Dishes that will leave you drooling after tasting them, including the following 12 Greek street food favorites
Greek street food is known for its wide range of aromas, flavors, and influences, and it is considered to be one of the healthiest and most satisfying cuisines in the world. It’s no wonder that Greece is considered a mecca for food lovers. Every bite should be savored for its rich flavor, which is typical of Greek food.
Traditional Greek street food is typically prepared in a variety of bite-sized formats, such as being served in pita bread, being skewered, being cut into pieces of pie, or being rolled in leaves, cinnamon, or sesame seeds. These formats allow the food to be eaten while walking down the street.
Both Eastern and Western influences can be found in traditional Greek cuisine. The Persians were the first people to bring new foods to the area, including rice, yogurt, nuts, and sesame seeds. When the Romans took over the area, they brought with them new ways to cook and new foods, like sauces and pasta.
Spices came to dominate the kitchens after the “Arabs” were defeated, and many of those spices, such as cumin, cinnamon, and cloves, are still commonly used in the preparation of dishes up to the present day.
This trend began with the conquest of the “Arabs.” Due to the fact that the culinary tradition of the empire added additional freshness, variety, and refinement to the Greek preparation, a number of the “Greek and Turkish” dishes are virtually identical to one another in terms of both the method of preparation and the style of presentation.
This is the definitive guide to the top 12 dishes of Greek street food that will make you want to drool all over yourself.
1. Souvlaki and Gyros
A juicy, flavorful, and timeless dish, souvlaki is at its best when served sizzling hot. The majority of the time, the souvlaki is finished with a generous layer of tzatziki, which is a yogurt and garlic dip. Souvlaki is made from small pieces of meat, either pork or chicken, that are flame broiled on a stick. It is served wrapped in warm pita bread, adorned with tomatoes, onions, and fries, and dressed with tzatziki sauce.
You have the option to choose which garnishes to include, and there is also a selection of different sauces available for you to choose from. Tzatziki is traditionally considered to be of Greek origin.
In addition, souvlaki, or the plural form souvlakia, is frequently served on its own, with pieces of bread or pita that have been grilled over an open flame, and is topped with a sprinkling of fresh lemon juice for additional flavor. Additionally, potatoes and various vegetables of your choice can be served alongside it.
Another common dish is called gyros, and it consists of large chunks of meat that are cooked on a stick that pivots. In most restaurants, it is served with tomatoes and onions, as well as a velvety sauce that is made of cucumbers, yogurt, and garlic.
After that, the meat is sliced with an electric blade, placed on toasty pita bread, and topped with the same assortment of toppings as the souvlaki. In Greece, the most common types of meat used in gyros are pork and chicken; however, some restaurants also serve hamburger supper kebabs.
2. Loukoumades
One of the distinguishing characteristics of Greek cuisine is its emphasis on the use of basic sweet chomps. These balls of mixture are typically referred to as Greek doughnuts. They are served freshly broiled, soaked in nectar, sprinkled with cinnamon and walnuts, and freshly broiled.
Due to the fact that it is customary to have it following meals and dinners with the family, it is included in the Greeks’ daily menu. Despite the fact that they are served at all times of the year, loukoumades truly shine during the colder months of the year.
The more advanced version of loukoumades, which can be enjoyed as a dessert, has an afterthought that consists of generous layers of chocolate Nutella and frozen yogurt. There are a lot of different kinds of toppings to choose from, such as chocolate, chopped almonds, honey syrup, and cinnamon.
3. Koulouri
Koulouris is the most well-known traditional breakfast food that is traditionally eaten in Greece. It is a type of round bread that is topped with sesame seeds. In particular, they are steamed rolls formed into a ring, giving them an appearance that is similar to that of bagels.
The majority of them are composed of a batter that has been left to rise with yeast and is then shaped into log ropes before being twisted into circles. Koulouris are made in a variety of sizes and are sold in the city.
However, you should only consume them when they are still fresh. In some areas, koulouris can be made quite soft; however, in others, such as Cyprus, they are more likely to be crunchy and even more difficult.
