What I can see

Krinos is a historic pastry shop and one of the longest running family businesses in the country. Emphasis is given to the materials’ quality, traditional methods are used and the products are handmade. Krinos has everything from puff pastry to ryzogalo (rice pudding) and ice cream, but it is internationally known for its loukoumades (ancient Greek donuts) and bougatsa. The recipe for loukoumades has remained the same since 1923, with honey being used instead of glucose, as is the case in many modern pastry shops. Krinos is a well-known place, frequented by artists, actors, writers, poets and politicians, as can be seen from the photos in its interior. It is a space that reminds us the beauties of old Athens, with a layout that has not changed since the building was built (mid-19th century). It is an excellent choice for traditional breakfast, brunch or a dessert after a main meal.

What I can't see

The ground floor of the then two-storey residence housed the first pharmacy of Athens, owned by the pharmacist and professor of the School of Medicine of the University of Athens, Stamatios Krinos. Many years later, it was bought by Minas Kassimatis from Istanbul, and his family runs the business to this day. Initially, Krinos confectionery was extremely popular among the Greek refugees of Izmir, but it did not take long to enchant the Athenians as well. Kassimatis brought recipes from Asia Minor and sweets that the Athenians had never seen before, such as syrupy sweets, Smyrna bread roals, tarts, pastes and some types of candies. Krinos brought a revolutionary change to the Athenians’ gastronomical habits. All these years, the Kassimatis family has been working with the same families of suppliers, who are small producers from Thiva and Elassona towns. Minas Kassimatis was also known for his philanthropic work. He actively supported foundations, asylums and nursing homes, a work that his descendants continue to this day. Krinos has become internationally known through CNN, Korean travel guides, Japanese media and British blogs.

Info

• Address: 87 Aeolou St.
• Postal Code : 10551
• Phone: +30 2103216852
• Opening hours:
  Sunday Closed
  Monday 8:30am–6:30pm
  Tuesday 8:30am–8:30pm
  Wednesday 8:30am–6:30pm
  Thursday 8:30am–8:30pm
  Friday 8:30am–8:30pm
  Saturday 8:30am–6:30pm
  

Bibliography