Grocery Shopping & Local Delicacies in Nicosia: A Food Lover’s Guide
Kantina
Nicosians take food shopping seriously. Every Saturday, every housewife and househusband shop for fresh produce, meats, fish, eggs, charcuterie, and cheese, carefully selecting their favorite nibbles, which, like in every Mediterranean household, include olives, nuts, and dried fruits. Quality coffee and wine are also essentials on the list with the capital of Cyprus offering a perfect blend of traditional flavors and modern gourmet delights. If you want to shop like a local and experience the city’s best grocery spots and delicacies, here are some of the places you shouldn’t miss.
Qboo is a specialty bakery store you need to know about, offering some of the best pretzels, true sourdough, almond croissants, and bagels in Nicosia. Their pretzels are the real deal—golden brown, with a crisp crust and a soft, chewy interior, just like those found in a Bavarian bakery. Their sourdough is made using traditional fermentation methods, resulting in a rich, tangy flavor and a perfectly airy texture. Their almond croissants are a must-try—flaky, buttery, and filled with delicate almond cream. And for bagel lovers, they strike the perfect balance of a crispy exterior and a soft, dense chew, offering various flavors and toppings.
Brot. Micro Bakery is a small bakery with a big passion for slow-fermented sourdough, offering an exceptional selection of handcrafted loaves. Their menu includes classic white and wholegrain sourdough, as well as a Cypriot koulouri sourdough topped with sesame seeds. For a quick snack, try their tahini rolls or pizza rolls, both baked fresh daily.
Zorbas is the everyday essential and no grocery trip in Cyprus is complete without a visit to it. From freshly baked bread and pastries to ready-made meals and desserts, it has everything you need for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Their cheese pies, olive breads, and tahini pastries are local favorites. Don’t miss out on their bourekia (pastries filled with sweet anari cheese) or their lountza (smoked pork loin) sandwiches. If you have a sweet tooth, their dessert sensation filled with baklava, galaktoboureko, and loukoumades is pure heaven.
Bavarian Delicatessen is a food lover’s paradise, the go-to place for premium cheeses, cold cuts, and gourmet sausages that bring a taste of Europe to Cyprus. Whether you’re looking for buttery gorgonzola, delicate prosciutto, or traditional German bratwurst, Bavarian offers exceptional quality and variety. They also stock a selection of imported pastas, sauces, and condiments, making it the perfect stop for anyone planning a special meal at home. Kantina is the ultimate destination for fine food lovers, specializing in artisan cheeses, charcuterie, wines, and spirits. They take special care in selecting products based on provenance, sustainability, and traditional production methods, ensuring a premium selection of high-quality goods.
Food Haus caters to those who appreciate top-quality meats, cheeses, and gourmet imported products. With several locations across Nicosia, their selection includes aged prosciuttos, marinated olives, and gourmet spreads, perfect for anyone looking to elevate their home-cooked meals.
If variety is what you seek, Alphamega Hypermarkets will not disappoint. Their well-organized stores offer an extensive range of groceries, including fresh produce, imported delicacies, and specialty diet sections. Whether you need gluten-free, organic, or vegan products, Alphamega has something for everyone.
If you’re looking for a reliable place to buy fresh meat in Agios Andreas, Nicosia, A & T Diomidous MAS Supermarket is an excellent option. Their well-stocked butchery, fair prices, and professional service make it a go-to spot for quality meats. The supermarket also offers fresh fruit and vegetables, general groceries and household essentials.
Municipal Market
Qboo Bakehouse
OHI Market, located in the heart of the city at Agios Antonios Municipal Market, is a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic Cypriot flavors. Established in the early 20th century, this lively market is a treasure trove of fresh fruits, vegetables, aromatic herbs, and locally sourced products. The market stalls overflow with seasonal produce, traditional Cypriot cheeses like halloumi and anari, and a wide variety of fragrant spices. It’s the perfect place to experience the local way of life. The market is held every Wednesday.
The Municipal Market of Nicosia, tucked away at the end of Ledra Street next to the Old Town Hall, is where local farmers and artisans gather to sell fresh, organic vegetables, homemade preserves, freshly baked bread, olives, and herbs. The market is open daily, but Saturdays are the busiest days, with vendors bringing in their best products from across the district.