Philadelphia’s food scene is as diverse and innovative as the people that make up the city’s population. During its long history, the city of brotherly love has helped cheese steaks rise in prominence and ushered in the official water ice. To this day, the city continues to usher in new music, food, and other cultural touchstones. This year, Made In America hopes to bring some of those tastemakers to the forefront. In preparation for this year’s festival, Def Pen Cultural Editor Ryan Shepard met up with some of the festival’s most anticipated food trucks. For this edition of Made In The Kitchen, Ryan had a brief, yet insightful conversation Arber and Jay of Authentik Byrek about how their Eastern European cuisine has expanded from the Drexel University community to the state’s biggest music festival.
Ryan Shepard: If you could describe Authentik Byrek in one word, what would it be?
Arber & Jay: Different
Philadelphia is a city that is known for its food. What do you think it is about Authentik Byrek that has allowed it to be successful?
We are the only establishment dedicated to making this delicious baked pie from the Balkan region of Europe.
Often times, you’re set up on 34th Street near Drexel University. How influential has the Drexel community been in your success?
The Drexel community was critical in spreading the word about our niche food, which opened the door to bigger opportunities.
Heading into Made In America, you are going to be surrounded by dozens of other food options. What unique food or quality do you think you’ll add to the festival?
Our menu is already very unique and niche. We will be serving our best sellers such as spinach & cheese, beef, and chicken Tomato Pesto pies.
Outside of your food truck, what foods are you most excited to try at the festival? If possible, what musical acts are you excited to see?
There are too many other amazing local food vendors to name. Travis Scott and Cardi B of course.
At the end of the weekend, what do you hope to take away from the festival? What do you hope others take away from Authentik Byrek?
We hope to learn more about our potential customers and how to better cater to them. We also hope everyone has a blast listening to the great artists and trying out some different food from local vendors.
