Dejan Zivanovic: Founder of Yufka BakerY Brings Delicate Serbian Pastry to DC
Mastering The Art of MAKING Phyllo
Dejan teaching Michelle the art of making Serbian phyllo pastries for a YouTube episode, as Finn the cat prowls for crumbs.
The Meat & Potatoes
Name:
Dejan Zivanovic
Age:
29
Hometown:
Kragujevac
Hangry Cure:
"Piggy in the Woods"
(Yufka's pastry stuffed with cured pork, mushrooms, and cheese - my favorite!)
Hidden Talent:
Just cooking in general. I enjoy using different techniques, flavors,and textures to create delicious and balanced dishes.
Dejan Zianovic is the owner and founder of DC's Yufka BakerY, a Serbian-style bakery specializing in sweet and savory filled yufka pastries. I met Dejan while dining at Mintwood Place, a classic DC dining establishment, one chilly evening in February. There, I was immediately drawn to him and his passion for food, which I picked up on as he waited on us that evening. He was insistent on making sure we had a great evening, and I could tell that he really enjoyed being there and doing his job well. Upon chatting with Mintwood chef Jordan Lloyd, I quickly realized that there was much more to Dejan than meets the eye; as Jordan told me about his passion for creating authentic pastries from his home town in Serbia. Dejan was only just starting his work day, as ours were winding down.
After working late at the restaurant, Dejan goes home and gets to work crafting his incredible Serbian pastry dough. He has mastered the delicate art of creating super thin sheets of phyllo pastry, or yufka, to create filled pastries from his childhood. Using his custom tools and self-taught technique, Dejan creates massive, paper-thin sheets of pastry in under five minutes to roll-up various sweet and savory fillings in. The combinations are endless and each one more addicting than the last. Dejan's dedication and motivation to perfecting his craft is truly remarkable, and it's easy to see why he is on his way to a successful DC hot spot.
Some of Dejan's pastries include beef and onion, potato and cheese, and apple cinnamon! You can't go wrong with any of his delicious creations!
I caught up with Dejan and had him show me how he makes these flaky creations, while learning the story behind his craft. Check out my interview and video with him below!
Why did you get into baking?:
It was magical watching my mother cook in the kitchen, and even more amazing tasting what she would create. It truly inspired me to try to do the same.
Who taught you how to make phyllo?
Actually I taught myself over a few years of dedication and constant practice.
What do you plan to serve at your bakery?
My hand-stretched phyllo pastries, featuring various savory and sweet fillings.
Are your products available anywhere currently in DC?
Yufka is now accepting catering orders. For more information email us at yufkabakery@gmail.com. Follow us on social media for more details.Yufka BakerY will be at the H Street NE Farmer's Market every Saturday morning from 9am-12:30pm.
Our first pop-up will be at Reliable Tavern in Petworth on Saturday, July 15th from 5pm-8pm.
Also, I'll be doing a few chef's demonstrations at the Bloomingdale Farmer's Market on Sunday's.
Describe your passion for Serbian food and the style of cuisine found there.
I developed passion for Serbian or food in general at the very early age, always running around the kitchen while my mom was cooking.
Serbian food is characterized not only of elements from Serbia, but of elements from the former-Yugoslavia as a whole. Peasantry has greatly influenced the cooking process. Due to many influences, Serbian cuisine has gathered amazing flavors from different cooking styles across the Middle East and Europe to develop its own hearty kitchen with a beautiful balance of rich meats, cheese, fresh pastries and desserts.
Dejan stretching his dough to astronomically thin sheets! It really is a sight to see.
Tell me about a typical day for you as you are working hard to open Yufka bakery.
Starts early morning, getting all the errands done (while dough is resting), then working on recipes before going to my actual current full-time job. Most of the time I'm getting home late at night and will usually make a phyllo dough batch or two for the next day.
Where is your favorite place to eat in DC?
Mintwood Place. Chef Jordan [Lloyd] is insane in the kitchen.
Who is your culinary hero?
My MOM.
Anything else you want the readers to know?
Believe with all your heart and never give up !!! Dreams CAN COME TRUE!
Watch Dejan teach Hangry Michelle how to make Yufka!
Be sure to check out Yufka BakerY at these locations To See what Dejan's cooking up this week!
{H Street NE Farmer's Market every Saturday morning from 9am-12:30pm.}
{Pop-up at Reliable Tavern in Petworth on Saturday, July 15th from 5pm-8pm.}
{Chef's demonstrations at the Bloomingdale Farmer's Market on Sunday's.}
★★★