For both visitors and locals in Crete, tasting a Sfakian pie is a must: a thin, pan-cooked pie filled with soft cheese, served warm with honey and cinnamon. Whether with coffee or as a satisfying end to a meal, this pie is the signature dish of Sfakia. You’ll find it in the cafés, tavernas, and restaurants around the region.

On Thursday, November 14, 2024, in Chania, a partnership was signed between Mr. Flemetakis, President of the Regional Development Company of Crete, and Mr. Zervos, Mayor of Sfakia, to prepare and submit a dossier nominating Sfakian pie for the National Registry of Intangible Cultural Heritage with UNESCO. Mr. Flemetakis emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting that the Sfakian pie symbolizes authentic Cretan culture and gastronomy, reflecting the island’s unique identity. This project will include field research, testimonies from locals, and the collection of historical and folkloric materials to help protect and promote Crete’s rich culinary and cultural heritage. This step is also part of the broader program "Crete: Gastronomic Region," through which Crete has been named European Gastronomic Region for 2026.

Mayor Zervos emphasized the importance of this collaboration in preserving the unique preparation methods and quality ingredients that define Sfakian pie. Realizing this project will integrate the pie into the broader Cretan Gastronomic Culture, creating multiple benefits for the local community and economy.

The Director of the Regional Development Company of Crete, Ms. Petrantonaki, outlined the steps involved in compiling the dossier, which is expected to be completed by late 2025. This will include a primary study based on testimonies from local Sfakia residents and expatriates of Sfakian descent, capturing memories, folklore, and stories surrounding the pie. Research will also draw from historical sources, newspapers, folklore texts, and other publications, highlighting the timeless role of Sfakian pie in the daily life of Sfakia. The final dossier will be submitted to the Ministry of Culture after the annual Sfakian Pie Festival, planned for August 2025.