When you are in Greece, you will see a lot of people walking around selling koulourakia for breakfast while carrying a bunch of containers in their hands. In Thessaloniki, Greece’s second largest city, refugees from Asia Minor are credited with being the first people to introduce this dish, which has since become a culinary mainstay throughout Greece. Modern people think of it as a typical Greek product, but its roots can be found in the Byzantine Empire.
4. Octopus
Since ancient times, the Greeks have taken pleasure in eating grilled octopus, and this delicacy can still be found at many of the psaro tavernes, also known as fish taverns, that can be found throughout the region. The freshly caught octopus, known as xtapodi in the region, is allowed to air dry in the sun for a few hours after being hung up to do so.
The meat is grilled over charcoal, and the ideal accompaniments are homemade latholemono sauce, horta, or steamed vegetables.
This seafood dish will make the perfect meal when accompanied by some bread that has just come out of the oven and a glass of ouzo. There are also other options, such as including xtapodi in a stew or pairing it with creamy pasta.
It should be noted that overfishing has caused a significant decline in the number of octopi. Because of this, you should always select seafood that has been caught responsibly and eat at restaurants that adhere to their guidelines.
5. Bougatsa
The traditional Greek pie known as bougatsa is made with phyllo dough and is topped with a filling of either cheddar cheese, ground meat, or a semolina custard. This delicious breakfast treat is a delicious sweet pastry that is prepared between layers of phyllo, decorated with sugar icing, and spiced with cinnamon.
It is best enjoyed when it is served hot. The dish was initially prepared in the city of Serres, which is where it was introduced into the culinary traditions of Greece by foreigners who had originally come from Constantinople. The common people of Greece gave it the name Bougatsa, which suggests that they thought it was a tasty or sweet pita that was wrapped up nicely inside the cake.
The Bougatsa is not rolled out on flour with a rolling pin like other pies; rather, it is spread out piece-by-piece with oil and margarine. This is the most significant difference that the Bougatsa has in comparison to other pies. It is easy to imagine how enthralling it would be to spend time on a Greek island, enjoying the company of good friends while eating Bougatsa.
6. Tiropita
In Greece, the cheese pie known as tiropita is considered to be the most popular type of pita. Although it is best known as a type of Greek street food, it is also a common dish that Greeks prepare at home. The traditional recipe for tiropita calls for feta cheese, eggs, phyllo dough made from scratch, and olive oil.
Tiropitas are typically formed into the shape of a sail, although single-serving versions can also come in a variety of shapes. Tiropita can be eaten either as a light snack before breakfast or as a meal in and of itself. It is also possible to accompany it with a seasonal salad consisting of seasonal ingredients such as tomatoes, cucumbers, or cabbage.
This delightfully savory treat can be procured from any of the country’s bakeries. Although it can be prepared in a variety of shapes and sizes, the most common method is to spread it out on a large plate and then cut it into squares after it has been cooked. Try your hand at this world-famous cheese pie from Greece.
7. Falafel
The Greek culinary scene has been expanded to new heights with the presentation of novel foods as a result of the continuous development of food and the insatiable desire for novel experiences. Guests can also try the popular new trend of falafel, which is a great alternative to souvlaki, the advanced hot dog served with a variety of toppings, and the American favorite, hotcakes, as well as many other options. These options are among the established top choices for Greek street foods.
8. Spanakopita
The children particularly enjoy spanakopita, which can be eaten as a snack, an appetizer, or even a light lunch. This delicious pie is a lot like tiropita, except that instead of ground lamb, it is filled with spinach, spring onions, and feta cheese.
This pie with spinach and feta has a long history, and it is likely that Ottoman cuisine had some influence on its development. It is most commonly found in the food stalls that line the streets of Greece, as well as in restaurants across the country.
In most cases, it is also sold in stores, where it will typically be presented with tepid water, as is traditional in Greek culinary preparation. It is the perfect morsel and an alluring dish that is certain to make your day brighter than it was before.
9. Chestnuts
Chestnuts that have been roasted and served as a snack are a traditional Greek wintertime delicacy. They are extremely well-liked and adaptable in a variety of contexts.
You can simply eat chestnuts by themselves, or you can roast them, coat them in oil, or bake them in the oven. You can use them as a spoon sweet, in jams and spreads, and they go exceptionally well with cakes and sweetbreads. You can also use them in sweetbreads.
