Must-try Dishes
Fried Eggs - Tiganita Avga (classic breakfast) - Crispy fried eggs served with fresh bread and a generous drizzle of olive oil. Locals enjoy this simple yet hearty dish at home or in neighborhood cafés, often with a side of tomatoes in the summer.
Souvlaki - Souvlaki (popular street food) - Skewered and grilled meat, typically pork or chicken, served with pita and tangy tzatziki. You’ll find these mouthwatering bites sizzling at food stalls, perfect for a quick lunch or late-night snack.
Moussaka - Moussaka (baked casserole) - Layers of eggplant, minced meat, and creamy béchamel sauce, all baked to perfection. This classic dish is common for family dinners, often made in large portions to share among friends.
Spanakopita - Spanakopita (spinach pie) - Flaky phyllo pastry filled with spinach and feta cheese, baked until golden. Frequently enjoyed as a snack or light meal, locals often order it at tavernas, especially during gatherings.
Fava - Fava (pureed split peas) - Smooth and creamy pureed yellow split peas, garnished with olive oil and onions. You’ll find this local specialty on many meze menus, usually shared among friends in a relaxing dinner setting.
Chorta - Chorta (wild greens) - A mix of boiled wild greens drizzled with lemon and olive oil, served warm. These seasonal vegetables are a staple in traditional houses, eaten as a light meal or side dish in spring and summer.
Briam - Briam (vegetable bake) - A comforting dish of oven-roasted potatoes, zucchini, and eggplant, swimming in rich tomato sauce. Often enjoyed for Sunday family lunches, it’s perfect for a filling vegetarian option that still carries local flavor.
Dolmadakia - Dolmadakia (stuffed grape leaves) - Tender grape leaves wrapped around a savory filling of rice, herbs, and sometimes meat, served with a side of yogurt. These bite-sized rolls are great for sharing as a meze, typically enjoyed throughout the year.
Desserts & Drinks
Greek Coffee - Ελληνικός Καφές (strong traditional coffee) - Finely ground coffee simmered with water and sugar in a small pot called a briki. Locals enjoy it leisurely in the late morning or afternoon, savoring each sip while engaging in conversation, often served with a glass of cold water on the side.
Frappe - Φραπέ (iced coffee) - Instant coffee whipped with water and ice until frothy and usually sweetened to taste, often topped with milk. This refreshing drink is a beloved summer staple enjoyed at outdoor cafés, particularly along the beautiful Athenian coast, where the sun shines bright—just be careful not to order it without specifying if you want sugar!
Ouzo - Ούζο (anise-flavored aperitif) - A strong, aromatic liqueur made from distilled grapes and flavored with anise, often served with meze (small dishes). Ouzo is a local favorite, gulped down during celebratory meals with friends, ideally at sunset—just don't forget, it’s frequently misordered for rakı, its Turkish cousin!
Baklava - Μπακλαβάς (sweet pastry) - A rich pastry made with layers of filo dough, filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey syrup. Often enjoyed during family gatherings, a good baklava will have a crunchy top and a delicately sweet filling, but watch out for those with overly sticky layers—they can be a real mess!
Granita - Γρανίτα (icy dessert) - A refreshing slushy treat made by scraping flavored ice, often lemon or coffee, and served in cups. During the hot months, this cooling delight can typically be found at street vendors all around Athens, especially in the afternoons when the heat is at its peak—perfect for a midday pick-me-up!
By the way, if you're in the mood for a special occasion sweet, be sure to look out for Kourabiedes during Christmas—these buttery almond cookies will melt in your mouth!
