Are Buba’s Viral Burekas Worth the Wait?
In the world of food, the quest for the best bites can often lead us to form long lines and wait for hours, especially when influencers rave about the latest food trends. But does that hype translate into real taste? Let’s delve into the famous Buba’s burekas, famed for their viral status on social media. Do they truly live up to the anticipation?
The Allure of Buba
Located at 193 Bleecker St., near MacDougal St., Buba has garnered attention from celebrities like Benny Blanco and B.J. Novak. However, the question remains: is it just a celebrity-supported fad, or do these burekas hold genuine culinary merit?
Round One: The Saturday Morning Experience
My adventure began on a Saturday at 10 a.m. With my friend eagerly trying to nab a bureka after three previous attempts that all ended in disappointment, our optimism rose when the line proved manageable. The scene: a small crowd loitering, contemplating the savory pastries that are sold out by 10:30 a.m. on most days.
Once inside, the offerings were plentiful. The burekas, baked to golden perfection and sprinkled with sesame, poppy, and caraway seeds, were served in personal pizza boxes alongside flavorful sauces, pickles, and a medium-boiled egg. I dove into one of the spinach-artichoke burekas; the crisp, flaky crust yielded beautifully to a delicious filling, making each bite a delightful experience.
However, we also sampled the potato variety, which, while hearty, fell a bit flat in flavor. Priced at $16, these burekas made for a satisfying meal.
Worth the wait? A quick line is fine, but I wouldn’t set an alarm to arrive early.
The Frozen Yogurt Phenomenon
Butterfield Market, located at 1150 Madison Ave., at 85th St., is shaking up the Upper East Side with its irresistible frozen yogurt, drawing comparisons to previous viral sensations like the pistachio-knafeh sundae from Madison Fare.
Upon arriving, I noticed a line that snaked around the block, doubling in size as I waited. After 20 minutes, the reward was a waffle cone filled with half plain and half mango yogurt. The plain variant boasted a creamy texture paired with a subtle sweetness that wasn’t overbearing, while the mango offered a richer, fruitier experience.
Worth the wait? Absolutely! This is arguably the best frozen yogurt on the UES.
Assessing the In-N-Out Imitation
On to HighLife Burger, located at 135 First Ave., near St. Mark’s Ave., which makes bold claims of being reminiscent of In-N-Out Burger. This spot is tight on space, but the excitement around their burgers is palpable.
I took my place among fellow enthusiasts on their benches outside, drawn in by the crisp toppings and the burger craft. The queso fries were particularly noteworthy, featuring shoestring potatoes smothered in gooey cheese and tangy pickles that brightened the dish.
Worth the wait? Yes! I’m already planning my next visit.
The Cacio e Pepe Controversy
Next up is Mama’s Too, situated at 325 Bleecker St., near Christopher St. Known for their Instagram-famous cacio e pepe square, the venue was bustling on a Sunday evening.
After a 15-minute wait, I finally held a slice that promised a flavor explosion. Yet, the reality was a salt-heavy wedge that tasted more like garlic bread drenched in cheese than a balanced dish. A sprinkle of more pepper could have redeemed it; instead, it just overloaded on salt.
Worth the wait? Not in my book, but some may appreciate the twist on tradition.
The Sushi Surprise at Penn Station
Lastly, we ventured to Yono in Moynihan Train Hall, at 350 W. 33rd St., a place not typically associated with sushi excellence. However, TikToker Sage Thomas swears by their crispy rice.
Upon my arrival at 8 p.m., I found minimal crowds, but my excitement dwindled quickly. The crispy rice was mushy, the toppings underwhelming, and the overall experience did not live up to the hype surrounding it.
Worth the wait? A resounding skip—opt instead for the fried-chicken Caesar wrap from Jacob’s Pickles.
Conclusion: Taste vs. Hype
So, are Buba’s viral burekas worthy of the lengthy queue? The answer is, somewhat. While they deliver high-quality flavor, it’s not essential to "early bird" the experience. From frozen yogurt to burgers, the rising culinary stars across the city are worth exploring, with each providing a unique taste of the buzz.
For food lovers and Instagram enthusiasts, the key is exploring beyond the line—discovering what truly ignites your taste buds amidst the ever-chaotic allure of viral foodie trends. Want to explore more? Sign up for our Grub Street newsletter to stay updated with the latest in culinary adventures!
