Street food in Athens is unlike anything you have ever seen. It’s not just about the food, it’s an experience. You can find street vendors selling some of the most delicious and authentic Greek cuisine on every block of Athens – and they’re all so good! This blog post will tell you more about what to expect when eating street food in Athens, Greece and why this is one culinary adventure that shouldn’t be missed!
Koulouri
This is the most popular street food in Athens. It’s a small ring-shaped bread that contains sesame seeds on top, but you can also find versions with other toppings including poppy seed or plain flour. Koulouri are best when they’re fresh out of the oven so head to one of the bakeries first thing in the morning to pick up a fresh batch.
Frappé Coffee
Athens is the birthplace of Frappé coffee which is served cold and it’s delicious. This classic Greek beverage consists of instant Nescafé mixed with ice cubes, sugar (optional), water, and milk that’s blended to create a frothy consistency – think iced latte meets frappe.
Lamb Chops
Athens is a gourmet’s dream come true and if you love lamb chops, this will be your favorite meal in Greece. There are so many delicious Greek dishes, but one of the classics is definitely lamb chops.
This dish consists of lamb chops that have been grilled with salt and pepper to create a fantastic flavour. It’s served alongside bread and tzatziki – it doesn’t get much better than this!
Bougatsa
If you’re a sweet tooth, then Bougatsa is the perfect dish for you. It’s a flaky pastry filled with custard and topped with cinnamon and sugar – it will remind many people of an apple turnover because of its shape and delicious filling.
Bougatsa are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven so if possible visit one early in the morning to get your hands on these delicious pastries before they sell out.
Chicken Gyro
While many people think of falafel when they think about street food in Athens, chicken gyro is actually one of the most popular dishes. It’s a delicious meal that consists of thinly sliced off the spit before being stuffed into pita bread with salad, and french fries with tzatziki sauce on top – it’s so good!
Barbecue Mussels
You can’t say you’ve been to Greece if you haven’t tried the street food – and that includes seafood. The locals love their barbecue mussels which are sold on almost every corner in Athens. This dish consists of grilled mussles with lemon, garlic butter sauce (optional), olive oil, oregano or parsley depending on how you like it.
Barbecue Octopus
This is another seafood dish that you have to try while in Athens – and it’s surprisingly easy to find. Athens is famous for its fresh seafood, so you know that when it’s cooked right in front of your eyes on the barbecue, there are no other flavours to interfere with how delicious this will be.
This dish consists of octopus legs which have been grilled over an open flame until they’re tender and succulent – YUM!
Spanakopita
Of course, there is more to Greek cuisine than just meat dishes. Spanakopita is a traditional dish that consists of spinach and feta cheese wrapped in filo pastry – it’s the perfect vegetarian option!
These pastries are best served fresh out of the oven so if you can find them early enough in the morning before they sell out, you’ll get a fresh batch that’s piping hot and delicious.
Souvlaki
The perfect dish for meat lovers, souvlaki is one of the most popular street foods in Athens. This dish consists of small pieces of pork or chicken that has been marinated with vinegar, oregano, lemon juice and olive oil. It’s then wrapped inside pita bread along with lettuce tomato onion sauce (optional), and tzatziki.
Mezedes
If you’re looking for a little taste of everything, then mezedes are the perfect dish. Meze is an appetizer that’s often eaten along with drinks before lunch or dinner and there are plenty to choose from in Athens.
It usually consists of small plates which can include foods like stuffed grape leaves (dolmades), eggplant salad, tzatziki, taramasalata and more.
Fish in a cone
If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, then look no further. In Athens, fish is served in a cone and it’s the perfect to-go snack or meal – think of it as having your own personal takeout container! This dish doesn’t really have any specific ingredients but all the fish that are used come wrapped in paper cones.
Falafel Wrap
Falafel is a popular street food across the world and it’s easy to see why when you taste them! This Middle Eastern dish consists of deep fried balls or patties that are made with ground chickpeas, fava beans, garlic oil and herbs – they’re then wrapped inside pita bread along with salad. It’s often topped off with tzatziki sauce for added flavour!
Tiropita
This is another famous Greek dish that consists of cheese wrapped inside filo pastry – but this time it’s folded into triangles. This delicious street food can be found all over Athens and they are best served fresh out of the oven so you get a nice crisp outside with hot melted cheese on the inside!
Kokoretsi
If you’re looking for a unique take on offal, then this dish is it! Kokoretsi consists of lamb or goat intestines that are wrapped around small pieces of meat and cooked over an open flame – these just might be the most tender parts in all of Greece! These tasty treats can also be found at almost every corner in Athens.
Peinirli Pizza Boat
This may sound like an odd way to serve pizza but it’s actually really delicious! Peinirli Pizza Boat consists of a traditional Greek salad that is topped with melted cheese, creamy tzatziki sauce and then covered in hot-out-of-the oven dough. It makes for the perfect snack or meal while you’re out exploring the streets of Athens!
Loukoumades
No meal is complete without dessert – and this dish will definitely satisfy your sweet tooth. These are sweet honey balls that have been fried so they’re light & crispy on the outside, but soft & doughy in the centre. They’re then dusted with cinnamon sugar before being served alongside a warm syrup which you can pour over for extra sweetness!
Final Words
Athens is a vibrant city with so much to offer – from the ancient ruins and breathtaking architecture, to the stunning views of Mount Lycabettus. But there’s more than just history here! The streets are lined with delicious street food that will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds).
From souvlaki and spanakopita, all the way down to kokoretsi and peinirli pizza boats, your taste buds won’t be disappointed at what Athens has in store. Whether it’s breakfast or dinner time, our list of 16 must-try dishes should be enough inspiration to make any trip worthwhile!
