A Taste of Greece (on the Lower East Side)

I discovered Boubouki one day walking home from work.  Occupying just a tiny stall within the Essex Street Market I wouldn't have noticed its existence if not for the chalkboard menu outside listing the deliciousness available inside.

The fresh, homemade greek food at Boubouki is the product of Rono Economou's passion for making the food she grew up eating, but with a more modern approach.  It is simple, utter perfection.  During my initial visit several weeks ago, I decided on the classic spinach pie with light flaky layers of phyllo dough and a new take on beet salad topped with feta cheese.  As soon as I was finished eating, I was already thinking about what I could barely wait to eat on my return trip.

For my second visit, I decided to again have the spinach pie and beet salad, but to also try the feta flatbread. While it looks fairly simple, the combination of textures and flavors is anything but.  The thin crispy flatbread is charred just slightly at the edges and topped with meaty cubes of feta cheese.

I am already thinking about my third trip back where I must try the Baklava, or maybe the carrot cake, or whatever the new seasonal menu addition may be.

Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10am-6pm (take out only) at Essex Street Market, Essex & Delancey Streets, Booth #18