The Best Street Food in Athens

The Best Street Food in Athens

Street food in Greece is a big thing. In every corner, you will find hidden gems with the best possible tastes; savory and sweet. The sprawling metropolis of Athens makes it a must-visit for those who love culture, history, and food.

Indeed, eating is at the heart of Greek culture, with Athens street food amongst some of the most vibrant and exciting on offer.

Whether it’s your first or fifth visit to the city, here are seven of the best local delights to indulge in. Found down winding streets and corners of crossroads, it’s time to take a culinary journey to Athens and back. Read more about food in Athens or check out our Athens food guide.

 

 

 

Experience Athens’s vibrant and diverse street food scene, where delectable bites await at every corner. Greek culture embraces street food as a cherished culinary tradition, offering a mouthwatering array of flavors and aromas. Join us on a virtual journey through the bustling streets of Athens as we explore the irresistible allure of Greek street food, loved by locals and visitors alike. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Athens’ street food culture.

8+1 Iconic Athens Street Foods

Where to Find Street Food in Athens

When finding street food in Athens, the city offers many vibrant locations. Begin your culinary exploration at the bustling Varvakios Market, where you’ll find an array of food stalls offering everything from souvlaki to loukoumades. For an authentic street food experience, head to Monastiraki Square and Plaka, where narrow alleys are lined with charming food stalls and eateries. Additionally, the vibrant neighborhoods of Psirri and Exarcheia are known for their diverse street food scene, offering a mix of traditional and modern flavors.

1. Koulouri

A circular-shaped sesame seed-covered bread ring, slightly crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Koulouri is a common street food in Athens, enjoyed as a quick and satisfying snack or breakfast on the go, offering a delightful blend of nutty flavors.

A koulouri wrapped around your wrist while walking the streets of Athens is a rite of passage. It’s also one of the most famous street foods in Greece. The large bread ring is garnished with sesame seeds for an authentically Greek taste. Think of it as the locals’ answer to New York’s pretzel!

Koulouri comes in different shapes and sizes, including long breadstick-type sticks and small doughnut rings. Although they vary in consistency, depending on where you go, they tend to be softer in Athens. Head to the legendary To Koulouri tou Psirri bakery for an unmissable choice.

Favorite street food spot: Oven Sesame

ddress: 17A Aiolou, Monastiraki

For the taxi driver: Oven sesame, Αιόλου 17A

Closest metro station: Monastiraki

or

Street food spot: Koulouri tou Psirri

Address: 23 Karaiskaki St, Psirri. T. +30 210 321 5962

For the taxi driver: ΤΟ ΚΟΥΛΟΡΙ ΤΟΥ ΨΥΡΡΗ, Καραϊσκάκή 23, Ψυρρη

Closest metro station:  Monastiraki

2. Gyro

If Greek street food is famous for one dish, it would be the humble souvlaki. And what place is better to indulge in than its capital Athens?

Slices of tender, seasoned meat, usually pork or chicken, roasted on a vertical spit and wrapped in fluffy pita bread. Accompanied by tomatoes, onions, tzatziki sauce, and sometimes french fries, the gyro is a beloved street food that offers a delightful blend of savory flavors and textures.

I repeat perfectly cooked meat, wrapped in perfectly warmed pita, sprinkled with onion, herbs, and tomatoes, and covered with a layer of fresh tzatziki – what’s not to love? This family favorite can be enjoyed in its traditional form or brought to life with a touch of hot or garlic sauce if you’re feeling brave. Either way, don’t leave the city without trying one.

Read more: Greek Street Food: All You Need To Know

3. Souvlaki

Juicy skewers of marinated grilled meat, often pork or chicken, served in warm pita bread with fresh vegetables, tzatziki sauce, and a sprinkle of herbs. Souvlaki is a quintessential Greek street food known for its mouthwatering combination of smoky flavors and hearty satisfaction. Our most favorite Athens street food choice!

Favorite souvlaki spot: Kostas Souvlaki Syntagma

Address: 5 Pentelis, Athens. T. +30 210 3228 502

For the taxi driver: Ο Κώστας, Πεντέλης 5

Closest metro station: Syntagma

4. Spanakopita

Comfort food and spinach aren’t often said in the same sentence. However, this stupendous street food dish is a popular go-to.

