Resto, Bread and Bean, Chicken Charlie, Sandy's Pizza, and more.

Although first impression is important, If it is possible, I make it a point to pay a couple of visits, if not more than that, before I write about restaurants just to check the consistency of the service and quality. Also, it gives me a chance to try variety of dishes which tickles my interest on their menu. Balkan Express is one of those few who manage to deliver when it comes to consistent good quality of food and excellent service.

Tucked in Little Baguio, San Juan City, Balkan Express serves no nonsense meaty dishes. Tagged as Home of Home Cooked Eastern European Cuisine, Balkan Express which is owned by brothers Marco and Martin Batricevic is one restaurant I always look forward to visiting whenever I want to do mean carnivorous food tripping.

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Grilled Minced Beef Stuffed With Melted Mozzarella and Chili Flakes

Stuffed Pljeskavica

Grilled beef meat stuffed with mozzarella cheese and chili flakes. It is usually served with French Fries but you can opt for Jasmine Rice which I did because I am hardcore that way. The degree of difficulty in pronouncing the name does not discount the fact that this dish is very easy to love. The beefy goodness of the meat stuffed with the creamy melted mozzarella cheese is heaven in all its glory, while the kick of spiciness which comes from the chili flakes gives it a naughty spunk that leaves you craving for more.

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Chicken Batak

Chicken Batak on a bed of hot Jasmine Rice

This dish gives me a different high, regardless of its name. Perfectly grilled chicken meat stuffed and smothered with mozzarella cheese, sprinkled with secret Serbian spices on a bed of hot Jasmine rice. I think the cheese pull this dish off because it would be just the same ordinary grilled chicken otherwise. Good thing that I am a cheese lover, so I gave this dish thumbs up.

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Cevapcici

I want my Cevapcici with extra cheese!

Cevapcici served with fries, homemade tartar sauce, catsup, and veggies

Beef sausage links on a bun is described on the menu as an all-time-favorite Balkan dish. These flavorful mean sausages can do without the homemade sauce that comes with it because it was already tasty on its own.

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Pljeskavica, Grilled Serbian Burger

Pljeskavica, served with fries, homemade tartar sauce, catsup, and veggies

This grilled Serbian Hamburger was the meatiest burger I have ever tasted. The patty was gigantic and very flavorful. Though it looked like your ordinary big burgers, the taste will speak for itself. I love how juicy the meat was, and every bite was bursting with flavors.

If you want to know Serbian Cuisine, Balkan Express is a good start. Although their menu offers limited choices, the authenticity in taste is highly recommended. The place is small and the parking is a bit of a challenge. The food attendants were very accommodating and I appreciate that they are knowledgeable about the food that they are serving.

On my next visit I’ll probably try their Musaka, which needs to be ordered one day n advance. Also, their Goulash and Balkanski Kebab are on top of my list of food to try on their menu. So far, what I have tasted on their menu were all delicious and satisfying, enough reason for me to go back there and introduced it to my friends.