About Time: You Discovered The Barbary Next Door’s Boreka SeriesBy Iona Goulder
The Barbary Next Door has launched an exciting series featuring guest chefs reinventing the timeless boreka, starting this February. Embracing the rich tapestry of flavours, each month will spotlight a renowned chef putting their unique spin on this humble pastry delicacy.
Known for its paper-thin filo pastry and savoury fillings, borekas have captivated palates across Southern Europe, Northern Africa, and the Middle East. At The Barbary Next Door, these pastries are elevated with combinations like roasted pepper and aubergine agrodolce, complemented by feta and oregano.
Kicking off the guest series is the iconic New York bagel sensation, It’s Bagels!, renowned for its cult following and flavorful schmears. Its boreka creation marries the essence of its best-selling jalapeño and scallion spreads with the signature toppings found on its iconic ‘everything’ bagels.
March will see Sabrina Ghayour in the boreka hot seat with a creation inspired by Sabrina’s Chicken Bastilla, a Moroccan pie aromatic with the spices reminiscent of a souk, made with flaky phyllo pastry and filled with tender chicken, studded with fruits and nuts. April will welcome Jacob Kenedy of Soho trattoria Bocca di Lupo, offering a homage to Italian culinary finesse with a boreka featuring ricotta, lemon, Pecorino, and pepper. Matt Brown of Hawksmoor will take the reins in May, and finishing up the series in June is Noor Murad.
The Barbary Next Door, 16a Neal’s Yard, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9DP