Loukoumades are one of the oldest documented desserts in the world — ancient Greek texts describe them as early as the 776 BCE Olympic Games, where athletes were rewarded with small honey-soaked fritters. Today they remain Greece’s most beloved street food: airy yeasted dough balls, fried until golden and crispy on the outside, drizzled with warm Greek honey and a dusting of cinnamon. At Yaya Mas Greek Kuzina, we make loukoumades fresh to order — no sitting under heat lamps, no batch cooking. You get them the moment they come out of the fryer.
What Are Loukoumades?
Loukoumades (pronounced loo-koo-MAH-des) are Greek honey puffs — small, round, deep-fried dough balls made from a yeast-leavened batter. The name comes from the Arabic “luqma” (meaning morsel or bite), reflecting the cultural exchange of the Eastern Mediterranean. They are related to Turkish lokma and similar to Italian zeppole, but the Greek version is defined by its pairing with thyme honey and cinnamon.
The secret to great loukoumades is the dough: it must be wet enough to create an interior pocket of steam during frying, which makes the inside hollow and pillowy while the outside crisps. Then they must be served immediately — loukoumades that sit for more than a few minutes lose their texture.
Our Loukoumades Toppings
Classic: Warm Greek thyme honey & ground cinnamon
Chocolate: Melted dark chocolate drizzle with crushed walnuts
Honey & Sesame: Raw sesame seeds, honey, and sea salt
Seasonal: Ask about our rotating seasonal toppings — including Greek yogurt & spiced walnut
The Ancient History of Loukoumades
Loukoumades have arguably the longest documented history of any dessert still eaten today. Ancient Greeks called them “honey tokens” (τηγανίτης) and served them to Olympic champions. The Greek poet Callimachus described the preparation in the 3rd century BCE. By the Byzantine era they were a common festival food, and today you’ll find loukoumades vendors at every Greek festival, street fair, and neighborhood kiosk.
At Yaya Mas, we tell this story with every order. When you taste loukoumades drizzled in Greek honey, you’re experiencing one of the oldest food traditions in human history — unchanged in three thousand years.
Loukoumades for Delivery & Catering in Chicago
Loukoumades are best served fresh and hot, but we’ve optimized our packaging so they travel well for delivery within Chicago. We deliver to Lincoln Park, Magnificent Mile / Magnificent Mile / River North, Logan Square, Lakeview, and across the city. For catering, loukoumades are a crowd favorite at events — made fresh on-site or prepared for large orders. Ask about our catering packages.
Pair Your Loukoumades With
Greek coffee (Ellinikos kafés) — the perfect pairing, just as it’s done in Athens
Classic baklava or cheesecake baklava for a full Greek dessert spread
Bougatsa — warm custard pie dusted with powdered sugar
Visit us at 1755 N Sheffield Ave, Lincoln Park — open daily from 9:30AM, late night until 5AM Wednesday through Saturday. View our full menu. Rated 4.7 stars on Google from over 1,000 reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are loukoumades?
Loukoumades are traditional Greek honey puffs — small, round fried dough balls made from yeast-leavened batter, served hot and drizzled with Greek honey and cinnamon. They are one of the oldest documented desserts, eaten since ancient Olympic times.
Where can I get loukoumades in Chicago?
Yaya Mas Greek Kuzina at 1755 N Sheffield Ave in Lincoln Park serves authentic loukoumades made fresh to order. Available for dine-in, takeout, and delivery across Chicago.
Can I order loukoumades for delivery in Chicago?
Yes – Yaya Mas delivers loukoumades to Lincoln Park, Magnificent Mile / River North, Logan Square, Lakeview, and throughout Chicago. Order directly from our website for the freshest delivery.
Are loukoumades available for catering?
Yes – Yaya Mas offers loukoumades as part of our Greek dessert catering packages. Great for events, corporate gatherings, and weddings. Contact us for bulk orders.