Balkan Yugoslavian Home Cooking in Legaspi Village, Makati

A few weeks after my batch passed the board exam last July 2014, my good friend Robie Reyes held a party to celebrate the victory. I'm mentioning this because it was during that time when Robie eagerly recommended Balkan for me to check out.

Balkan's signage - a home for Yugoslavian Cuisine

However, even up to now, I'm quite unsure as to why I kept on failing to check it out, despite the fact that the restaurant is just a short walk away from the place where I work. Anyway, since it had been months already since Robie recommended Balkan, I decided to finally give it a try on my birthday. Thankfully, it happened.

Balkan Yugoslavian Home Cooking in Makati

The Balkan Yugoslavian Home Cooking Makati Branch in Perea Street

Located just beside a Metrobank branch and on the street where Banoi (a Vietnamese restaurant) is, Balkan restaurant may be tricky to find especially at night when the signage is hardly visible due to lack of lighting.


As for its interior, Balkan is remarkably cozy with its wooden furniture and flooring. Couple this with dim lights and the sophisticated ambiance you'll end up with something very classy.

I will no longer keep you waiting and share with you the dishes I had for my birthday!

Goulash || P280

The classic beef stew of the Balkans with bread

A pleasant soup starter for a Yugoslavian feast  - Goulash!

With its right and not too overpowering herby taste and aroma, the Goulash surely captivated us!

It also had this thick consistency mixed with an ample foreign zest ideal for those who are just being introduced to the Yugoslavian cuisine. In other words, you won't get "culture-shocked) with the taste. In fact, you'll most likely enjoy it!

Resti Potatoes || P100

The potato, cheese and herb appetizer or side dish

Contrary to the taste of the Goulash, this resti potato had this strong overpowering Yugoslavian spices with a notable hint of flame (i.e. spiciness). If you are not used to a potent herby tang, you may get a little bit shocked with it.

Stuffed Chicken with Tomato Sauce || P380 

Breast steak in tomato sauce stuffed with cheese and wrapped in bacon

The excitingly well-curated Stuffed Chicken with Tomato Sauce of Balkan

Although it may not look as good as what is seen on the photo, this Stuffed Chicken was surely something I greatly enjoyed!  The bacon hugging the meat enhanced and brought out the harmonious blend of spices and tomato goodness.

Chicken Batak || P310

Boneless chicken thigh, grilled to perfection, topped with supposedly melted mozzarella served with rice or fries

Balkan's famous Chicken Batak

This Chicken Batak was an evidence of great grilling due to the smokey flavor and tenderness. On top of all, it was juicy and tasty! But then, I would have appreciated it more if the mozzarella on top was indeed melted.

Karadjordjeva || P380

Deep fried chicken breast roll filled with feta cheese or mozzarella

Oozing with mozzarella - Karadjordjeva of Balkan

As opposed to the Stuffed Chicken with Tomato Sauce, this dish looks good on the photo but not much on the actual. It was perhaps due to the highly predictable taste. Nevertheless, it was still okay.

Stuffed Pljeskavica || P330

Ground beef steak stuffed with mozzarella, served with rice or fries

The burger-like stuffed Pljeskavica of Balkan

This burger-liked Pljeskavica had a smokey and peppery tang that is nice, but not overly amazing.

Butkice u Sacu || P700 

Oven-baked pork knuckles served with potatoes and carrots

The oven-baked Yugoslavian version of the Filipino crispy pata

Although considerably expensive, this Butkice u Sacu was indeed tender and juicy. The taste may be very simple for some, especially with its unidirectional flavor. Still, I would say it has a simple yet suave taste.

Chicken Kebab || P340 

Grilled chicken breast wrapped with smoked bacon served with rice or fries

The highly recommended chicken kebab in Balkan Yugoslavian Home Cooking

Perhaps the best dish of the night is this Chicken Kebab! It was definitely fantastic with its succulent taste coming from the great grilling technique! Plus, all the essence of the onions and tomatoes was able to seep into the meat fibers!

A Not-So-Popular Kid in Balkan Yugoslavian Home Cooking

Cheers for another year added to my age! I am looking forward to a brighter and better year to come, and of course more food explorations!

Balkan Yugoslavian Home Cooking - Overall Ratings and Summary

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Note: Unshaded stars are equivalents of half-stars. The ratings apply solely to this dining experience.
Place ★★★★☆
Taste  ★★★
Service ★★★☆
Value for Money ★★★☆
Budget: P450 per head for a good variety of dishes (for a group consisting of at least 4)

Balkan is generally a nice place to spend either lunch or dinner especially with its sophisticated and classy interior. However, honesty compels me to note that some dishes here in Balkan lack some flare when it comes to the flavor. These dishes are considerably ordinary with highly familiar taste, but of course, there are still exceptionally great dishes such as the Chicken Kebab and the Stuffed Chicken with Tomato Sauce. To wit, I'm still recommending Balkan with light reservations.

How about you - do you recommend this place?

Balkan Yugoslavian Home Cooking
Location: 109 Maripola Bldg., Perea St., Legaspi Village, Makati City

Service Charge: 10% of Price
Store hours: 11:00 am to 10:00 pm

The restaurant accepts reservations

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