A savory pastry filled with a delicious mixture of spinach, feta cheese, herbs, and onions, wrapped in layers of crispy phyllo dough. Spanakopita, the Queen of Greek pies, showcases the harmony of earthy spinach and tangy feta cheese, making it a popular street snack or light meal option.

Layers of perfectly baked filo pastry encase in a delicious spinach and feta filling. It’s one of the many pastry delights this city has to offer. Street food often conjures up images of eating on the go, but this can get messy with spanakopita. It’s best enjoyed at the moment with Greek coffee or frappe.

Favorite street food spot: Ariston Bakery

Address: 10 Voulis St, Syntagma

For the taxi driver: Βούλης 10, Σύνταγμα

Closest metro station: Syntagma

Read more: A whole new world: The Greek Pie

5. Bougatsa

Indulge in the creamy delight of bougatsa, a traditional Greek pastry filled with semolina custard or cheese. Its flaky layers and sweet or savory filling make it a beloved street food option in Athens.

Favorite street food spot: Ariston Bakery

Address: 10 Voulis St, Syntagma

For the taxi driver: Βούλης 10, Σύνταγμα

Closest metro station: Syntagma

6. Loukoumades

If you like doughnuts, then you’ll love loukoumades. These golden balls of deliciousness are on par with the Acropolis for your tourist checklist.

Golden, bite-sized dough balls deep-fried to perfection and drizzled with honey syrup, sprinkled with cinnamon, and sometimes topped with crushed walnuts or sesame seeds. Loukoumades are a beloved Greek dessert street food, offering a heavenly combination of crispy texture and sweet indulgence.

These deep-fried balls of dough are lavished with sprinklings of cinnamon, walnuts, and syrup to produce a simply Moorish treat. Scoff them as you stroll around the city, and you’ll balance out the calories… sort of!

Best street food spot: Krinos Loukoumades

Address: 87 Aeolou St, Athens

For the taxi driver: Αίολου 87, Αθήνα

Closest metro station: Monastiraki

7. Fruit and nuts

There are nuts, and there are nuts. In Athens, you can buy nuts by the handful or truckload from the many street vendors. Both tourists and locals alike can’t get enough of them. Usually, there’s also dried fruit, as part of the local produce the country is known for.

Never before have you eaten pistachios so fresh (or cheap), let alone dried pineapple, mouthfuls of pine nuts, and crunchy roasted almonds.

If you don’t have a local guide to tell you where to go, it’s worth embarking on a walking tour to access some of the best-kept secrets.

8. Frappe

Did someone say frappe!? Ok, so it’s not strictly street food, but the Greek’s love of coffee verges on obsessional, so the average person drinks 5.5 kilos of the good stuff every year.

It would, therefore, be remiss to leave it out.

Go for a frappe, a favorite iced coffee – there are plenty of cafes in Athens to watch the world go by. Your most significant decision will be to go for no sugar (sketos), one teaspoon of sugar (metrios), or a lot of sugar (vary glykos).

Read more: An Introduction to Greek coffee culture

9. Fried fish: Sardeles

With its privileged coastal position, Athens is a mecca for seafood lovers. Deep-fried fish snacks are a popular favorite to munch on as an inexpensive treat. There’s plenty to choose from, including anchovies, squid, and shrimp. However, sardeles (sardines) are one of the more appetizing for those new to Greek street food.

Favorite street food spot: Zisis- Fish in a Cone

Address: 3 Athinaidos, Athens

For the taxi driver: Ζήσης, Αθηναΐδος 3, Αθήνα

Closest metro station: Monastiraki

Must-Try Street Food Experiences

To truly immerse yourself in Athens’ street food culture, consider joining a food tour that takes you on a gastronomic journey through the city’s culinary hotspots. These tours often include visits to popular street food spots such as Kosta’s Souvlaki, where you can indulge in mouthwatering souvlaki skewers grilled to perfection.

Join one of our food tours in Athens and explore where Athenians enjoy the best street food in Athens:

🌯 Athens Food Markets Tour: Shop in the markets of Athens: Immerse yourself in the lively markets of Athens, where vibrant colors, enticing aromas, and a bustling atmosphere await. Discover fresh produce, aromatic spices, and local delicacies as you shop like a local and experience the vibrant heart of the city’s culinary scene.

