TASTE CROATIA DELI
If you ever find yourself wondering around Borough Market, you should definitely visit this little gem of a deli. Taste Croatia was originally just a small stall in 2010 with its owners wanting to share the great food from Croatia with the people of the UK.
In 2013, Ana Maria and Chris (the owners) grew their business into a deli filled with the finest products from all over Croatia. They offer anything from different honeys, spicy sausages to amazing wines.
When I personally visited the deli, people working there were more than willing to help out and answer questions about any of the products. On the day that I went there it was quite busy, but they still managed to speak to everyone.
If you’re not up for going to the market and would like to try some of these delicatessens, you can do so from the comfort of your own home. Their online shop has all the products that you might need and they deliver anywhere in the UK.
Ana Maria is originally from Croatia and that was the reasoning behind opening a stall and now it has grown into an extremely successful family business. On their website you are also able to read more about Croatia itself, all the products, and their story.
If you are planning on hosting an event for up to 250 people, Taste Croatia is able to help by providing the catering. They have customized menus for each event, offering canapés, buffets and wines, depending on the occasion. All food is freshly made by their professional chefs, either in their kitchen or on the premises of the event.
For more information please visit their website
or follow them on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/tastecroatia/?hl=en
MAGAZA – BALKAN FINE FOOD AND DELICATESSEN
Is there a moment in your life where you went ‘I could really go for some Kaymak and Ajvar right now?’ If so, this incredibly stacked shop is what will satisfy all your Balkan food needs!
A while back Amir Selkic, the owner of the shop, has had to move to London, and he immediately had the idea of opening a shop filled with goods from all over the Balkan. His idea finally came true in December 2011, when Magaza was opened. He was finally able to provide people like him with what they have been searching for for so long.
There is a long and complicated history between the Balkan countries, but if there is anything we could all agree on, is that our food is unbeatable. The store is filled with products from all over the Balkans, from Sarajevskih cevapcica, Podravka’s Cokolino to Kaymak from Bosnia.
The shop has a family feel to it, as it is ran by Amir himself, his wife and children. The workers in it are very friendly and more than willing to help with any enquires that one might have. Amir has added also: ‘It wasn’t easy to make this happen, but we stuck it out and now we’re a big part of people’s lives here and celebrations throughout the year!’
When the shop itself and sales grew, their team grew with them. In 2014 a new addition to their business was added, Magaza Wholesale Limited, which allowed them to import more popular brands. Nowadays, they are distributing products to many countries all over Europe, such as Ireland, Holland and Iceland.
Not only are they delivering to other countries, but they are also offering a delivery service anywhere in the UK. The dedication of the people working there is just amazing, as they deliver the goods to your door the following business day. For us Balkans, this is super important, not only because we are such foodies, but also because when having traditional celebrations, a certain amount of food (usually loads) is to be expected.
They are located on Uxbridge Road in West London, and are open 7 days a week, with closing time on Sundays a couple of hours sooner than others. That gives you a chance to visit them as many times a week as you wish; Personally I would do it about 15-20 times.
For any further information please visit their website
http://magaza-balkanfood.co.uk/
Or their FB page
Balkan in London 