These Greek Doughnut Balls Are Why You Should Visit Athens

Loukoumades (Greek doughnuts) are one of Greece’s most delicious treats. These little doughnuts are packed with sweet goodness that would make any health guru faint. Here is an introduction to loukoumades, as well as the modernised lukumades, which you should definitely try on your next visit to Athens.
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Loukoumades are of mixed origin, and can be found in Greece, Turkey, Persia, and Egypt. These delicious doughnut balls are also thought to be the oldest recorded dessert in Greece, and can be traced as far back as the first Olympic Games of 776 B.C., when the winners would be served deep-fried and honey-coated dough balls.

Typically served warm, loukoumades can be drizzled with honey, cinnamon, sesame or walnuts. Shops that serve loukoumades exclusively can be found practically anywhere in Greece, but a choice place to try them is Lukumades. Located in the buzzing square of Plateia Agias Eirinis – filled to the brim with cafés, bars, and places to eat – Lukumades, which opened in 2013, is a favourite for a quick sweet break while shopping downtown.

Lukumades uses traditional techniques, but reinvents the age-old Greek dessert through modern twists. These lukumades are made with dough that’s prepared fresh each day. They can also be made with delicious and unique fillings such as chocolate praline, banana cream, and topped with honey, white chocolate or agave syrup. But you could always opt for the traditional version, topped with a delicious honey syrup. Similar to most places in Athens, Lukumades is open late and is an ideal place for a coffee or sweet break.

To discover more delicious food in Athens, check out our guide to the best street food spots in Athens, must try Greek specialties in Athens and discover where to find the best gyros in Athens, Greece.

About the author

Ethel Dilouambaka

Polyglot (with a Master Degree in Translation), adventure seeker, professional shower singer and food enthusiast, Ethel enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, usually with a certain amount of eating and drinking involved. Brussels-bred and Athens-bound, she loves traveling around the world, uploading photos on her Instagram feed and daydreaming with a good book in her hands. Want to see the world through her eyes? Find her on Instagram at @heyitsetelle