A refugee family preserves pontian cuisine in piraeus

The Manis family continues to produce traditional Pontian piroski, a savory pastry, at their shop Euxinon in Piraeus, Greece.

The family history began in 1922 when Parthenopi Amanatidou arrived in Greece from Trabzon, having previously lived in Constantinople. After settling in the Piraeus area, she preserved the culinary traditions of her homeland. She began making piroski at home for her family before turning the craft into a profession in 1976.

She opened a small preparation shop in the Agiou Dionysiou area before moving the business to Navarchou Notara. Spiros Manis and his wife Vasiliki took over the business in the 1990s. Spiros left his career as a ship captain to focus on the shop, apprenticing under Parthenopi for over a year to learn the specific proportions and techniques required for the dough. Today, Spiros manages the dough preparation while Vasiliki handles the fillings and shaping.

Their son, Giorgos, also works at the shop, maintaining the family tradition. The shop, originally called Spitiko, was renamed Euxinon to honor their heritage and Parthenopi. The family produces each piroski by hand, focusing on a light, golden crust and a soft interior. They continue to serve the local community in Piraeus, maintaining a neighborhood atmosphere where they interact with long-time customers and new visitors alike.