Great baklava is not complicated — but it demands quality. The phyllo must be thin enough to shatter at a touch, the nuts must be freshly ground, and the syrup must be made with real honey, not corn syrup. At Yaya Mas Greek Kuzina, we bake baklava fresh every morning using imported Greek honey, hand-layered phyllo dough, and a walnut-pistachio filling seasoned with cinnamon. It’s the version that holds up in Greece, and it’s the version we bring to Chicago.
Our Baklava Varieties
Classic Greek Baklava
The original. Dozens of hand-layered phyllo sheets, a walnut and pistachio filling spiced with cinnamon and clove, clarified butter brushed between every layer, and a soaking syrup of pure Greek thyme honey, lemon, and cinnamon stick. Cut in diamond shapes, baked until deep golden, and rested until the honey syrup soaks through completely.
Cheesecake Baklava
Our signature creation — a Yaya Mas original. Classic baklava layers beneath a rich Greek cream cheese filling, topped with more phyllo and finished with honey. The contrast between the crispy phyllo, the lightly sweetened cream layer, and the honey syrup is remarkable. This one has its own following.
Walnut Pie (Karidata)
A Macedonian relative of baklava: a dense, syrup-soaked walnut cake with a caramelized crust. Heavier and more aromatic than classic baklava, with a deep nutty flavor from toasted walnuts and a spiced honey-orange syrup.
What Makes Baklava Authentic
The key to outstanding baklava comes down to three things: the phyllo, the fat, and the syrup. Phyllo must be paper-thin and fresh — it cannot be frozen pre-made without losing its crispness. The fat must be real clarified butter, not vegetable oil or margarine. And the soaking syrup must be honey-based, not pure sugar syrup, which gives a harsh sweetness rather than the floral, complex notes that real Greek honey provides.
We use imported Greek thyme honey at Yaya Mas — one of the world’s most distinctive honeys, with a robust herbal quality that complements the cinnamon-spiced nut filling. The result is baklava that’s sweet but never cloying, rich but never heavy.
Baklava for Delivery, Catering & Gifting
Our baklava is available daily for dine-in, takeout, and delivery across Chicago. It also ships well for gifting — contact us for bulk orders and event catering. Our catering packages include dessert platters with baklava, cheesecake baklava, and portokalopita (Greek orange cake) — perfect for corporate events, weddings, and family gatherings.
We deliver baklava to Lincoln Park, Magnificent Mile / Magnificent Mile / River North, Logan Square, Lakeview, and throughout the city.
Visit Us or Order Online
Yaya Mas is at 1755 N Sheffield Ave, Lincoln Park, Chicago. Open daily from 9:30AM — late night until 5AM Wednesday through Saturday. Order online or stop in and try a piece fresh from the pan. Rated 4.7 stars on Google from over 1,000 reviews.
More Greek Desserts & Pastries
All Greek Desserts ·
Bougatsa (Greek Custard Pie) ·
Greek Breakfast ·
Fresh Spanakopita ·
Greek Coffee
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the best baklava in Chicago?
Yaya Mas Greek Kuzina at 1755 N Sheffield Ave in Lincoln Park serves traditional Greek baklava made fresh daily with hand-layered phyllo, real Greek honey, and a walnut-pistachio filling. Rated 4.7 stars on Google.
What types of baklava does Yaya Mas offer?
Yaya Mas offers classic Greek baklava with walnut-pistachio filling, cheesecake baklava (a Yaya Mas original), and karidata (walnut pie). All made fresh daily with imported Greek honey.
Can I order baklava delivery in Chicago?
Yes – Yaya Mas delivers baklava to Lincoln Park, Magnificent Mile / River North, Logan Square, Lakeview, and throughout Chicago. Order directly from our website with no third-party fees.
Is baklava available for catering in Chicago?
Yes – Yaya Mas provides baklava and Greek dessert platters for corporate events, weddings, and gatherings across Chicago. Contact us for catering orders and bulk pricing.