The island of Cyprus is known for many things, not the least of which is their impressive range of delicacies, both savoury and sweet. While traditional Cypriot food takes from some of the most delicious culinary cultures in the world (Turkish and Greek) the local fare has a flavour all its own. For visitors who packed a sweet tooth, Cypriot treats are some of the most interesting and delicious sweets your tastebuds will ever know. Here's a simple guide for those flying out the Cyprus with First Choice and wanting to navigate its delicious world of authentic desserts.
Loukoumades
These are essentially tiny, sweet, fried doughballs covered in syrup or honey. They are incredibly delicious and dangerously addictive.
Souzouko
A local favourite at fairs and festivals throughout Cyprus; the dessert is made by dipping strings of nuts in hot grape juice, which then solidifies and creates a sort of candy coating. This treat is both delicious and fun to eat.
Glyko
This dessert is a preserve which can come in a range of flavours including dates, almonds, apricots, cherries, quince or grape. These preserves are traditionally served with a glass of cold water.
Kourabiedes
These are traditional Cypriot almond cakes which are coated in icing sugar. A favourite among tourists, they are abundantly available and truly delectable.
Loukoumi
This is the famous dessert otherwise known as Turkish delight. The sweets are a family of confections which can be simple gels of starch and sugar with some of the more premium varieties including other ingredients like chopped dates, pistachios and hazelnuts that set within the gel. Eaten in small cubes and dusted with icing sugar, if there's one dessert every visitor must try, it's Loukoumi.
Vasilopita
If you're lucky enough to be visiting Cyprus over the New Year, be sure to try this traditional New Year’s cake. There's a gold coin baked into each of these cakes and it is said that the slice with the coin in it will bring good luck for the duration of the year!
Fresh Fruit
There are few more simple and delicious desserts in Cyprus than the bountiful fresh fruit. Local fruits include watermelon, oranges, strawberries, grapefruit, tangerines, melons, apples, pears, prickly pears, cherries, apricots, figs, pomegranates, bananas, plums, grapes and dates. More often than not these delicious fruits are fresher than fresh, typically being picked from a nearby tree and served as they're ordered. There's nothing quite like savouring the fresh flavours of seasonal Cypriot fruits; it is truly the ultimate dessert.
Cypriot fare is absolutely incredible. From the Greek and Turkish influences, to the fresh flavours cultivated in local fields and kitchens, the cuisine is to die for and the sweets are no exception. Whether they're enjoyed at the end of a meal or as a standalone treat, everything from traditional candied nuts to Turkish delight to fresh figs straight from the tree; Cypriots know how to bring sweetness to life in all sorts of delicious ways.
Image by Ale, used under the Creative Commons license.
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