6 Greek Street Food Items You Can Try That Won’t Kill Your Budget
But even if you don’t have the time to properly lunch in a traditional restaurant, there are plenty of Greek street food options for you. And the best part of it? The cost of them is under 5 euros! Keep reading and you will learn all you need to know to have the best Greek street food without spending a fortune. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]
Gyros / Souvlaki
[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″ el_width=”80″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]Let’s start with the basics! When you think of Greek food, the first thing that comes to mind is souvlaki or gyros. Souvlaki is grilled cubes of pork or chicken on a skewer. Gyros is chopped pork meat grilled vertically in a rotisserie. There are two ways to order this: as a portion, that comes with all the ingredients on a plate individually, or the other most popular option, as a wrapped sandwich. The sandwich consists of the meat of your choice, sliced tomatoes, red onions, the famous tzatziki sauce, and french fries, safely packed in a pita bread. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1572554551459{background-color: #fffdf9 !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]- What is in a name: depending on where you are in Greece, you might hear different names to describe this popular meal. The souvlaki sandwich might also have some different fillings. For example, in northern Greece, the sandwich consists of meat, french fries, slices of tomato, ketchup and mustard sauce.
- Vegan/vegeterial friendly: Yes and no! These are usually establishments that are grilling meat all day everyday so you might not even want to be in or around a place that handles meat. However, especially during the period of Lent when Greeks fast from all animal products you are more likely to find “pita/sandwiches” with veggie burgers. If that sounds like you, they are equally delicious!
- Where to find it: Basically everywhere.
- Average price: 2-4 € / sandwich.
Great Gyros/Souvlaki Streetfood in Thessaloniki
[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]In Thessaloniki, the best place to taste a souvlaki sandwich is “Gyradiko”. They are insanely big and always of great quality. Size is another issue between Athenians and Thessalonians! Guess who usually wins? 😉[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_toggle title=”more info about Gyradiko”]address: 52 Grigoriou Lampraki, Thessaloniki 543 51opening hours: 11 am – 5 am
tel. number: +302310952266
Directions[/vc_toggle][vc_column_text]Derlicatessen is an ideal choice when you are in Thessaloniki, both in terms of quality and options. A local favourite that has been operating for almost 20 years, it is especially good for vegeterians or vegans with offers of mushroom and haloumi cheese souvlaki. These little pockets of goodness are small but mighty! Order two! And grab a friend so you can share some fresh (not frozen) french fries with Greek kefalotiri cheese sprinkled on top! [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_toggle title=”more info about Derlicatessen”]address: 7 I. Kouskoura str, Thessaloniki 546 22
opening hours: 12.00 pm – 4.00 am
tel. number: +302310 226 367
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Great Gyros/Souvlaki Streetfood in Athens
[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]In Athens, we are big fans of Kalamaki Bar centrally located in the centre of Athens. They offer great quality salads, appetizers and meat options. While there, why not try the lamb or beef souvlaki for something different? [/vc_column_text][vc_toggle title=”more info about Kalamaki Bar”]address: 15 Dimitrakopoulou & Drakou str. , Athens 117 42opening hours: 12.00 am – 2 am
tel. number: +302110171862
Directions[/vc_toggle][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”13207″ img_size=”1000×667″ add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Kalamaki Kolonaki, is another excellent establishment in the beautiful upscale neighborhood of Kolonaki that is worth your attention. Apart from the standard meat dishes and salads that are perfectly executed we 100% recommend the quinoa salad with chickpeas, florina peppers (a Greek delicacy) and avocado. A perfect blend of Greek and international flavours![/vc_column_text][vc_toggle title=”more info about Kalamaki Kolonaki”]address: 32 Ploutarchou str, Athens 106 75
opening hours: 12.00 am – 1.00 am
tel. number: +302107218800
Directions[/vc_toggle][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”13182″ img_size=”1000×667″ add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]O Thanasis, in Monastiraki is another place I never fail to visit when in Athens. It is so centrally located that you are bound to fall on to it at some point during your walk. There is ample sitting available both inside and outside and while it attracts hundreds of hungry tourists a day, locals also pick it for its quality and warm energy. Τry the “giaortlou kebab” for juicy meat, elegantly flavoured with refreshing yoghurt dip and enough pita breads to soak up the juices. [/vc_column_text][vc_toggle title=”more info about O Thanasis”]address: Mitropoleos 69, Athina 105 55, Greece
opening hours: Sunday – Thusday 9:15 AM – 1:30 AM – Friday & Saturday – 9:15 AM – 2:30 AM
tel. number: +30 21 0324 4705
Directions[/vc_toggle][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”13230″ img_size=”large” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”13213″ img_size=”large” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]
☞ Related: 10 Best Restaurants and Taverns In Thessaloniki Favored By Locals
