The Best Desserts To Try When You’re In Greece: Baklava, Kourabiedes, Portokalopita, And More

Greece is home not only to what many people believe as the healthiest diet on the planet — Mediterranean — but ironically, it also has its long list of sinful desserts. Baklava, perhaps the most popular among them, is becoming a favorite in many parts of the world.

The fusion of traditional and modern Greek cuisine puts the country into the gastronomic spotlight. Travelers, whether a foodie or not, should never miss out in trying out the country's local delicacies. Greek desserts are meticulously and painstakingly made to perfection that a bite or two may not be enough.

Many Greek desserts are soaked in syrup or dipped in icing sugar. Visitors to the country should prepare for a sugar rush after indulging in this flavorful cuisine.

Here is a list of some of Greece's desserts travelers should try on their next visit.

1. Baklava

A filo or phyllo dough is usually filled with sweetened chopped nuts, could be pistachios or almonds, and then slathered with honey syrup on top. The different spices such as cinnamon or cardamom add more flavor to the dessert.

2. Glyko Tis Koutalias

Glyka tou koutaliou or spoon sweets are traditional sweet fruit desserts made from almost any fruit — or even vegetables — available in the country. The most popular ones are fruits that are sour and bitter.

3. Kourabiedes

A snowy Christmas comes with kourabiedes. The aroma of roasted almonds (or pistachio) mixed with butter fills the air of Greek kitchen during the holidays. The soft and crunchy cookies are sprinkled with icing sugar that makes them look powdery.

4. Melomakarona

Baking Greek Christmas honey cookies are like sending the message that the yuletide season is just around the corner. A popular treat during the holiday season, this cookie is soft and moist and is better eaten when dipped into honey syrup. To add more flavor, travelers can sprinkle walnuts and cinnamon.

5. Portokalopita

Portokalopita is also known as the Greek traditional yogurt cake. A hint of sourness is what portokalopita offers dessert-loving tourists. Some Greeks love their portokalopita a la mode and add ice cream on top while others pour chocolate syrup.

6. Tulumba

Travelers won't have a hard time finding Tulumba in the streets of Greece. It is so popular that every patisserie has it. It is made of unleavened or yeast-less dough and then deep fried in medium heat. The result is a sinful dessert that's crunchy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and soaked in syrup. 

7. Yiaourti Me Meli

Anyone can whip up this refreshing dessert. Just buy a creamy and thick good-quality Greek yogurt, honey, and walnuts and then dump them all in a cup or a bowl.

Travelers can make their trip memorable with these sweets. As many people say, dessert is probably the most important part of the meal.