Galery

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The influence from neighbouring Turkey and its remarkable cuisine are visible both in Thessaloniki dishes and sweets. Recipes brought from Asia Minor refugees after the catastrophe have become a trademark of Thessaloniki. Take a look at the 10 sweet sins that must be committed for sure when you're in town.

1. Triangular pastries from Panorama

Famous and favourite pastries from the district of Panorama, these classic, syrupy, pastries with extra cream filling are the most popular sweets of Thessaloniki. The most popular ones are those made at Elenidis in Panorama, as well as in other districts.

2. Kazan dibi

Kazan dibi means "the passion of the cauldron" in Turkish. With a rich firm composition, it fully justifies its name, since it is a cream that is lightly toasted and has a distinctive taste and aroma. The cream is made of milk, rice flour or starch and rose water. You will find the best kazan dibi at Hadzis shop in the centre of Thessaloniki.

3. Bougatsa with cream

The loveliest bougatsa with rich cream filling and sprinkled with powdered sugar and cinnamon can be found in Thessaloniki. It was brought to Greece by Asia Minor Greeks, and its name comes from the Turkish word “pogaca”, which means dough. Thessaloniki and Serres are known for their bougatsa and you will find it everywhere in the city. The Seraiki bougatsa is the most famous one.

4. Syrupy pastries

Syrupy pastries are the first sweet choice which you will make in Thessaloniki. Besides the classic baklava, ekmek and kourkoubinia, be sure to also try the very good kadaifi, wrapped in baklava phyllo dough, touloumbes and Anatolian “shecker pare”, which looks like a syrupy biscuit stuffed with walnuts. You will find syrupy sweets in almost all bakeries in the city.

5. Ice cream with cream

It is logical that everyone's favourite ice cream comes from neighbouring Turkey. Not the packaged ice cream, but the authentic ice cream with a sticky texture. Find it in the ice-cream shops in town. Traditional cream of buffalo milk can be found in Hadzis.

6. Creams

Creams are also typical desserts which came to Thessaloniki from Turkey. Rice pudding, vanilla cream and “malebi” - these are just some of the most delicious desserts. Try “taouk”, which is a rich cream made of milk and chicken breasts. Try it and you will not believe how delicious it is.

7. Mille feuille

The story of the famous Konstantinidis may have started with a “milfey” from Asia Minor and came to Greece through Larissa, but this cake became a favourite in Thessaloniki very quickly. It is prepared before your eyes, from fresh cream and phyllo dough.

8. Halva

Popular and beloved, sesame halva also came from Asia Minor. Its name comes from the Arabic word "halwa", which means "sweet". Traditional family workshops can be found in Thessaloniki and across northern Greece, where the manual production has kept the authentic flavour of halva.

9. Kariokes

These chocolates are very popular in Northern Greece, mainly in Xanthi, but they are especially common in Thessaloniki. They have the shape of a crescent and a lot of nuts on the inside, and sometimes even sponge cake. You will find the best ones in Hadzifotiou confectioner's shop.

10. Roxakia

Finally, also a classic, but a less well known cake from Thessaloniki - these are little syrupy two-coloured rolls of dough. On the inside, the dough contains chocolate. These are especially popular around Christmas, but not only.

Choose any of the above pastries and combine them with a cup of Greek coffee on the sand ...