Shammali

🍰 Shammali Recipe from North Cyprus – A Traditional Cypriot Semolina Cake

Shammali (also written as Shamali) is one of the most loved traditional desserts in North Cyprus, enjoyed with Turkish coffee, tea, or even a glass of raki. This sweet semolina cake has a soft yet slightly grainy texture and is soaked in fragrant syrup, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. You’ll find Shammali in local bakeries, meyhanes, family gatherings, and festivals across Cyprus.

In this guide, we’ll explore the history of Shammali, its cultural significance in North Cyprus, and provide you with an authentic Shammali recipe so you can recreate this delicious Cypriot dessert at home.
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❓What is Shammali?

Shammali is a semolina-based cake that stands out because it doesn’t contain eggs or milk, making it naturally dairy-free and vegan-friendly. It is flavoured with orange blossom water or rose water and topped with almonds before baking. Once baked, the cake is drenched in a simple sugar syrup, giving it its rich sweetness and unique moist texture.

This dessert has roots in both Greek and Turkish Cypriot traditions and is considered a staple of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, where semolina cakes are a common delicacy.
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✨ Cultural Significance of Shammali in North Cyprus

In North Cyprus, Shammali is more than just a dessert – it is a symbol of hospitality and celebration. Families often prepare it for special occasions, religious festivals, or when welcoming guests. In village celebrations and meze feasts, it is served at the end of the meal as a sweet conclusion to the dining experience.

The simplicity of ingredients reflects the traditional Cypriot approach to cooking: using what is locally available to create dishes that are both flavourful and memorable.
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👨‍🍳 Authentic Shammali Recipe from North Cyprus

Here’s how to make Shammali (Shamali) at home with a traditional Cypriot recipe.

🥗 Ingredients:

For the cake:
• 2 cups coarse semolina
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla sugar (or vanilla extract)
• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• ½ cup water
• 2 tbsp orange blossom water (or rose water)
• Whole blanched almonds (for topping)

For the syrup:
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups water
• 2–3 slices of lemon
• 1 tbsp orange blossom water (optional)
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👨‍🍳Method:

🫕 Prepare the syrup first:
o In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, and lemon slices.
o Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened.
o Add orange blossom water, remove from heat, and let it cool.

🥣 Prepare the cake batter:
o In a mixing bowl, combine semolina, sugar, baking powder, and vanilla.
o Add orange juice, water, and orange blossom water. Mix well until you get a thick batter.

🔳 Bake the cake:
o Pour the batter into a greased baking dish and smooth the top.
o Score into diamond or square shapes and place one almond in the centre of each piece.
o Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 40–45 minutes, until golden brown.

🫗 Add the syrup:
o Once the cake is out of the oven, immediately pour the cooled syrup evenly over the hot cake.
o Allow it to rest and absorb the syrup before serving.
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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve Shammali warm or at room temperature with Turkish coffee or Cypriot tea.
• For a modern twist, pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt.
• It keeps well for several days, making it a convenient dessert to prepare in advance.
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😋 Why You’ll Love Shammali

• Egg-free & dairy-free – suitable for vegans.
• Fragrant and moist – thanks to citrus and syrup.
• Authentic Cypriot flavour – a true taste of North Cyprus at home.
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🌸 Final Thoughts

The Shammali recipe from North Cyprus is a timeless dessert that showcases the rich culinary heritage of the island. With its semolina base, citrus fragrance, and sweet syrup, it’s no wonder this cake remains a favourite across generations. Whether you’re looking to recreate holiday memories, explore Cypriot cuisine, or surprise your guests with something unique, Shammali is a must-try.

If you love Cypriot food, make sure to check out our other traditional recipes such as Pilavuna, Seftali Kebab, and Molohiya.