When traveling through the chestnut market, one is likely to come across a number of chestnut vendors who are roasting fresh chestnuts on their portable charcoal braziers and selling them in paper cones. October is the traditional start of chestnut season, and the delicious smell of chestnuts being slowly cooked fills the crisp autumn air.
10. Dried fruits
The small roadside vendors also sell a wide variety of dried foods and nuts, which is another mainstream Greek delicacy that can be purchased from them. The most well-known organic dried products are apricots, figs, and raisins; on the other hand, apples, pears, peaches, and batter are not dried as often.
The combination of a strong summer sun and favorable soil conditions results in the production of a delectable item that is remarkable. Dried foods and nuts are a fundamental component of the culinary tradition of Greece. They are typically consumed as a supplement to Greek yogurt and nectar.
Because more consumers are opting to buy healthy snacks, there has been an uptick in the demand for dried fruits. Both fresh and dried versions of these fruits can be consumed. They are a delicious option for a healthy snack at any time of the day or night.
11. Dolmades
There is no doubt that dolmades have been around since the 17th century, but there is still some disagreement about where they came from. Several middle eastern countries claim that they are where they came from.
They continue to be one of the most well-liked foods sold at street markets across many nations.
The name “dolmades” comes from the Turkish word “dolma,” from which the dish gets its name. On the other hand, some people believe that the dish originated in Greece and was later adopted by the Ottoman Empire, which is when the word “dolma” was first established.
Dolmades, which are one of the most well-known Greek specialties, can be enjoyed for any meal of the day, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
12. Dakos
A traditional Cretan meze dish, dakos, is made by combining dried bread or barley rusk with chopped tomatoes and crumbled Cretan soft cheese called mizithra. It is then topped with spices like dried oregano, fresh olives, and a splash of olive oil, and served as an appetizer.
Dakos are also known as koukouvagia, and it is believed that their roots can be traced back to a bar located close to Rethymnon that began serving dakos to its patrons in the 1950s in order to keep them energized while they were drinking all night long. Dakos, which are a light dish that is comparable to bruschetta that is eaten in Italy, can either be consumed as a light lunch or as a starter before the main evening meal.
Mizithra cheese is consumed widely throughout Greece but is primarily produced on the island of Crete. Milk from either goats or sheep is used to produce it. It has a smooth consistency, and the flavor is creamy with a hint of salt.
Cheese that has been left out to dry out and get crunchy goes well with olive oil made locally and tomatoes that have been left out in the sun to ripen.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Greek Street Foods
What are some of the most well-known Greek street foods?
In particular, the foods that are sold on the streets. Greece is home to a number of products that are quite well-known in other parts of the world. There are a variety of them, such as souvlaki and gyros, loukomandes, koulouri, and tiropi, among others.
Where in Greece is the best place to get souvlaki and gyro?
Both souvlaki and gyros are examples of popular Greek cuisine that have enjoyed widespread popularity in the country for a number of years. In Greece, it can be acquired at establishments such as Street Souvlaki.
What kinds of all-natural snacks are particularly well-liked in Greek culture?
Greece is an example of a country that possesses a large number of natural food varieties. Chestnuts and dried fruits are two of Greece’s most well-known exports, and both make excellent options for a healthy snack.
Where exactly in Greece can one find the country’s renowned street food?
Street food can be found in many different cities and towns across Greece. But Souvlaki Tou Kosta, Feyrouz, Athens, and Grexico, along with many other locations, are among the most well-known for the dishes that they serve at their street food stands.
What kinds of desserts can be found among the various types of Greek street food?
Sweet treats and foods sold on the streets have helped Greece earn a well-deserved reputation. There are many more than just Bougatsa and Koulouri, for example.
When is the best time of year to vacation in Greece?
The climate in Greece is wonderful throughout the entire year. However, the months of April through June are ideal for traveling there. You will not experience any difficulties as you go about discovering the area.
How many days would be sufficient to see everything in Greece?
Within that amount of time, you will have seen everything that Greece has to offer. You can even get a good feel for the place in just the space of a week if time is of the essence.
