Buba Bureka: A Taste of Israel in Greenwich Village

Discover the delightful flavors of Israel at Buba Bureka, a fast-casual establishment in Greenwich Village specializing in burekas—crispy, savory pastries that are a beloved staple in Israeli cuisine. Opened in 2025, this unique eatery quickly captured the attention of New Yorkers by offering a dedicated bureka experience in a format that has never before existed in the city.

Founded by Ben Gingi (Ben Simon Tov), a well-known Israeli-American social media influencer celebrated for his food-related content, Buba Bureka is a direct reflection of Israeli cafeteria culture. The shop takes a familiar and widely enjoyed food and translates it into a modern, compact New York format with a carefully curated menu.

A Menu Centered on Traditional Israeli Burekas

Buba Bureka features a deliberately focused menu, emphasizing vegetarian burekas crafted from layered pastry dough and baked fresh daily. The selections include popular fillings like potato, cheese, spinach, corn, and various seasonal offerings. Rather than modern twists, these pastries are prepared in the traditional manner in which they are enjoyed throughout Israel.

To complete the experience, each bureka is typically served alongside traditional accompaniments such as crushed tomatoes, pickles, tahini, schug, and a hard-boiled egg. This presentation mirrors the customary way burekas are enjoyed in Israel, making the pastries part of a hearty, uncomplicated meal rather than a formal restaurant dish.

In addition to individual burekas, patrons can also indulge in a bureka sandwich served with customary sides. A rotating soup option, including flavors like tomato or cannellini leek, is often offered as a combination with a bureka. The menu includes a handful of sides and condiments, aligning with standard Israeli bureau service, alongside beverages that are refreshingly simple: still and sparkling water, soda, lemonade, orange juice, and coffee like the distinctive cardamom cold brew. Overall, the menu exudes a thoughtful simplicity, prioritizing familiarity and consistency over variety.

Counter-Service and Community Appeal

Buba Bureka is designed as a counter-service spot, ideal for takeout. The minimalist interior reinforces the shop’s grab-and-go vibe. Since its inception, it has attracted consistent foot traffic from local patrons and tourists alike, leading to long lines during peak breakfast and lunch times, particularly on weekends.

The shop operates on a limited schedule, welcoming customers from Wednesday to Sunday, with morning opening hours and early afternoon closing times. This schedule highlights its focus as a breakfast and lunch hotspot, often leading to sold-out products by midday.

Recently Achieved Kosher Certification

This week, Buba Bureka proudly announced its kosher certification under the IKC, marking a significant milestone since its opening. This certification applies to the full menu, making the concept available to kosher diners while preserving its original offerings and operating structure.

Located at 193 Bleecker Street, New York, NY 10012, Buba Bureka is kosher certified by IKC. The shop operates from Wednesday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM, and on Saturday and Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM.