A mpaharopoleio (μπαχαροπωλείο) is a traditional spice shop in Greece.
The word literally comes from the Greek words “mpachari” (μπαχάρι), which today means “spice” but originally referred specifically to allspice, and “poleio” (πωλείο), meaning “shop.”
The name dates back to a time when allspice was one of the most valuable imported spices in Greece.
Over the years, the term came to describe shops selling not only spices but also a wide variety of herbs, teas, dried fruits, nuts, and other traditional products.
Thus, nowadays, in traditional Greek spice shops, you’ll find countless other aromatic culinary treasures.
Spice shops in Greece hold an important place in the country’s gastronomy and culinary traditions.
It is here that Greeks buy a wide variety of products for home cooking.
They love to cook and enjoy delicious, high-quality food.
What You Will Find
When you step into an authentic mpaharopoleio, you will discover a true sensory paradise, quite different from any standard store.
You will see hundreds of glass jars lined up on long shelves along the walls, sacks of bulk goods on the floor, and bundles of wild herbs hanging from the ceiling.
If you want the best and freshest ingredients and want to enjoy your homemade traditional meal to the fullest, you should definitely visit a mpaharopoleio!
Spices
Corfu has a deep historical relationship with exotic spices.
During their centuries of rule, the Venetians brought precious commodities from the East to the island, including many exotic spices.
Sweet cinnamon, aromatic cloves, warming nutmeg, and black pepper have been used in Corfiot cooking for centuries, giving the island’s cuisine its distinctive character.
Spetseriko
If you enjoy cooking and want to bring the 100% authentic taste of Corfu home, you have found an absolute winner!
Spetseriko is a unique blend of spices and herbs originally created in Corfu.
During the Venetian era, this signature mixture was prepared and sold by local pharmacists, known as spetsieri, for both culinary and medicinal purposes.
Spetseriko combines up to 12 aromatic ingredients, including hot and sweet paprika, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, cumin, bay leaves, and other carefully selected spices.
It is Spetseriko that gives the island’s legendary Pastitsada sauce its iconic rich flavour and distinctive aroma.
Corfu Aromatic Mixes
Corfiot cuisine is incredibly aromatic and rich, and you have probably already experienced that during your holiday.
If you want to recreate authentic island flavours in your own kitchen, look for pre-blended aromatic mixes for famous local dishes.
Sofrito mix, made with garlic, parsley, and pepper, or Bourdeto spice mix, based on hot red pepper, will let you enjoy authentic Corfiot flavours without the hassle of mixing spices yourself.
Herbs
There is a great variety of local aromatic herbs used in the island’s cuisine.
Basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme are traditionally grown in Corfu and are used in everyday cooking.
These aromatic treasures can be found on nearly every kitchen shelf, right next to homemade olive oil and local honey, which is produced in Corfu by many beekeepers.
Corfu Honey
Thanks to its rich natural environment and abundance of wildflowers, Corfu has a long tradition of producing a wide variety of excellent honeys.
In mpaharopoleio, you will also find Greek mountain tea, sage, mint, verbena, chamomile, linden blossoms, lavender, and a huge variety of herbal teas and aromatic infusions.
Local & Organic Products
You can also find beans, rice, a variety of homemade pasta in all shapes and colours, local nuts, dried fruits, and many traditional baking ingredients.
Look for specialties such as mahlepi, masticha, cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, aniseed, and sesame seeds, all commonly used in Greek baking.
The vast majority of these products are 100% organic, locally produced, and sourced from small Greek farmers.
Corfu Sweets
For those with a sweet tooth, a mpaharopoleio will have locally sourced and handmade fig pies, the famous Corfu mandoles (caramelised red almonds), traditional sesame bars (pasteli), a variety of tahini products, and many other local treats.
Many of these traditional delicacies are handmade by local producers using recipes passed down through generations.
They will make wonderful edible souvenirs and thoughtful gifts to take home from Corfu.
Natural Skincare & Beauty Products
In some mpaharopoleia, you will also find a variety of natural skincare and beauty products made with local organic ingredients.
They are often produced by the same local manufacturers who make olive oil, honey, and kumquat products.
Ask about aromatic kumquat soaps and shampoos, hand creams made with organic olive oil, and products enriched with essential oils from local herbs and flowers.
Some shops also carry soothing and nourishing skincare products made with Greek yogurt, bee products such as beeswax and propolis, pomegranate, volcanic clay, aloe vera, and donkey milk.
Pro Traveller Tip
Buy a few sachets of local herbs and spices, a small jar of Corfu honey, and a bar of handmade kumquat or olive oil soap.
You can easily pack them in your hand luggage without any extra cost, and they’ll make one of the most authentic and thoughtful gifts you can bring home from Corfu.
All of these products, and much more, can be found at mpaharopoleio in Garitsa , located just a 10-minute walk from Corfu Airport and about a 20-minute walk from the central bus station in Corfu Town.
