1 slice (medium) of Water Borek (80 g) has 176 calories. That works out to 220 calories per 100 g. It contains 21.6 g of carbs, 6.4 g of protein, 7.2 g of fat and 1.2 g of fiber. Its 336 mg of Sodium covers 15% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 65 (medium), so it raises blood sugar at a moderate pace.

What is Water Borek?

Water Borek is a traditional Turkish savoury pastry made by briefly boiling thin sheets of dough, then layering them with a filling commonly made from white cheese and parsley. The top turns lightly golden, while the many layers stay tender and moist, with a pleasantly salty, crumbly centre.

In Turkey, it is served in slices at breakfast, alongside tea, or as part of a spread for guests; bakeries also sell it ready to take home. It is mainly a carbohydrate-rich pastry, with some protein from the cheese. Pair a slice with fresh salad or tomatoes and cucumber for a lighter-feeling meal, and bear in mind that it is filling alongside other baked dishes.

Water Borek Nutrition Facts

Selected: 100 g

220

KCAL / 100G

Carbs

27g

· 10% DV

Protein

· 16% DV

Fat

· 12% DV

Fiber

1.5g

· 5% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 49% · Protein 14% · Fat 37%

Water Borek Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

B12

0.35µg · 15% DV

Vitamin A

120µg · 13% DV

0.12mg · 9% DV

1.2mg · 8% DV

Minerals

Sodium

420mg · 18% DV

Phosphorus

110mg · 16% DV

Selenium

7µg · 13% DV

Calcium

120mg · 12% DV

How Nutritious Is Water Borek?

Nutrient density

Medium

35/ 100

How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.

Satiety score

Medium

38/ 100

An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.

Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.

Water Borek Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

Medium

0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

Medium

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Water Borek

To burn the 220 calories in 100 g:

🚶

54min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

22min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

30min

Cycling

🏊

26min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

Is Water Borek Processed?

NOVA 3

Processed

1. Unprocessed

2. Minimally Processed

3. Processed

4. Ultra-Processed

NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.

Does Water Borek Contain Allergens?

Contains these allergens:

Gluten yes

Dairy yes

Eggs yes

Peanuts free

Tree nuts free

Fish free

Soy free

Sesame free

Which Diets Is Water Borek Good For?

Vegan

— Not suitable

Vegetarian

✓ Suitable

Gluten-Free

— Not suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

✓ Suitable

Paleo

— Not suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

— Not suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

Water Borek Fat Profile

SATURATED

3.5g

MONOUNSATURATED

2.7g

POLYUNSATURATED

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 20:1

Above the ideal 4:1 (20:1).

Compare Water Borek

🥧vs🧴

Water Borek vs Hawthorn Vinegar202 kcal more per 100 g

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Water Borek vs Tantuni10 kcal more per 100 g

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Water Borek vs Chicken Wrap25 kcal more per 100 g

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Water Borek vs Protein Bar130 kcal fewer per 100 g

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Foods Similar to Water Borek

🧴

Hawthorn Vinegar

18 kcal

🌯

Tantuni

210 kcal

🌯

Chicken Wrap

195 kcal

🍫

Protein Bar

350 kcal

🥟

Cheese Börek

290 kcal

🧇

Waffle

291 kcal

🍟

French Fries

312 kcal

🥟

Fried Sigara Börek

320 kcal

Frequently Asked Questions About Water Borek

What is water borek?

Water borek is a Turkish layered pastry made by briefly boiling thin sheets of dough, layering them with a filling, and baking until golden. A common filling is white cheese with parsley.

How do you make water borek?

To make traditional water borek, roll thin dough sheets, briefly boil and drain them, then layer them in a buttered pan with cheese filling. Bake until the top is lightly golden and the layers are set.

Why is it called water borek?

Water borek takes its name from the boiling-water step used to prepare its dough layers. The sheets are briefly cooked in water before they are assembled and baked, unlike pastry layers that go straight into the oven.

What cheese is used in water borek?

Water borek is commonly filled with a salty white cheese, often mixed with chopped parsley. Choose a cheese that crumbles well, and drain it first if it releases a lot of liquid so the pastry does not turn soggy.

Can water borek be made with ready-made phyllo?

Yes, you can make a shortcut version of water borek with ready-made phyllo, although it will not have quite the same texture as dough rolled from scratch and boiled. Follow the package directions rather than boiling delicate store-bought sheets.

What makes water borek different from other Turkish borek?

Water borek stands out because its dough sheets are boiled before baking, giving it soft, distinct layers beneath a browned top. Many other Turkish borek use raw phyllo or yufka that is filled, rolled, or folded without this boiling step.

Is water borek served hot or cold?

Water borek is commonly served warm, when the cheese filling is soft and the layers are tender. It can also be eaten at room temperature, making it practical for a buffet or picnic, though the top may lose some crispness.

Can you prepare water borek ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble water borek ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake it. Keep the filling well drained, and bake it before serving for the best contrast between its soft layers and browned top.

Can water borek be frozen?

Yes, baked water borek can be frozen in tightly wrapped portions once it has cooled. Thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven; freezing may soften the top, but oven reheating helps restore some texture.

What do you serve with water borek?

Water borek pairs well with a crisp salad, plain yogurt, or ayran. Since the pastry is rich and filling, a fresh, lightly dressed side is often a better match than another heavy dish.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.

· Last updated: September 24, 2026