Market Balkan

Bakery: Market Balkan European Bakery & Deli 
Address: 2881 Dufferin St, North York ON 
Website: facebook
Style: Balkan
Price: $$ 

Despite the absolutely enticing aroma of freshly baked bread upon entering Market Balkan, I'm not sure if the title of "bakery" could be used for my purposes and in that I was a bit disappointed; I'd really love to see more "European bakeries" that aren't delis, but legit bakeries with plenty of yummy baked goods and cakes to choose from. Yes, this European deli selling pan-Balkan, Hungarian and Eastern European products does make their own burek (savoury filo pastries) and lepinja (a sort of fat pita bread), but beyond that, it's... just a deli. Maybe that in itself is a bit unfair since they also offer a couple varieties of traditional cake slices, all set priced at $2.99 each.

With these cakes being the only sweet thing they sell, I grabbed a slice of the chocolate nut (hazelnut?) cake ($2.99). Coming out of this one a bit skeptical, I was surprised at how tasty this cake ended up being. Fresh-tasting with alternating layers of nutty cream, vanilla and chocolate cake with a slab of chocolate on top. A rich, decadent tort-like cake that was both flavourful and delicious. Sorry for having doubted the deli.

Rating: ***