Traditional Greek Phyllo Cooking Class in Athens

Join Christina for a delightful walking tour through her favorite neighborhood shops in Athens. Visit a local cheese monger to sample freshly made cheeses, explore a charming deli specializing in olive oil, dried herbs, and other traditional Greek staples, and stop by her go-to bakery for a taste of local life. As you browse, Christina will share insights into the origins and stories behind the products you see, offering a deeper appreciation of Greek culinary culture. After the tour, you’ll head to Christina’s nearby apartment to begin your hands-on Greek cooking experience.

Please note: Christina’s neighborhood is hilly, so comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended. The walking tour lasts approximately one hour.

Step into Christina’s welcoming kitchen in Athens and discover the centuries-old tradition of Greek pie-making - a practice so culturally significant, it’s recognized by UNESCO as part of the Mediterranean diet on the Intangible Cultural Heritage List. This unique cooking class specializes in phyllo, the delicate, paper-thin dough at the heart of Greece’s beloved savory pies. Begin your Athens cooking class with a traditional treat of Greek coffee and loukoumi (a local sweet), then roll up your sleeves for a hands-on lesson in making spanakopita, a quintessential Greek dish. Christina will guide you through every step of the process, starting from scratch with just flour and water. You’ll use seasonal ingredients like wild spinach, local greens, and a mix of Greek cheeses to craft your filling. On Christina’s dining table, you’ll knead and roll your dough into impossibly thin sheets, learning the art of layering to create a light, flaky crust with a perfectly golden finish. Christina shares not only her technique, but also the rich history and cultural significance behind each step. You’ll leave with printed recipes so you can recreate the experience at home. The cooking portion lasts around two hours, followed by a shared meal featuring the spanakopita you made - alongside other seasonal and traditional dishes Christina has thoughtfully prepared. Enjoy your meal with Tsipouro (a traditional Greek spirit) and a glass of white or rosé wine, finishing with a delicious Greek dessert.

Christina serves a vibrant, authentic Greek meal that highlights seasonal ingredients and creative, home-style preparations. You might begin with a selection of local cheeses, artisanal cold cuts, and traditional spreads, followed by her signature handmade phyllo pies. Main courses may include pistachio-crusted chicken with a rich molasses glaze or olive-crusted lamb paired with a tangy yogurt sauce. Enjoy fresh, seasonal sides such as a salad of anthotyro (a soft Greek cheese), cherry tomatoes, and toasted bread, or foraged wild greens from the countryside.