Cypriot Desserts – 13 Best Desserts in Cyprus to Try (plus some Greek Desserts)
Embark on a tantalizing exploration of the delectable world of Cyprus desserts. With its unique blend of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences, this island country boasts a scrumptious array of sweet treats that will leave you craving more.
Cypriot Desserts and Greek Desserts share a lot when it comes to their sweets like Glyko tou Koutaliou, Baklava and Ekmek Kadayifi.
Discover 13 of the most enticing and mouthwatering desserts you simply cannot miss when visiting Cyprus. Indulge in the unforgettable experience of trying desserts in Cyprus and savoring the unique flavors of Cypriot desserts.
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Best Desserts in Cyprus
Loukoumades
These heavenly golden-brown doughnuts are Cyprus’ gift to dessert lovers. Deep-fried to perfection and drizzled with honey syrup, Loukoumades are often sprinkled with cinnamon and crushed walnuts, making them a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Loukoumades are a prime example of the delicious Cyprus desserts you can’t miss while visiting the island.
Baklava
A popular dessert throughout the Mediterranean, Baklava in Cyprus consists of layers of crispy phyllo pastry filled with chopped nuts and drenched in fragrant honey syrup. This sweet treat is a symbol of Cyprus’ rich culinary heritage and an absolute must-try.
Kadeifi
Similar to Baklava, Kadeifi is made from shredded phyllo dough, which is wrapped around a filling of sweetened nuts. Once baked, it is soaked in syrup, giving it a delightful, moist texture. The combination of crunchiness and sweetness creates an irresistible taste sensation among desserts in Cyprus.
Galaktoboureko
Galaktoboureko is a heavenly concoction of creamy, vanilla-flavored custard sandwiched between layers of buttery phyllo pastry. Once baked, the entire dessert is drenched in a delightful citrus-infused syrup, making for an utterly satisfying experience.
Anari
A traditional Cypriot dessert, Anari is made from a soft, crumbly, and mildly sweet cheese that pairs beautifully with honey, cinnamon, and fresh fruit. It’s a light yet satisfying end to any meal, especially during the warm Mediterranean summers.
Mahalepi
Mahalepi is a refreshing, rose water-infused dessert that features a jelly-like texture. Typically served chilled, it is often garnished with crushed ice and rose petals, making it a lovely treat to enjoy on a hot day.
Ekmek Kadayifi
Ekmek Kadayifi is a unique dessert consisting of syrup-soaked bread topped with a rich, creamy custard and a sprinkling of cinnamon. This luscious and comforting dessert is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Flaounes
These cheese-filled pastries are a traditional Easter dessert in Cyprus. Flaounes are made from a special dough that is filled with a mixture of cheeses, raisins, and mint. They are then folded into a triangular shape and baked until golden brown. A true Cypriot classic!
Soutzoukos
Soutzoukos is a traditional Cypriot sweet made from grape must, nuts, and flour. The mixture is shaped into long ropes, with nuts running through the center, and hung to dry. This chewy and fruity confection is a delightful souvenir to bring back from your trip.
Glyko tou Koutaliou / Greek Spoon Sweets
Glyko tou Koutaliou, also known as fruit preserves or spoon sweets, is a popular Cypriot dessert. Made from a variety of fruits, such as oranges, figs, and cherries, these preserves are often served with a glass of water and a spoon to enjoy the sweet morsels.
Pastelli
Pastelli is a simple yet delightful Cypriot dessert made from sesame seeds and honey or carob syrup. These sweet, crunchy bars are packed with flavor and are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while providing a burst of energy.
Sheftalia
Though not a traditional dessert, Sheftalia is a delicious Cypriot treat that can be enjoyed as a sweet or savory snack. These sausage-shaped pastries are filled with minced meat, onions, and spices, and then grilled to perfection. For a sweet variation, try Sheftalia with a fruit-based filling.
