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I’d had my eye on Dany’s Kitchen since it opened on Watery Lane in January and was excited to try the Macedonian delights on offer. Before opening the bakery, Daniela and Nikola had sold their baked goods at markets throughout the North West including Preston Makers Market and feeling inspired by the amazing response, opened their first shop in Preston.
The full menu isn’t currently available on quieter days, so I’d been waiting for a free weekend to head over and try their offerings. However, what would’ve been a normal Tuesday in the office, became a work from home day due to Preston gridlock (sigh) and when Instagram hit me with stew and cake I knew it was meant to be.
As we walked in, the fridge counter full of sweetness meant I had some decisions to make. Eek. I wanted to try and pick the more Macedonian treats, and Nikola helped me choose by describing some of the options. We browsed both the savoury and sweet and decided on Minced Beef and Onion Maznik (£4), Spinach Feta Cheese Egg Zelnik (£4), Selsko Meso Village Meat Pork Stew (£10), Trileche Slice (£4.50), Traditional Macedonian Ohrid Cake (£6.50) and some Macedonian Walnut Beer Cookies (£4). They also had some homemade Dubai Chocolate on the counter and wanting to try this ‘viral’ experience for a while, I snapped up the last bar (£8). Nikola also threw in some Caramel Waffle Cakes for free. Yes please, thank you very much.
The Selsko Meso (Pork Stew) was superb, full of flavour and a must try despite the fact I’m not really a stew person. But this stew had cheese in, need I say more? The Zelnik was yum with a mixture of tasty textured fillings, although did lack in crispiness but that was probably because when asked if we wanted it heated in store or at home, we chose in store, and it had cooled by the time we started eating. Next time I’ll heat at home. The Maznik was a thinner slice than the Zelnik and I’d have preferred a little more of the beef and onion filling. I enjoyed it but again, I’d recommend heating at home if you’re not eating it straight away.
I probably rushed my way through the savoury food because my sweet tooth was longing for the assortment of desserts sat on our kitchen counter shouting out for me to eat them. The Trileche Slice came first as I’d clocked it on Dany’s Instagram that morning and it made me drool. It was in fact a drool-worthy, dreamy little piece of heaven that I have probably thought about every day since consuming. Go try it this second. The Macedonian Ohrid Cake was next, and it certainly wasn’t Ohrid (horrid, get it?). A rich chocolate torte with layers of walnut cake and creamy walnut caramel. If you’re a chocolate fan, you’ll adore it. Mmmmm.
We had a break after that. Put the kettle on. Phew.
After tea, we tried the Macedonian Walnut Beer Cookies and the Caramel Waffle Cake. The cookies didn’t taste like beer but were very sweet, buttery and oaty and the Turkish delight and coconut varieties are definitely on my list for next time. The Caramel Waffle Cake was also very sweet and for me, you can’t go wrong with caramel. Delightful. They both looked quite small so my greedy eyes thought I could manage both but I think with the sweetness, one at a time is definitely enough and I regret not savouring these delicious bakes over a couple of days.
The next day, the Dubai Chocolate was unwrapped. The pistachio crispy kunafa filling was amazing with the thick chocolate. So good, but at £8, I couldn’t justify buying it again, I don’t think. But you never know, the cravings might get me.
After our Macedonian feast I cannot wait to go again and try both more savoury items and of course, work my way through those sweet goodies. Not counting the chocolate, the total was £33 which did us for lunch and (should’ve been) three desserts. It was authentic and delicious, and made me want to book a trip to Macedonia.
Dany’s Kitchen is currently open Tuesday to Saturday 9am to 3pm and Sunday 9am to 2pm. They also deliver via Foodhub on Wednesday to Saturday until 9pm and Sunday until 5pm.
Are you on your way there yet? Let me know what you think.
Read more: All of Louise’s reviews
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