Skip to main content Skip to footer 
If you’re looking for an authentic Greek experience beyond moussaka and ouzo, try the “ipovrihio” (also spelled ypovrychio), the dessert that literally dives into water!
🌊 What Is It?
The ipovrihio — meaning “submarine” — is a classic summer sweet made from a simple mixture of sugar, water, honey, vanilla extract or mastic, and lemon juice. The result is a thick, glossy paste flavored with either vanilla or mastiha (the aromatic resin from the island of Chios).
Traditionally, a spoonful of this paste is submerged in a glass of ice-cold water, where it softens slightly before being licked slowly — like a lollipop that refreshes you on a hot day.
🏺 A Sweet with History
According to tradition, this treat was first created in Istanbul (Constantinople), in the neighborhood of Galatas, by confectioners from the island of Chios.
When they later returned to their island as refugees, they enhanced the recipe with Chios mastic, adding a distinct, aromatic twist to the sugary paste.
By the 1950s and 1960s, the submarine sweet had become a symbol of Greek hospitality, often offered to guests as a welcome treat. Today, it remains a nostalgic favorite, found in village cafés and traditional pastry shops across Greece — a spoonful of the past in every taste.
🌸 Flavors to Try
The classic flavor is Madagascar vanilla, smooth and fragrant.
For something uniquely Greek, choose Chios mastiha, with its resinous, refreshing, slightly earthy aroma.
Other versions include rose, bitter almond, and strawberry, each offering its own sweet personality.
☀️ How to Enjoy It — Like a Local
Want to experience the ipovrihio the authentic way? Follow these insider tips to savor it just like the Greeks do:
🧊 1. Always Use Ice-Cold Water
The secret lies in the contrast — thick, sweet paste meeting icy water.
👉 Ask for extra ice on hot days; the colder the water, the more refreshing the experience.
⏳ 2. Be Patient — Let It Soften
When you first dip the spoon, the paste may feel firm.
Wait a few seconds for it to soften slightly before tasting — it’ll be smoother and easier to enjoy.
🍽️ 3. Don’t Rush It
This isn’t a quick dessert — it’s a ritual of slowness.
Take small licks, let the sweetness melt on your tongue, and sip some cold water in between. That’s how Greeks enjoy it on a lazy summer afternoon.
☕ 4. Pair It with Coffee
For a perfect balance of flavors, try your ipovrihio with a Greek coffee or freddo espresso. The bitter coffee offsets the sweetness beautifully.
🏖️ 5. A Summer Pick-Me-Up
Light, cooling, and nostalgic — it’s the ideal midday refreshment in seaside villages, often served to guests during the heat of the day.
🍶 6. Share the Moment
Traditionally, offering a submarine sweet is a gesture of friendship and welcome.
So if someone serves you one, take your time — you’re not just tasting a dessert, you’re sharing a piece of Greek hospitality.