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Loukoumades
[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Loukoumades are the Greek version of donuts. They are small round-shaped fried balls of dough, which are soaked in sweet syrup and topped with honey and walnuts. This is probably the sweetest memory from every Greek childhood. Every Greek grandma has the recipe for the greatest loukoumades you will ever taste. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Different versions: The recipe for the dough is usually the same, but you can alter the toppings. You can choose between white chocolate, milk chocolate, marmalade or ice cream. We suggest you stick with the traditional recipe and go for the honey and walnuts option at least once! [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The only alteration you can find is the ‘loukoumas’, which is similar to the classic donut, but round-shaped with a whole in the middle and covered with sugar. Vendors sell it on the beach making the children run when they see the seller. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1573429542675{background-color: #fffdf9 !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]- Vegetarian-friendly: Totally yes!
- Where to find it: The best place to taste the greatest loukoumades are from the street sellers in county fairs of each region.
- Average price: ~ 3-5 € / the portion of 5-7 loukoumades.
Loukoumades Streetfood in Athens
[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]The most famous and Instagrammable place is LUKUMADES in Aiolou, downtown Athens. The have so many choices to pick from whether you want to go traditional, sweet or savory. Just look at that picture! These adorable little balls are also mostly always vegan and animal-product free unless you want additional ice cream. They are made fresh and need to be consumed on the day! [/vc_column_text][vc_toggle title=”more info about LUKUMADES”]address: 2 Aiolou str, Athens 105 51opening hours: 8.00 am – 1.00 am
tel. number: 210 321 0880
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So many options!
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Loukoumades Streetfood in Thessaloniki
[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]If you are in Thessaloniki, then you need to try Loukoumades tis Loxandras. This spot goes a long way back, having been established in 1988. Watch them fry the dough balls infront of your eyes and pick sweet or savoury depending on how you feel on the day. The loukoumades with cherry tomatoes and feta are as Greek as it gets and make an excellent appetizer with a nice cold beer. [/vc_column_text][vc_toggle title=”more info about Loukoumades tis Loksandras”]address: 4 Gimnasiarchou Stefanou str, Thessaloniki 542 50opening hours: 5.30 am – 10.30 pm, Monday closed
tel. number: +302310323140
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☞ Related: The Food You Absolutely Need To Try In Thessaloniki
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Fish in a cone
[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As a tribute to the Greek worship of the sea and its produce, you can enjoy a cone of crispy fried fish instead of your usual souvlaki. You can fill your cone with a great variety of fish and seafood like sardines, calamari, shrimp, whitebait and sand smelt. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1573433007788{background-color: #fffdf9 !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]- Vegetarian-Friendly: Yes, ideal for pescetarians.
- Average price: 3,90 € / cone
- Where to find it: Athens and Crete locations for now
Fish in a Cone – Greek Street food in Athens
[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]When you think of fish in a cone, there is only one place that comes to mind, Zisis – Fish in a cone. The owner, Zisis Papazisis, provides Athenians with healthy and nutritious food, at a low price but high quality. The concept store is located in the heart of the city center on Athinaidos 3 street. It is not only in Athens though, you can enjoy your fish cone in Chania, Crete also! Fish in a cone is located on Tsouderon 95 street in the city of Chania and waits for you to visit![/vc_column_text][vc_toggle title=”more info about Zisis – Fish in a cone”]address: 3 Athinaidos str Athens 105 63openning hours: 12.00 pm – 12.00 am
tel. number: +3021o3211152
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☞ Related: 2 Days In Athens: The Way A Local Would Do It
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Greek Bakery Pies
[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”13249″ img_size=”1000×667″ add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1572553665905{background-color: #fffdf9 !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1571882797598{background-color: #fffdf9 !important;}”][vc_column_text]A traditional Greek breakfast includes at least a piece of a pie. Every morning the bakeries in Greece are full of people who grab their favorite kind of pie and head to work. The secret ingredient of the great flavor comes from the phyllo, which is prepared with fresh products and pure love! [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_single_image image=”12842″ img_size=”1000×667″ add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Different versions: There are many options when it comes to the filling of your pita.If you are a fan of savoury flavours:
- you can choose the traditional tyropita, which is a feta cheese pie
- Spanakopita, which is spinach pie
- Pita stuffed with yellow cheese and bacon
- Bougatsa with feta, or spinach, or mince.
