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Best food to get in a bakery in Greece?

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cubrinj

Active member
I'm planning a trip to Greece soon, and as a huge fan of baked goods, I'm eager to explore the local bakeries. I know Greek bakeries are famous for their delicious and diverse offerings, but I'm not sure where to start. What are the must-try items I should look out for? I've heard about baklava and koulouri, but I'm sure there are many more hidden gems.

Are there any specific regional specialties I should seek out? And if you have any favorite bakeries in particular cities or islands, I'd love to hear about those too!

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!
 
Love visiting and talking about Greek bakeries!
I am more of a savory type so cannot chime in about the sweets that are plentiful BUT the pies ( tyropita, spanakopita, etc.) are a nice way to start the day...if you do not want to take on a larger pie, many of the bakeries offer smaller versions. I also love the koulouri! It seems that some of the bakeries are beginning to experiment with different koulouri recipes - whole wheat, sunflower seeds, etc.
If you travel to Kalamata there is a fantastic "pie shop" off the main square called Liopita - not traditional but such amazing variety.
Tradition bakeries are the best though - what part of Greece are you visiting? I have traveled around the islands a fair amount and able to recall a few favorites.


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You’re in for a treat! Besides baklava and koulouri, definitely try bougatsa, a flaky pastry filled with sweet custard or savory cheese. Galaktoboureko is another must-try, a custard-filled dessert soaked in syrup. Don’t miss out on loukoumades, Greece’s take on doughnuts, often drizzled with honey and cinnamon.

If you’re visiting Crete, seek out kalitsounia, sweet or savory pastries filled with cheese or greens. In the Cyclades, try melitinia, sweet cheese-filled pastries traditionally from Santorini. For something unique, look for tsoureki, a sweet, braided bread often flavored with mastiha or orange zest.

In Athens, check out Ariston Bakery for amazing pies, and if you're in Thessaloniki, visit Terkenlis for their famous chocolate-filled tsoureki.
 
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