South Burlington Welcomes Expanded European Market Deli & Café
The European Market in South Burlington has recently relocated to a larger space, bringing new offerings to its loyal customers. Co-owners Aleksandra and Dalibor Vujanovic have expanded their European specialty grocery selection and added a small café serving Balkan favorites. This move has not only created a buzz among the local community but has also attracted Vermont’s European expats looking for a taste of home.
A Family Legacy Revived
The Vujanovic family’s journey began over two decades ago when Dalibor’s parents, Draginja and Ugljesa Vujanovic, started baking lepinja rolls from a cherished family recipe. These round, soft-bellied, chewy-crusted rolls quickly became a favorite among locals, with their versatility as the perfect breakfast sandwich base or a hearty vessel for various fillings. Despite being labeled as “Mediterranean Bread,” the recipe’s roots lie specifically in the Balkan region, where the Vujanovics have their origins.
A New Chapter Unfolds
In late 2024, Aleksandra, 39, and Dalibor, 49, made a significant move by relocating their European Market to a much larger space previously occupied by Marco’s Pizza. The new 2,300-square-foot area now houses the European Market, Deli & Café, offering an extensive selection of European meats, cheeses, spreads, and pickled vegetables. The shelves are brimming with 18 feet of coolers showcasing sausages, pâtés, and smoked meats, while an equal length features an array of pickled vegetables, from beets to peppers.
Deli Delights and Café Charm
Customers visiting the newly expanded European Market can now indulge in freshly made sandwiches on the signature lepinja rolls, filled with European specialty meats and cheeses. The new deli and café also serve espresso drinks and, as of the recent weekend, breakfast sandwiches. Among the delectable offerings are the freshly baked burek pastries filled with seasoned meat, cheese, mashed potato, or spinach, as well as a selection of homemade desserts, including baklava and a decadent Bomba cake.
A Taste of Home
The cozy seating area of the café has quickly become a gathering spot for Vermont’s European expats, who savor the flavors reminiscent of their homeland. Longtime customers Dubravka Abramovic, 56, and her husband, Nijaz Sedic, 58, eagerly welcomed the new café, finding comfort in the familiar tastes. For them, it’s more than just a place to eat; it’s a place that evokes memories and a sense of belonging.
Sharing Traditions and Memories
Mirela Poljak, 27, and her boyfriend, Jackson Crawford, 26, stopped by to enjoy potato burek and cured meat sandwiches, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Bosnia. Poljak, a Burlington resident with Bosnian roots, expressed her desire to introduce others to the traditional flavors she grew up with. State representatives Emilie Krasnow and Matt Birong also frequented the café, appreciating the opportunity to connect with constituents in a local, family-owned establishment.
A Culinary Haven in South Burlington
As customers like Emilie Krasnow and myself discovered, the European Market Deli & Café offers more than just delicious food; it’s a place that brings people together over shared meals and shared experiences. It’s a testament to the power of food to transcend borders and cultures, creating a sense of community and belonging. So, the next time you’re in South Burlington, be sure to visit this culinary gem for a taste of Europe right in your neighborhood.