Tavuk Göğsü
This intriguing dessert hails from the Ottoman Empire and is popular in Cyprus. Tavuk Göğsü is a sweet, milk-based pudding made with shredded chicken breast, giving it a unique texture. It’s typically flavored with cinnamon and garnished with crushed pistachios.
Cyprus and Greek Desserts: A Sweet Connection
Given their geographical proximity and shared cultural heritage, it’s no surprise that Cyprus and Greece have many similarities in their culinary traditions, especially when it comes to desserts. Both countries boast a range of delicious and indulgent sweets that feature a delightful combination of flavors, textures, and ingredients. Here are some of the most notable similarities between Cypriot and Greek desserts:
Shared Classics
Both Cyprus and Greece have their own versions of some popular desserts, such as Baklava and Kadeifi. These sweet pastries are made from layers of crispy phyllo dough, filled with chopped nuts, and soaked in syrup. While the basic preparation may be similar, variations in the choice of nuts, spices, and the syrup’s flavorings may differ slightly between the two countries.
Love for Phyllo Dough
Phyllo dough is a staple ingredient in both Cypriot and Greek desserts. Thin and flaky, phyllo is used to create a range of pastries, such as Galaktoboureko (a creamy custard-filled dessert), Bourekia (sweet cheese-filled pastries), and Daktyla (finger-shaped pastries filled with almonds). Both countries have mastered the art of working with phyllo to create irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth treats.
Cheese-Based Desserts
Both Cypriot and Greek cuisines feature a variety of cheese-based desserts. Anari, a soft and mildly sweet cheese, is popular in Cyprus, while Greece is known for its use of Mizithra and Manouri cheeses. These cheeses are used as the base for desserts like Bougatsa (Greek custard-filled pastry) and Anari-based sweets in Cyprus.
Nutty Delights
Nuts are a common ingredient in both Cypriot and Greek desserts, with almonds, walnuts, and pistachios being especially popular. They are often used as fillings in pastries, ground into a paste for cookies, or sprinkled on top of desserts for added texture and flavor.
Syrup-Soaked Sweets
A notable feature of many Cypriot and Greek desserts is the use of syrup to add sweetness and moisture. Honey or sugar syrup is often infused with flavors like cinnamon, lemon, or rose water, and poured over desserts such as Baklava, Ekmek Kadayifi, and Karydopita.
Fruit Preserves and Spoon Sweets
Both Cyprus and Greece share a love for fruit preserves and spoon sweets, known as Glyko tou Koutaliou. These desserts are made by preserving fruits in sugar syrup, sometimes with added flavors from spices or citrus. Common fruits used include oranges, figs, cherries, and even bergamot.
While Cyprus and Greece share many similarities in their dessert traditions, each country has its unique variations and regional specialties. Exploring the sweet offerings of both cuisines is a delightful way to appreciate the commonalities and subtle differences that make each culinary heritage unique and delicious.
Final Thoughts on Desserts in Cyprus
The cuisine of Cyprus is a delightful amalgamation of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors, reflecting the island’s rich history and diverse cultural influences. This culinary melting pot offers a variety of dishes that cater to different tastes, from succulent grilled meats and fresh seafood to flavorful meze platters and vibrant salads. Each meal is a celebration of local ingredients and time-honored traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Among the many delights of Cyprus cuisine are its mouthwatering desserts. These sweet treats showcase the island’s love for fresh, high-quality ingredients and its passion for creating delectable combinations of textures and flavors. Cyprus desserts range from traditional favorites like Baklava and Loukoumades to lesser-known gems such as Mahalepi and Glyko tou Koutaliou Bergamot.
As you explore the rich culinary landscape of Cyprus, be sure to indulge in these scrumptious desserts. They are the perfect way to conclude a delicious meal and will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. From honey-soaked pastries to refreshing fruit preserves, Cyprus desserts offer something for everyone and provide a sweet taste of the island’s culinary heritage.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues to share his travel experiences alongside his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.