Greek Koulouri (Sesame Bread Rings)

Koulouri, Greece’s beloved sesame bread ring, is as iconic as the morning sun rising over Athens. Found in bakeries and street stalls across the country, these crunchy, sesame coated rings are a staple in Greek breakfasts, enjoyed by people on their way to work or leisurely strolling the streets.

Light, subtly savoury, and adorned with golden sesame seeds, Koulouri is simple but deeply satisfying, a testament to Greece’s love for bread and traditional flavours.

What Is Koulouri?

Koulouri is a circular bread ring coated generously in sesame seeds, offering a delightful balance of crisp and chewy textures. These sesame bread rings are typically made with a basic dough shaped into a ring, rolled in sesame seeds, and baked until golden.

Koulouri can vary slightly from region to region in Greece, some are softer with a gentle sweetness, while others are crispier and more rustic. The beauty of Koulouri lies in its simplicity, with every bite revealing a subtle depth that complements the texture and nuttiness of the sesame seeds.

Widely enjoyed on their own, Koulouria (plural) are also a popular canvas for fillings like cheese, tomatoes, or even a slather of tahini, making them versatile enough for breakfast, snacks, or light meals.

Whether grabbed from a street vendor or picked up at a local bakery, Koulouri is cherished as a quick, nourishing, and affordable way to enjoy one of Greece’s favourite grains.

Ingredients and Taste

The ingredients for Koulouri are uncomplicated, yet each one is essential to achieving the bread’s unique taste and texture. The dough is made from flour, water, yeast, salt, and sometimes a touch of sugar or olive oil.

After shaping the dough into rings, each piece is rolled in a bed of sesame seeds, giving the bread its distinctive nutty flavour and a beautiful golden crust. The sesame seeds not only enhance the appearance but also bring a satisfying crunch to every bite.

When baked, Koulouri develops a crispy outer layer, thanks to the toasted sesame seeds, while the inside remains soft and chewy. The bread itself is slightly savoury with a mild, yeasty flavour that pairs wonderfully with the natural sweetness of the sesame seeds.

Some varieties might lean sweeter or denser, depending on regional preferences, but the core flavour remains consistently nutty, warm, and satisfying. Koulouri is often enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee or tea, as the pairing brings out its comforting flavours and makes for a delightful morning ritual.

A Taste of History

Koulouri’s roots trace back centuries to the Byzantine era, where it was known as a simple bread for city dwellers and travellers alike.

This bread ring has been an enduring symbol of Greek street food culture, found not only in Greece but also in parts of the Balkans and the Middle East, where similar versions are popular. In Greece,

Koulouri became especially popular in Thessaloniki, which remains known for its delicious variations of the bread.

Over time, Koulouri evolved from a practical street food to an integral part of Greek culinary identity. Its simplicity and versatility have kept it relevant across generations, making it a favourite for people of all ages and lifestyles.

Traditionally made to be affordable and filling, Koulouri embodies the essence of Greek hospitality and the importance of bread in Greek culture.