Ellinikon 1938 is one of Thessaloniki’s most living legends—a place steeped in memories, tradition, and culture. From the 1930s to the present day, Ellinikon 1938 has continued to attract generations of Thessalonians seeking not only flavor, but emotion as well.

With its heart on Vasilissis Olgas Avenue, the city’s oldest pastry shop preserves its character and quality while continuing to evolve and prepare for a major new step: the opening of its new store at 12 Paleon Patron Germanou Street, in the center of Thessaloniki.

From 1938 to Today

The journey of Ellinikon 1938 begins a few years before the war, when it first opened its doors in 1935 under the name “Ethnikon.” In 1938, after relocating to its current location, it was renamed “Ellinikon” and gradually became the iconic pastry shop of eastern Thessaloniki. Founded by Georgios Pantsios, the shop grew alongside the city, preserving the timeless style of traditional confectionery in an era when everything was handmade—almost ritualistic.

Among the most defining figures in the history of Ellinikon 1938 is Aspa Pantsiou, daughter of the founder, who for decades has been the soul and “guardian” of the pastry shop’s tradition. With profound knowledge of the craft and a level of dedication rarely seen today, Aspa carried on her father’s work with perseverance, consistency, and deep respect. Under her guidance, Ellinikon 1938 maintained its identity while cultivating a relationship of trust with the people of Thessaloniki.

Aspa’s daughter, Chara Kyritsi, took over management in 2000, always with her mother by her side. Together, they continue to keep Ellinikon 1938 alive with respect, evolving it and enriching the menu with new offerings, always grounded in traditional Greek pastry-making know-how.

The taste of Greek tradition in its most authentic form

From the very beginning, Ellinikon 1938 became known for its consistent quality and its commitment to handmade sweets. It is one of the few pastry shops in the city where visitors can still enjoy flavors faithful to recipes from the 1940s and 1950s.

Syrup-soaked pastries scented with butter, almond chocolates, fine cookies, daily fresh pastries, cakes made using classic techniques, ice creams from fresh milk, and traditional desserts that recall the old days of Sunday family tables.

With the same dedication to quality, Ellinikon 1938 also offers savory creations, such as pies with hand-rolled phyllo and fillings reminiscent of grandmother’s cooking. This blend of tradition, authenticity, and technical excellence is what sets Ellinikon apart in an era when speed often outweighs substance. Here, substance remains non-negotiable.

The new store at 12 Paleon Patron Germanou street

The new Ellinikon 1938 store at 12 Paleon Patron Germanou Street, in the heart of Thessaloniki, is a step that confirms the brand remains modern, dynamic, and relevant. The new location will serve as a point of reference for those who wish to enjoy the classic flavors of Ellinikon 1938 without traveling to the eastern side of the city. At the same time, it opens the door for a new generation to discover a pastry shop that is part of Thessaloniki’s gastronomic heritage.

The vibrant city center welcomes a brand that carries decades of memory, values, quality, and reputation. It is a natural evolution for a pastry shop that has never stopped renewing itself while remaining deeply connected to its roots.

Christmas at Ellinikon 1938: A celebration of nostalgia and flavor

The most magical time of the year finds its ideal “home” at Ellinikon 1938. Every Christmas, the pastry shop transforms into a small festive paradise, filled with aromas, colors, and authentic flavors.

Honey-soaked melomakarona, melt-in-the-mouth kourabiedes, Christmas chocolate bars, handmade biscotti, traditional dunking biscuits, festive cakes, and creations that showcase Greek pastry tradition at its brightest.

All of this is accompanied by the warmth of a shop that knows how to make you feel at home. Whether one is searching for gifts for the festive table or wants to fill their home with Christmas scents, Ellinikon 1938 is a destination that combines holiday spirit with quality and culinary memory.

Flavors that awaken memories

Ellinikon 1938 is part of Thessaloniki—a place where tradition becomes a daily pleasure, where every sweet has its own story. With its new store in the city center, Ellinikon 1938 continues to chart its own course, staying true to a philosophy rooted in quality and love for Greek pastry-making.

Ellinikon 1938 is a place where memories find their way back home—where a single taste can take you back to childhood, to a house filled with the aroma of butter and cinnamon, to moments that were simple yet genuine.

Above all, it reminds us that quality, care, and tradition are values that do not fade, do not wear out, and never go out of style. And every sweet it creates is a promise that tradition will continue to live on as long as there are people who honor it.