On the other hand, if you love sugar and sweet flavors, you should go for:
- the one and only Bougatsa filled with custard semolina cream and topped with sugar powder and cinnamon
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Most of the pitas contain dairy products, but you can find vegetarian pitas during the fasting period before Easter and Christmas.
- Average price: 1-2 € / piece of the pie.
- Where to find it: Bakeries in Greece might be even more popular than gyros stores. So, you can find a bakery everywhere. The secret is one: the smaller and more traditional the bakery is, the better! Choose one of them and you will get a taste of the original traditional recipes.
Popular Bakeries in Thessaloniki for Pies
[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]In Thessaloniki, one of the most popular bakeries is “Koukos”. Since 1955, it offers great pies to Thessalonians with high quality. The first store was opened in the eastern suburbs of the city, in Peraia village and still exists. Nowadays, the second store is available in the city center and specifically at 10 Vogatsikou street. [/vc_column_text][vc_toggle title=”more info about Koukos”]address: 10 Vogatsikou str, Thessaloniki 546 22Openning hours: 8.00 am – 9.00 am
tel. number: 2310 242403
Directions[/vc_toggle][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”13210″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”13209″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Koulouri or Sesame Bagel
[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]This is the most popular snack in Greece. It is a round-shaped bagel, covered in sesame and coming from the Byzantine times. Although it is placed in the Greek street food list, it is highly nutritious and full of protein and fibers. It is the perfect Greek snack and beloved my Greeks and international visitors alike. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Different versions: The main recipe consists of white flour, sesame seeds, salt, water and baker’s yeast. Nowadays there are many different versions of the koulouri that you can choose from.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]- Flour: you can choose between whole wheat flour, cornmeal, and almond flour.
- Seeds: instead of sesame seeds, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds
- Fillings: there are plenty of filling options besides the traditional plain recipe. You can find koulouri stuffed with cream cheese, deli meat, or chicken. If you are in the mood for a sweet flavour, you can choose koulouri stuffed with praline or marmalade.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: The traditional recipe is vegetarian and vegan-friendly. The stuffed ones depend on the filling.
- Average price: 1- 1,5 €
- Where to find it: In every bakery around the corner. Many street vendors sell the freshly-baked koulouri daily.
☞ Related: What To Do In Thessaloniki For 2 Days: An Itinerary By A Local
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Grilled chestnuts, corn and Salepi
[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]During the winter season, a great snack idea during an afternoon stroll or walk is roasted chestnuts and a cup of salepi brew. Salepi is a hot and flavour full drink, made from a powder that comes from the pink orchid plant and is the ideal beverage for a cold winter day. The name is Arabic and has probably remained after the long occupation under the Ottoman Empire. If you are lucky to still find a vendor that makes this original recipe you are in for a treat. The warming beverage sprinkled with cinnamon and ginger is an excellent warm up drink for a cold winter’s night.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]You will find chestnut vendors all around the watefront during the winter. In the summer, they are replaced by grilled corn with a light sprinkle of salt. [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1573433379628{background-color: #fffdf9 !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]- Vegetarian/ Vegan Friendly: All these snacks are totally vegan friendly!
- Average price: 1 – 2 €
- Where to find it: All of them are sold by street vendors around the main streets of the cities. Follow the lovely smell of the brew and the charcoal aroma of the grilled corn and chestnuts.
- Greek Street food is a guilty pleasure of young and old. They are not only great tasting options, but money-saving as well. We hope that we have provided you with all the necessary ingredients for your next Greek food tour. Have you already tried any of them? Let us know in the comments below!
