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Bougatsa is a classical Greek pastry that makes use of layers of phyllo dough to carry each candy and savory fillings. It has rather a lot in widespread with baklava, nonetheless the filling between the layers tends to be thicker with the next filling-to-phyllo ratio.
The extra widespread candy model of bougatsa present in Athens usually has a semolina-based custard. The highest is often dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon. You often discover it served as a morning pastry or a dessert.
Savory variations of bougatsa are usually crammed with some sort of cheese or minced meat. Typically the highest is garnished with chopped herbs, and it’s often served as a snack or an appetizer.
One might argue that no Athens meals tour is full with no cease at one of many following eateries. Every has a fame for making a few of the greatest bougatsa within the metropolis.
Ta Serbetia Stou Psyrri
Photograph credit score: Ta Serbetia Stou Psyrri
Ta Serbetia Stou Psyrri is one in every of Athens’ beloved dessert spots identified for nice bougatsa baklava, galaktoboureko, and kataifi. It’s nestled within the historic Psyrri neighborhood which is only a brief stroll from Monastiraki Sq.. Making it an excellent place for a fast breakfast, or a snack on a strolling tour of sights just like the Acropolis, or the Historic Agora.
The decor in Ta Serbetia Stou Psyrri is charming, with conventional Greek components that give it slightly little bit of a retro vibe. But it’s nonetheless cozy sufficient that you simply really feel it’s inviting you to sit down right down to get pleasure from a bougatsa, or one in every of their different desserts when you sip on some espresso. The outside seating space is nice for people-watching.
I feel the bougatsa at Ta Serbetia Stou Psyrri strikes an ideal steadiness between the layers of crispy phyllo dough and the creamy custard filling. The custard itself manages to be wealthy with out being overly candy.
Ta Serbetia stou Psyrri (€4 to €5) – 105 54, Eschilou 3, Athina 105 54, Greece – Open each day from 10:00 AM to 12:30 AM.
Krinos
You’ll discover the historic pastry store Krinos on Aiolou Avenue, inside a stone’s throw of Athens’ bustling Monastiraki and Omonia Sq.. Its central location makes it a well-liked place with locals and vacationers who’re hungry for bougatsa and different candy Greek delicacies.
From the second you set foot, Krinos you’re feeling such as you’re being transported again in time to its founding in 1923. Each sq. inch of it has a classic old-world appeal with classical Greek décor and towering excessive ceilings.
With over a century of observe, Krinos has perfected bougatsa and different classical Greek pastries like baklava and loukoumades. I personally love the creaminess of the semolina custard they use of their candy bougatsa. They mud the highest so generously, which additionally makes it my go-to place for bougatsa after I have to fulfill my candy tooth.
Krinos (€2.50 to €3.50) – Aiolou 87, Athina 105 51, Greece – Open Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 8:30 AM to six:30 PM. Open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:30 AM to eight:30 PM. Closed on Sunday.
Zoubourlou
Photograph credit score: Zoubourlou
Should you’re on the lookout for a nice bougatsa, however you additionally need slightly peaceable break from the Athenian hustle and bustle, you should try Zoubourlou. It’s nestled within the charming Kato Petralona neighborhood of Athens which gives a laid-back vibe.
The décor inside Zoubourlou is relaxed, and up to date with easy clear traces. There’s additionally an excellent outside seating space that allows you to sit again and benefit from the day. I feel it’s the place to be for a cushty, slow-paced breakfast once you want a break.
The factor I like probably the most in regards to the bougatsa at Zoubourlou is simply how gentle, and flaky the phyllo dough is. The semolina custard filling isn’t overly candy and never too wealthy, which I feel makes it an excellent breakfast pastry, brunch, or noon snack after I have already got a big meal deliberate for later within the day.
Additionally they supply a savory model of Bougatsa with feta and different Greek cheeses. This cheese pie model usually incorporates slightly olive oil and different Mediterranean flavors. It isn’t at all times obtainable within the morning and is extra of a noon or night snack. I wish to get it to go and eat it like road meals on a leisurely stroll.
Zoubourlou (€3 to €4) – Eschilou 4, Athina 105 54, Greece – Open each day from 8:30 AM to 1:30 AM.
Kostas
Kostas is one in every of Athen’s extra charming bakeries serving a number of types of candy and savory bougatsa. You could find it not removed from the historic Monastiraki Sq., which makes it an excellent place to choose up a snack whereas touring the historic elements of Athens.
The décor and ambiance at Kostas exude conventional Greek appeal. The kitchen has a largely open space, which makes it straightforward so that you can see the varied pastries they promote.
Whereas Kostas is well-known for his or her souvlaki, and candy bougatsa with a flaky phyllo crust crammed and a wealthy creamy custard filling, I favor their numerous savory takes. Their minced meat savory bougatsa is among the greatest you’ll discover within the metropolis.
Nonetheless, I really like the freshness and lightness of their feta and spinach bougatsa. It’s my go-to eatery within the spring when the spinach is recent, and you may style the earthy terroir of the Greek countryside in each chew.
Kostas (€3 to €4) – Pl. Agias Irinis 2, Athina 105 60, Greece – Open Monday to Friday from 10:00 AM to six:00 PM. Closed on Saturday and Sunday.
Conclusion
Most worldwide foodies will inform you that no Athens meals tour is full with out sampling bougatsa just a few occasions. In reality, there are a lot of nice choices all through Greece, and Athens particularly.
Should you’re on the lookout for one thing candy, I feel the very best bougatsa could be discovered at Krinos or Ta Serbetia Stou Psyrri. Should you’re on the lookout for a savory bougatsa with cheese or minced meat, I like to recommend Kostas or Zoubourlou.
