SUGAR, SPICE AND ALL THINGS NICE

Veterans in the art of filo-making and ambassadors of modern patisserie are propagating the city’s long tradition in sweets.

Blé

A new-generation boulangerie with several outlets, it has spread the aroma of vanilla and fresh yeast across the city. Famous for its bread, you will find all kinds of loaves on the shelves. The dessert cases offer temptations from around the world: French savarins, sweet tsoureki bread from Asia Minor, sweet Cretan cheese pies (kaltsounia), Lenten tahini pie, macaroons and profiteroles. • 19 Aghias Sofias, tel (+30) 2310.231.200]

Choureal

The soft French pâte à choux pastry forms the canvas for dozens of delightful confections from the hands of two young pastry chefs. In this dessert boutique, eclairs, Paris-Brest, stuffed Swedish rolls and profiteroles are prepared in front of you. • 7 Palaion Patron Germanou, tel (+30) 2310.252.766

Hatzis

For over a century Hatzis has been making its famed ekmek kataifi (angel hair pastry wrapped around a cream filling). Since starting out as a dairy in 1908, it has known nothing but success, expanding to the point where it has six stores in Thessaloniki and Athens. Why not take some baklava or delicious syrup-soaked sweets with fresh pistachio back home? • 50 Eleftheriou Venizelou, tel (+30) 2310.279.058

Hatzifotiou

The city is already nuts for its sweet pastry cigars and is going even crazier with the new series of flavors: strawberry, banana and praline cookie. They’re simply addictive. • 37 Pavlou Mela, tel (+30) 2312.232.166

Trigona Elenidis

Here you will find the authentic recipe for Thessaloniki’s famed “triangles,” described above. • 13 Dimitriou Gounari, tel (+30) 2310.257.510

Nedim

The current proprietor’s father was known as the King of Turkish Delight because he was the creator of soutzouk loukoum, a sticky delight with walnuts that 50 years ago became a symbol of Komotini, the town where the family hails from. At the new Thessaloniki store you will find a variety of sweets from the east, all of which hide a romantic tale beneath the sugar, spice and syrup. • 10 Tsimiski, tel (+30) 2310.275.927