Fluffy, doughy, and semi-sweet Tsoureki can be found and enjoyed throughout the year but is traditionally an Easter staple, kneaded on Holy Thursday, the same day when eggs are dyed red (and often a red egg is placed in the centre of the tsoureki).
A wonderful Tsoureki is not easy to make at home, although its ingredients – flour, milk, yeast, eggs, sugar, butter, and for some, aromatic additions like mastic or mahlepi – are simple enough. A fabulous tsoureki is a wonderful gift for any household, and here we reveal nine bakeries in Athens selling the tastiest and most revered tsourekia.
With roots in Asia Minor, this family-run bakery makes the classic ‘Politiko’ tsoureki but with subtle aromas.
A: 104 El. Venizelou, Nea Smyrni
Unlike most historical establishments in Athens, this classic patisserie hasn’t dramatically changed its products or decor in decades. What’s more, they make an airy tsoureki with a rich dough inspired by an Austrian recipe with some influences from France.
A: 5 Kassaveti, Kifissia
Evi
Well known for their tsoureki, made with quality ingredients, this recipe is deeply inspired by the owner’s family roots in Asia Minor.
A: 2 Ilision & 4 Nymphaion, Ilissia
Lido
Since 1967, the bakery makes a tsoureki with a rich mastic and butter taste. You can also find the “indulgent” chocolate-filled version.
A: 35 Chremonidou, Pangrati
Extremely airy and fluffy, this tsoureki recipe has been a hit since 1945. You can now also find versions filled with praline cream, chestnut cream, and cherry jam.
A: 24 Mesologgiou, Nea Ionia
Not very fluffy but with a depth of flavour, the tsoureki sold here is inspired by Asia Minor and made with mastic, mahlepi and creamy butter. You can also find tsoureki stuffed with chocolate, caramelized almonds, wild cherry and orange-raisin.
A: 14 Misaraliotou, Makryianni
Since 1908 this famous Thessaloniki bakery has been making tsoureki that is much talked about. It’s elastic, but not too thick or chewy. You can find a plain version or one with chestnut cream and either a white or dark chocolate topping.
A: 5 Mitropoleos, Syntagma
Chryssinas Bakery
Here you’ll find not one or two but eight types of tsoureki, with all kinds of indulgent fillings, including dark chocolate chunks and orange and patisserie cream.
A: 4 Bairaktari, Katechaki
Last but not least, Greece’s most famous Tsoureki house Terkenlis, which originated in Thessaloniki, is a must. From traditional brioche to ones coated with dark chocolate, white chocolate, and others filled with cream; there are also vegan options available here. P.S. We recommend you try the Oreo Greek brioche!
A: The Mall, 35 Andrea Papandreou Street, Marousi; Golden Hall, 37AL Kifisias St, Marousi; 100- 102 Papanikoli St, Chalandri