Learn about the Athens street food scene and start planning your trip to the city that needs to be explored by eating it.
When you visit a new city, one of the best ways to experience the culture is through food. Athens, the lively and vibrant capital city of Greece, is no exception. Known for its ancient landmarks and rich history, Athens is a haven for foodies who relish in the many flavors of Greek cuisine. The highlight of the culinary scene, however, is the street food. In this blog post, we will take you on a journey through Athens to discover the city’s best street foods and where to find them. We’ll also share tips on the most exciting way to get a taste of Athens’ street food: an Athens street food tour.
Your Guide to the Most Popular Street Foods in Athens
Souvlaki
One of the most popular street foods in Athens is souvlaki. These grilled meat skewers are usually made from pork, chicken or beef and are served wrapped in a fluffy pita bread with sliced tomato, onion, and a generous helping of tzatziki sauce. You can usually find them in specialized restaurants or street food carts. A food tour of Athens will take you to some of the best souvlaki places in the city. Some popular options include Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani and Kostas Souvlaki.
Bougatsa
Bougatsa is a sweet pastry traditionally filled with creamy custard, similar to the French éclair. You can also find savory versions made with cheese and spinach. This heavenly pastry is usually served sprinkled with powdered sugar and cinnamon. If you are looking for the best bougatsa in Athens, look no further than Ariston, a traditional bakery established in 1910. Food tours in Athens often include a stop at Ariston.
Koulouri
Koulouri is the ultimate breakfast street food in Athens. These crispy bread rings are baked on the spot and served fresh, usually sprinkled with sesame seeds. Arguably one of the most famous spots for koulouri in Athens is Thanasis, located in Monastiraki Square. There, you can enjoy your koulouri with crispy bacon or scrambled eggs.
Loukoumades
Loukoumades are fried dough balls that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They are usually drizzled with honey or syrup and topped with chopped nuts or cinnamon. You can find them in many street food vendors, but if you want the best ones, look for Ta Serbetia tis Aristotelous, where loukoumades are considered a work of art.
Saganaki
Saganaki is a salty and crispy cheese dish that is pan-fried until golden brown. It is usually served as an appetizer, well-paired with a glass of ouzo, and drizzled with lemon juice. You can try this dish in one of the most famous taverns in Athens, Ta Katsourbos, which is also included in most Athens street food tours.
How to try it all: exploring the street food of Athens on your own
Athens is a culinary hub with vibrant food streets that will delight your senses. Take a self-guided walking tour through Omonia Square, Monastiraki, and Syntagma Square, where you can sample a diverse array of local delicacies. These famous areas offer an impressive variety of flavors and dishes. If you’re visiting in July, don’t miss the Athens Street Food Festival, a highly popular event that’s a must-see for food enthusiasts!
Athens Street Food Tours (with Eatwith!)
If you want to skip the planning and navigating, an organized food tour can be an excellent option. You will get to experience the local food while also learning about the history of the city. Athens offers a variety of food tours that cater to all kinds of foodies. Julia and Douk skip the tourist traps and discover the local bites of Greek culture with more than 15 traditional, freshly cooked tastings. Walking in central Athens, where locals shop for their daily meals, they experience the city authentically. Eatwith offers many tours of the Athens food scene to fit all travelers’ needs.
Whichever tour you choose, an Eatwith host will act as your tour guide to make sure that you enjoy Athens the way you are supposed to, without lacking information, tips, language tricks, and reviews that only local foodies know.
Dine with Athen Locals
If you can’t make it to one of these street food tours, or if you want a more exclusive culinary experience, Eatwith is the answer. Eatwith is a platform that offers immersive dining experiences with local hosts, where you can taste authentic dishes in a homely setting.
Pita and Gyros
Join us for a hands-on cooking experience and master the art of making one of Greece's most iconic dishes: pita and gyros. Your host, Dionysia, will reveal the secrets behind this beloved meal, guiding you through the process of creating everything from scratch, including the pita bread! Under her expert instruction, you'll also prepare and savor traditional Greek mezze, topped off with delicious patsavouropita or bougatsa for dessert. With Dionysia sharing her grandmother’s cherished tzatziki recipe, you'll soon be cooking like a local.
This is not just any dining experience, but a chance to savor the best of Athens’ cuisine and gain insight into the customs surrounding local food. You’ll be dining in a local’s home and enjoying authentic meals that they have prepared. You can choose from a variety of cuisines, from Greek to Middle Eastern. Get the chance to learn from the host’s cooking techniques and culture. It’s a great way to meet like-minded travelers and food lovers, while enjoying a unique culinary experience.
If you are looking for an unforgettable experience, make sure to include a Greek street food tour or a dining experience in Athens to your trip’s itinerary. You will not only get to taste some truly incredible dishes, but also experience the vibrant energy of the city’s street food scene. From the sweet bougatsa to the salty saganaki, there is something for everyone. Take your taste buds on a journey through Athens and experience one of the best street food scenes in the world.
