Bougatsa Iordanis — Local services in Municipality of Chania

OK so just as I got into the island, my hotel reception suggested this place for eating Greek mpougatsa with mizithra. They said I hadn't tried something like this. I am familiar with the Greek cuisine, and have tried this kind of pie even in Thessaloniki where it's it birthplace. Firstly there was a queue, so I said OK this must be good...but then I saw that they where supplied the mizithra in big buckets. This should have been the warning light for me, but still I was in the queue determined to check the product. First of all and most importantly no prices where being displayed...and the cold shower was when they had prepared the plate and you where right in front of the cashier!!! I wander how some ppl say the platter was cheap or just 3 euros and this has a € in the cost rating. I payed 5 euros for something that should not cost more than 2 euros!!! Nothing special as tasting, I tried it warm and left some to try when it was more cold...same thing no matter the temperature. For so highly recommended place and such big rating, the only I can say is that the ppl who rate are either victims of marketing or they haven't ever tried mpougatsa somewhere else. I am sorry for the poor tourist paying 5...

Bougatsa greek tragedy. We went there and noticed one sign for Bougatsa, and assumed that they serve the traditional bougatsa with cream. After purchasing 28 euros of Bougatsa to take some home as well, we tasted the Bougatsa and to our disappointment tasted cheese with sugar on it. One of the shop owners noticed our disappointment and gave us a litany of excuses about how difficult it is for them to make the cream and cool it down, and that the savory version is the local recipe. Great, good for you. However, do either one of three things that would help greatly: 1) call it a tiropita with sugar, 2) disclose on your sign that you carry two types, one with cheese, one with cream on rare occasions, or 3) if Bougatsa is so much trouble to make, stop making Bougatsa and go into something else. They have countless of mantinadas (Cretan poems) on the wall dedicated to their Bougatsa. I thought of one as well: Στου Ιορδανη για μπουγάτσα πήγαμε, και μόνο τυρόπιτα επηραμε. Από οτι μάθαμε το καζάνι είναι δύσκολη δουλειά, μια μπουγάτσα με κρέμα δεν...

Historical (100+ years) and for a good reason - the traditional bougatsa is pretty good (although I felt it could have used a bit more sugar). The cheese used is quite tart and overwhelms the sugar aspect. Would've asked for more but the service was non-existent and unfriendly, which is a shame considering we had many other options for these types of pies in the area. Aside from Tina, who had a smile the entire time, the rest of the staff could not have cared to be bothered or attentive. Tables became available during our visit and we inquired but the male cashier was clearly very upset at the potential of us sitting in despite ordering takeout. That aside, be prepared to wait in line during peak hours and be prepared to not have a table available depending on the time - ordering ahead does seem possible. If you do eat in, try to enjoy yourself and don't mind the employees...