Street Food
Souvlaki, bougatsa and the best cheap eating in Greece
Overview
Street food in Greece is not a compromise. Some of the most satisfying eating in Athens and Thessaloniki costs a few euros and is handed to you wrapped in paper. It is also the easiest way to eat well between sights, at odd hours, or late at night.
What to try
Souvlaki & gyros
Pork or chicken in pita with tomato, onion, tzatziki and chips. 'Kalamaki' is the skewer alone; 'apo ola' means everything in it.
Bougatsa
Filo pastry with semolina custard or cheese, dusted with sugar. A northern Greek breakfast, best in Thessaloniki.
Koulouri
The sesame bread ring sold from street carts every morning — cheap, warm and the standard Athenian breakfast.
Tyropita & spanakopita
Cheese or spinach pies from a bakery. Ask for one from the tray that came out most recently.
Loukoumades
Small honey doughnuts with cinnamon or chocolate, eaten late in the evening.
Where to find it
Athens — Psyrri & Monastiraki
The densest cluster of souvlaki shops in the country, open very late.
Athens — Varvakios market area
Bakeries, cheese shops and old-school lunch counters around the central market.
Thessaloniki
Bougatsa shops, koulouri carts and the best pie culture in Greece.
Island harbours
Simple grill shops near the ferry port, usually the best value meal on an expensive island.
Practical tips
- Follow the queue of locals rather than the review sticker in the window.
- Sitting down at a souvlaki shop can cost more than taking it away — the menu usually says so.
- Bakeries sell out of the good pies before midday.
- Carry small notes; many street counters are cash-first.
Related guides
Greek Street Food. 10 Must Try Eats in Athens
Athens, Greece — trying the delicious, quick, and cheap Greek street food of the historical city.
Mets: Discover Athens most charming neighbourhood
Mets is a small neighbourhood very close to all the main touristic attractions of the city center but not touristic at all.
Keep exploring
Browse the rest of the Food & Wine section, or find a food tour or tasting to book.