Loukoumades: Take a bite into history behind the golden Greek donuts

·

Have you ever wondered how loukoumades came about and when they originated?

While being in the United States, I came across a special day celebrated here, National Donut Day, and I thought, what better way to celebrate than to enjoy some homemade Greek donuts – loukoumades.

While looking up recipes, I came across their history.

Loukoumades 1
Loukoumades.
Loukoumades .
Loukoumades .
Loukoumades .
Loukoumades .
Loukoumades .
Loukoumades .
Loukoumades .
Loukoumades .
Loukoumades .
Loukoumades .
Loukoumades .
Loukoumades .
Loukoumades .
Loukoumades .


Did you know they date all the way back to the first Olympic Games?

It is believed that when the Olympians were victorious, they would be rewarded in the form of “honey tokens,” which were fried dough balls topped off with honey – also known as loukoumades.

Although the sweet has Greek origins, recipes have been passed down and adapted throughout Turkey, Egypt, Persia and Italy.

‘They ticked all our boxes’:

Michael and Eugenia Protopsaltis, a husband-and-wife duo, said their love for loukoumades led to them starting their own business in Sydney – Mr Puff.

They started it six years ago, when they were sick of their 9-5 jobs and wanted to have more flexibility for family time with their sons.

“The idea came from attending our local market; we said to ourselves what a wonderful environment to work with the stallholders,” Michael said.

“Loukoumades just ticked all our boxes. We wanted to sell a product that was Greek and something that was something not many other stallholders were selling.”

Michael described loukoumades as a traditional Greek donut that’s “golden brown, crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.”

Serving window of food truck.
Serving window of food truck.

“We make seven different flavours of loukoumades,” he said. “The traditional ones are still my favourite with honey.”

Mr Puff sells loukoumades with toppings like Nutella, sugar, cinnamon, caramel, honey, walnut, ice cream and more.

You can find Mr Puff’s loukoumades all over NSW and Australia at markets, food festivals and events.

“We take great pride in selling loukoumades to our customers,” Michael said.

“They always come back saying how yummy they are and how our loukoumades bring back memories of when their mums or aunties would make them fresh batches at home for the family to share.”

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Dr Christos Theologos: ‘Dance keeps us bound to our roots, from Chios to Sydney’

As part of the Zeibekiko Festival Australia, respected folklorist Dr Christos Theologos will lead a series of lectures and workshops.

South Melbourne turns to supporters ahead of Australian Championship kick-off

The opening clash of the Australian Championship will be an event shaped by the voices of the fans themselves.

Low birth rates and ageing: The silent enemy of the Greek nation

From the late 1990s it had become clear to Greek demographers and social scientists that the number of births in Greece was falling.

Peta Trimis: The new star of Australian football with a Hellenic soul

At just 19 years old, Peta Trimis is already being hailed as one of the brightest young stars of Australian football.

A second chance at life: Angelo Alateras’ journey from mechanical heart to transplant hope

After years on life support, 80kgs lost, and 615 days of physio, Angelo finally received the gift of a new heart.

You May Also Like

Stefanos Tsitsipas victory brings Greek closer to third straight Marseille title

Stefanos Tsitsipas took one step closer to securing a three-peat in Marseille after defeating Lucas Pouille 6-2, 6-3 to reach the quarter-finals of the Open 13 Provence.

Greek military aircraft brings Cypriots home from Lebanon

The Greek Defence Ministry's Lockheed C-130 transport aircraft arrived at Larnaca airport to evacuate Cypriot citizens from Lebanon.

SA prosecutor Michael Foundas condemns family who conspired to stab daughter 

Sydney prosecutor Michael Foundas has condemned a father who conspired with his family to stab his own daughter at Sefton Plaza in 2021.