Sigara Böreği (Cigarette Börek)

Sigara böreği gets its name from its shape — long, thin, and rolled like a cigarette — and it is the most beloved finger food at Turkish tea tables. Strips of phyllo are wrapped around a filling of crumbled white cheese, parsley, and a little egg, then fried until deep gold. They appear at breakfast, at afternoon tea, and at every family celebration, always served with lemon wedges. In Turkey, no one ever orders just one.

A crisp shell, a molten heart

The outside shatters with a light crackle, giving way to salty, melty cheese with fresh parsley cutting through the richness. A squeeze of lemon brightens every bite, and they are best eaten within minutes of leaving the pan. The filling can be anything from plain feta to herbed cheese with a pinch of chili, but the classic is feta and parsley. Seal the rolls well with egg wash and keep the oil at a steady medium heat so the pastry cooks through without burning.

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