Tel Aviv’s Burekas Penso Wins Praise for Taste and Service Amid Tourist Trap

A local food writer shares his experience with two burekas shops near Tel Aviv’s Nahalat Binyamin market, highlighting a stark contrast in customer service and quality. Despite the area’s reputation as a tourist trap, Burekas Penso, a longstanding establishment predating the pedestrian mall, impressed him with polite, attentive service and well-made burekas. He purchased a spinach and cheese burekas and was offered additional condiments and seating, which he politely declined, but appreciated the gesture.

In contrast, the writer recounts previous visits to Burekas Pony, also located in the same area, where the service was minimal and unfriendly, detracting from the overall experience despite the burekas’ taste. He describes the staff as avoiding eye contact and discouraging further purchases, which diminished the enjoyment.

The writer also notes the challenge of finding legal parking near Nahalat Binyamin but managed to park legally and explore the market, buying other local products like spicy red peppers and Uzbek raisins. He concludes that Burekas Penso offers a modest yet satisfying culinary experience with excellent service for a reasonable price of 30 shekels, making it a standout option in a tourist-heavy area.

He promises to return and enjoy the burekas properly seated with all the traditional accompaniments, appreciating the authentic local flavor and hospitality that Burekas Penso provides.