Athens is not just a city with stunning ancient ruins and beautiful beaches, but also a food lover's paradise. From the savory souvlaki to the sweet baklava, the cuisine of Athens is a feast for the senses. The city's rich culinary history is a reflection of its diverse cultural influences, including Greek, Ottoman, and Mediterranean flavors. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or just looking to indulge in some delicious meals, Athens is the perfect destination for a culinary adventure. In this guide, we'll take you on a journey through Athens' must-try dishes, hidden foodie gems, and top restaurants. Get ready to experience the city's gastronomic delights like a true foodie.
Athens' Most Iconic Delicacies
From street food to fine dining, there is something for everyone in Athens. For those who love to explore new culinary experiences, Athens is a paradise of flavors and aromas. If you're a foodie, then you must try some of the city's most iconic dishes, such as the classic souvlaki, the popular street food sandwich known as "vromiko," the sweet and sticky loukoumades, the crispy fried fish, and the hearty brunch options. These dishes are not only delicious but also represent the culture and traditions of this vibrant city.
Discovering Achillea: A Traditional Souvlaki Shop in Neos Kosmos
Souvlaki is a Greek dish consisting of grilled pieces of meat and is unofficially considered the national food, despite bean soup (fasolada) being the official national dish. It is typically prepared in special shops called "souvlatzidika." Although it is often considered a type of fast food, it is also commonly chosen for more formal occasions. The original form of souvlaki consisted of pieces of pork and a slice of bread served on a wooden skewer, but now the term refers to the round pita bread filled with pieces of meat (typically pork or chicken), tomato, onion, potatoes, and the traditional Greek sauce tzatziki. Souvlaki is readily available throughout Greece and typically costs between 2.80 to 3.50 euros.
Achilleas' Souvlaki
The cozy interior of the shop can barely accommodate five people, with customers squeezing in during the winter months to place their orders. However, during the summer, a line forms outside the shop, as people eagerly wait to be served and savor their souvlaki while chatting and sipping on cold beers. The shop is immaculately clean and has only the essential equipment, including a paso, a charcoal grill, a gyro spit, and a fridge stocked with soft drinks and beers. On the wall, you'll find two inscriptions and a photo of Achilleas, who founded the shop in 1987.
Achilleas doesn't offer delivery services because he insists on serving only fresh and piping hot souvlaki that retains all its flavors. The shop is famous for its succulent and perfectly spiced pork gyro, which is made daily in their workshop. You can enjoy it either as a portion with tomato and onion, or wrapped in a fresh, buttered pita with onion-parsley, tomato, and their signature tzatziki.
The shop closes promptly at nine in the evening, and once the gyro is sold out, there's no more for the day. Achillea serves the traditional souvlaki with its classic ingredients, excluding potatoes, and uses only properly cooked meat. However, if you have a hankering for potatoes, you can always request them.
A visit to Achillea promises a delectable and authentic Greek culinary experience. You can find this gem at 18 Spintharou, Neos Kosmos.
Savoring Loukoumades: A Flavorful Experience at Siametis Pastry Shop
Loukoumades are a beloved delicacy enjoyed worldwide. Many cuisines feature a dough made from simple flour dough that is deep-fried in hot oil and then topped with various syrups, sauces, flavorings, and spices to create its final form. And Greece is no exception. Traditional Greek loukoumades are typically flavored with honey and cinnamon, but there are also many variations available, such as those topped with chocolate or served with ice cream.
Siametis Pastry Shop
Siametis pastry shop, located in Vari, is undoubtedly the best place to savor the delectable confection of loukoumades. They offer an extensive menu of 25 flavors, including chocolate-strawberry, chocolate-lemon, chocolate-orange, praline-Bavarian cream, oreo, hazelnut praline, white praline, caramel, raspberry, dark chocolate, and the traditional ones made with flower honey or thyme honey. Customers can choose their favorite flavor or even mix several together. The donuts are prepared and filled to order, right in the shop's workshop.
What sets Siametis apart is that they also serve savory donuts! Their loukoumades with cheddar cheese or Philadelphia and bacon are worth trying. You can indulge in the sweet or savory donuts while enjoying the cozy ambiance of the pastry shop. You can find Siametis pastry shop at Panos 8, Vari.
Exploring Athens' Street Food Scene: The Delectable Vromiko Sandwich
As I continued my culinary journey through the streets of Athens and its suburbs, I simply had to mention the king of street food - the “dirty” sandwich, known as “vromiko”! This oversized bread is the perfect canvas for all your sandwich fillings, whether it be meat, cold cuts, salads, cheese, sausages, and more. Dirty sandwiches are a favorite late-night snack, and the street vendors selling them stay open until dawn. Despite their “humble” origins, dirty sandwiches are incredibly satisfying and pack a flavor punch that will leave you wanting more.
So where can you find the best vromiko in town? Look no further than Mavili Square, near the Hilton area! Here you'll find vendors serving up the tastiest and most satisfying sandwiches in Athens. Prices typically range from 4 to 8-9 euros, making them an affordable and delicious option for anyone seeking a late-night snack.
The Must-Try Fish in a Cone from Zisi's Shop in Athens
And finally, no visit to Athens is complete without trying the fish in a cone from Zisi's shop in the heart of the city. For less than 5 euros, you can savor small but flavorful fish, such as thin shrimp, anchovies, marida, and more, all fried to crispy perfection and served in a convenient paper cone.
Zisi's fish cones offer a nutritious and affordable option for those in need of a quick bite while exploring the city. Don't miss out on this delectable treat during your Athens adventure! Zisi’s shop: Athenaidos St. 3, Athens center
Athens is a city that delights the senses, not just with its stunning ancient landmarks and vibrant culture, but also with its diverse and flavorful street food. From the savory souvlaki and the indulgent loukoumades to the satisfying dirty sandwich and the delicious fish in a cone, there is something to please every palate and budget. These street foods are more than just a quick meal, they represent the essence of Athens, a city that celebrates good food, good company, and good times. So the next time you visit Athens, make sure to venture beyond the tourist hotspots and explore the city's streets, where you'll discover a world of culinary delights waiting to be savored.