A taste of the Balkans: Banitsa and baklava with Chef Ivelina Ivanova

There are flavors that bring back memories, and recipes that are passed down from one generation to the next. Pies and baklava are exactly that – an essential part of the culinary heritage of the Balkans, created with patience, skill, and a genuine love for working with dough.

This experience will take you on a delicious journey through Balkan culinary traditions – from the authentic Kyustendil zelnik to delicate Turkish pistachio baklava and modern desserts inspired by classic recipes.

Together with Chef Ivelina Ivanova, you will knead, roll, stretch, and shape different types of dough, learn how to make thin and elastic pastry sheets, and discover the little secrets that turn a pie or baklava into a truly memorable culinary delight.

During the course, you will prepare:

• Kyustendil zelnik with rolled and hand-stretched pastry sheets – an authentic recipe with two different fillings that captures the essence of Bulgarian culinary tradition.
• Hand-stretched pastry pies – filled with potatoes, kashkaval cheese, and sesame. Incredibly crisp on the outside, with a rich, juicy filling on the inside, finished with molasses and sesame.
• Chicken and caramelized onion pie – a rich and aromatic interpretation of an almost forgotten classic that deserves to be rediscovered.
• Quick pan-fried pie – made with a blend of cheeses, butter, and eggs. An easy everyday recipe that comes together in minutes without compromising on flavor.
• Hand-rolled Turkish pistachio baklava – delicate homemade pastry sheets layered with plenty of butter and a flavorful filling, finished with aromatic syrup.
• Crispy baklava rolls – filled with mascarpone cream and green fig jam. A modern interpretation of traditional baklava with an impressive presentation and rich flavor.
• Baklava croissants – with an almond filling and chocolate. A delicious combination of Oriental tradition and French elegance.

In addition to tasting all these delicious creations, you will learn valuable techniques that you can use again and again at home – from making elastic dough and rolling and stretching delicate pastry sheets to achieving the perfect crispness and mastering the art of properly soaking baklava in syrup.

Lecturer: Chef Ivelina Ivanova will guide you through the entire process step by step, sharing professional advice and practical techniques for working with dough, pastry sheets, and different types of fillings.

At Menu Culinary School, you won’t simply watch – you will cook together, taste your creations, and take part in every step of the preparation. You will leave not only with new recipes, but also with the confidence to recreate these traditional and modern pastries in your own kitchen.

Location: Menu Culinary School, Sofia, 6–8 Maestro Mihail Milkov St.

Date & Time: December 12, 2026
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

The voucher is valid for one participant.

Give the gift of a true taste of the Balkans – new skills, beloved flavors, and recipes that will continue their story in your own kitche