🌯 The Ultimate Athens Street Food Tour: Embark on a mouthwatering journey through the streets of Athens, sampling a diverse array of street food delights. From savory souvlaki to crispy spanakopita, let your taste buds dance with joy as you indulge in the best of Athens’ street food offerings.

🌯 Acropolis Food Tour: Combine history and gastronomy on a fascinating food tour around the Acropolis. Explore the ancient landmarks while savoring traditional Greek dishes, blending culture and cuisine in a truly unforgettable experience.

🌯 Athens by Night Food Tour with Wine Tasting: Delight in the enchanting flavors of Athens by night as you stroll through the illuminated streets and indulge in a culinary adventure. Savor local delicacies paired with exquisite Greek wines, immersing yourself in the vibrant nightlife and culinary traditions of the city.

🌯 Greek breakfast in Athens: Start your day the Greek way with a delectable breakfast tour in Athens. Discover the city’s charming cafes and bakeries, where you can relish in traditional treats such as freshly baked pastries, Greek yogurt with honey, and aromatic coffee, experiencing the rich flavors that greet Athenians each morning.

Don’t miss out on visiting Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani, a hidden gem that offers a delightful selection of cured meats, cheeses, and traditional Greek delicacies. For a sweet treat, head to Krinos, a beloved pastry shop known for its delectable bougatsa, a warm and flaky phyllo pastry filled with sweet or savory fillings. These experiences will give you a genuine taste of Athens’ street food scene and create lasting culinary memories.

Street Food Culture in Athens

Street food plays a significant role in Greek culinary traditions and is deeply intertwined with daily life in Athens. The concept of “kreas” (meat) and “pita” (bread) is at the heart of the culture of Athens street food, offering a delicious and convenient way to enjoy a quick meal on the go. From the sizzling souvlaki skewers to the mouthwatering gyro wraps, these handheld delights are beloved by locals and visitors alike.

Athens street food scene satisfies hunger and serves as a social hub, bringing people together in vibrant outdoor spaces. Whether grabbing a quick bite from a food stall or gathering with friends at a bustling street food market, the atmosphere is alive with the aromas, flavors, and lively conversations that define the local gastronomic scene.

Exploring the street food culture in Athens allows you to delve into the heart of the city’s culinary traditions and experience the authentic flavors passed down through generations. It’s an opportunity to connect with the local community, sample traditional dishes, and better understand the city’s rich food heritage.

Tips for enjoying street food in Athens

1. Embrace the experience: Street food in Athens is about immersing yourself in the vibrant culture and flavors. Embrace the lively atmosphere, interact with the friendly vendors, and savor the aromas and tastes of authentic Greek street food.
2. Practice good hygiene: While street food in Athens is generally safe, prioritizing hygiene is always good. Look for vendors with clean food preparation areas and observe their handling practices. Opt for freshly cooked or prepared food to minimize the risk of contamination.
3. Try local recommendations: Seek out local recommendations for the best street food spots. Locals often know the hidden gems and can guide you to Athens’s most authentic and delicious street food experiences. Read about tipping in Greece.
4. Be adventurous: Athens’ street food scene offers various flavors and dishes. Step out of your comfort zone and try something new. From classic favorites like souvlaki to lesser-known delicacies, the streets of Athens are full of culinary surprises.
5. Enjoy responsibly: As with any culinary adventure, be mindful of your surroundings and exercise caution. Keep an eye on your belongings, be aware of your surroundings, and trust your instincts. Enjoy your street food experience while staying safe and respectful of the local community.

Following these tips, you can fully enjoy Athens’s vibrant street food culture and create lasting memories of delicious flavors and unique culinary encounters.

Take Out: Street Food in Athens

Athens is a fun and vibrant city with an equally inviting street food menu. From souvlaki to spinach pies and coffee to koulouri, this is Athens street food, and you’ll never go hungry.

In conclusion, Athens’ street food scene is a treasure trove of flavors, aromas, and cultural experiences. From the sizzling souvlaki to the mouthwatering loukoumades, Athens street food offers an endless array of delicious treats. Immerse yourself in the bustling street food culture, try new flavors, and savor the authentic tastes of Greece.

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So, when you wander through the vibrant streets of Athens, let the enticing aromas guide you to the best street food spots. Indulge in the delectable flavors, embrace the lively atmosphere, and immerse yourself in this remarkable city’s rich street food culture. Your taste buds will thank you for the unforgettable culinary adventure that awaits.

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