Local Products
“Just as nature designed it!”
Thessaloniki's Koulouri
The koulouri of Thessaloniki, with its characteristic appearance and taste, traces its roots back to the Byzantine Empire. The name “koulouri” comes from the Byzantine word “kollikion”, and its preparation began in Thessaloniki by refugees who came from the lost homelands. Initially, bakers would prepare the dough starter from bread yeast during the night, and by morning, koulouria were ready, with the aroma of roasted sesame seeds attracting passersby. Street vendors roamed the streets offering their product, which later became established in Athens under the same name.
Today, the Thessaloniki koulouri maintains its classic recipe, with plenty of sesame seeds and a crunchy texture, though many variations are now available on the market. The classic koulouri remains popular due to its authentic taste and its fasting-friendly nature, as it contains no fats.
Trigona Panoramatos
Trigona Panoramatos (meaning “triangles” in Greek) is a traditional syrup-soaked pastry from Thessaloniki, famous for its creamy filling and crunchy crust. They were created in the 1940s by pastry chef Giannis Elenidis and soon gained a special place in the city’s gastronomy.
The dessert consists of phyllo dough shaped into triangles, which are filled with cream just before consumption to keep the crust crisp and the filling fresh. Today, these pastries are a recognizable symbol of Thessaloniki and a sweet tradition enjoyed throughout Greece.
Bougatsa
Bougatsa is a traditional Greek dish, either sweet or savory, that holds a special place in the cuisine of Thessaloniki as well as other regions of Greece. It was introduced by refugees from Asia Minor after the Greco-Turkish War of 1922, becoming a flavorful heritage that has deeply rooted itself in the city’s gastronomy.
Bougatsa is characterized by its thin, crispy pastry that envelops either a sweet cream filling or savory fillings such as cheese or minced meat. The sweet version is typically served with powdered sugar and cinnamon, creating a unique balance of flavors that appeals to both young and old. Bougatsa remains a symbol of tradition and taste, connecting generations and cultures.
