Lukumades
These donuts have even been featured in the New York Times, causing Prince Charles (when he was still a Prince) to come by and taste them. Their secret is the authentic, traditional recipe of the dough that is fried in front of you in the open-plan kitchen. But what has made them so popular was the idea to fill them not just with sweet but also with savoury ingredients. Here, you can taste donuts filled with feta cheese and glazed with pepper honey, donuts with tomato sauce (made with Florina peppers and garlic), feta cheese oregano and olive oil or filled with mizithra cheese and glazed with honey and sesame. On the sweet side, you can have your donut filled with praline, banana cream, fig, cherry, lemon custard and so on.
21 Aeolou and Aghias Irinis Street, Tel. 210 3210880
Loukoumades Ktistakis
This little shop that is not much to look at stands proudly on Socratous Street since 1997 and is considered the “temple” of loukoumádes. It only sells donuts that are made with the original recipe that now counts more than a century. After all, when something is perfect, you do not mess with it. These donuts are to be enjoyed in one bite and are prepared the moment you give your order. As soon as you taste them, you experience a unique wave of pleasure. One of the many secrets is the syrup inside the donuts. They are garnished with sesame and cinnamon and are enjoyed on the spot or at home. Bear in mind that no one can eat just one!
59 Socratous Street, Omonia Square, Tel 210 5240891
Keenkies
What about loukoumádes-pastitsio, loukoumádes in a carbonara version or loukoumádes with mozzarella cream, pepperoni and basil flavoured tomato? In this small shop, donuts are not mere snacks or desserts, but high-quality restaurant dishes! The (vegan) dough is fried on the spot and is then garnished with various mouth-watering ingredients, sweet or savoury, the choice is yours.
56 Themostikleous Street, Exarchia, 210 3815278