Cycladia | Island Products

Local Specialties & Recipes | Local Products

Loukoumi

The “art” of making loukoumi (Turkish delight) was brought to Syros by the Chians that arrived on the island in the 19th century. The loukoumi of Syros is the number one loukoumi in Greece. Made of starch, sugar, glucose, water and sometimes nuts, it is often flavored by rose water, vanilla or mastic.

Halvadopites

This sweet snack is the trademark of Syros since 1840. It is made of almonds, locally produced honey, sugar, egg’s albumen and vanilla. It is easy to transport and does not need to be preserved in the fridge. Travelers should definitely bring some halvadopites home with them choosing from the great variety of tastes: vanilla, mastic and chocolate, plain or with nuts and almonds.

Pastelaries

These are delicious dry figs, baked in the oven and held together by sesame, cinnamon, almonds and laurel leaves.

Honey

There are about 700 hives in the northern part of Syros producing fine quality thyme honey, which is sold throughout Greece and also abroad.

Olives and olive oil

The production of olives and olive oil is among the top agricultural activities on the island. A jar of “tsakistes elies” (crushed olives) in brine is certainly worth buying.

Wine

Considering that 50% of the agricultural activity involves vines, it is no coincidence that the Syriot wines are of fine quality and also very famous. Among them, Savvatiano, Serfiotiko or Monemvasia, and white (“Avgoustiatis” and “Kastano”) or red (“Armeletousa, Proniko, Romeiko”) are fine local wines, which will satisfy even the most demanding wine taster.

Cheese

Syros is famous for its delicious cheeses made mainly with goat milk, sheep milk and cow milk. The most famous local cheeses are fresh “myzithra”, sweet cow gruyere and little round cheeses called “petrota”. However, the most unique cheese of Syros is called “San Michali” and it is a cow cheese with a strong spicy flavor.

Local herbs

The local herbs of Syros are renowned for their aroma and flavor. Specifically oregano and capers are exported throughout the world, while fennel is used to produce a wonderful paste that can be used as an ingredient in many recipes, especially those including meat.

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