Koikkom

Koikkom refers to a Cypriot dessert made from a mixture of wheat flour andSprite (lucky for those who enjoy the sweet bubbly drink). The pastry is baked and then stuffed with a sweet cheese called halloumi which is an uncomplicated procedure.

Halloumi, popular in Cyprus, is a semi-hard cheese that can be grilled or fried, which gives it a unique texture. Koikkom makes use of this cheese in its filling. When inserted inside the fried pastry, the cheese shapes the flavor profile of the treat which stays quite distinct from the general sweetness of the pastry itself. Koikkom is usually enjoyed by people in Cyprus and serves the purpose of an evening snack with friends and family.

The history of koikkom is unclear, and so is the meaning behind its name which seems to have its roots in the Greek language. It's not difficult to speculate that it might have been named after a familiar person, or it might be a juxtaposition of different cultural influences that merged in the dessert's making.

Koikkom can be prepared in a variety of ways, with different types of cheese and pastry crusts. The twist or unique appeal of the Cypriot dessert, however, lies in its exclusive use of halloumi cheese and Sprite. For those interested in dining like a Cypriot, koikkom is a delicious introduction into getting familiar with their deserts.