If hunger strikes and you don’t feel like going to a restaurant, look for a place where they serve Souvlaki. Also known as the “hamburger of Greece”, Souvlaki is a very popular Greek fast food, which can be bought from any “souvladzidika” (souvlaki shop).

What is Souvlaki?

Small pieces of different meat –usually pork, lamb or chicken –and sometimes vegetables are grilled on a skewer. It can be served like this or
the skewer is placed on a pita. Grilled tomato is added, as well as some tzatziki. Then everything is rolled and wrapped in wax paper. It can get messy, but who cares when it tastes divine?

In some parts of Greece, mostly in the northern part, souvlaki is not served with tzatziki. Locals prefer to add mustard, yogurt or some vegetables instead.

If you are a vegetarian, don’t worry. You can order “patatopita” which is a pita without any meat but with yogurt, tomato, onion and chips served as side dish. In fancy restaurants you will find swordfish, prawn or vegetable souvlaki.

Don’t confuse the traditional souvlaki with gyro, which is minced lamb or beef grilled on a vertical rotisserie and used in gyro sandwiches.

>>more information on Greek Food & Drink

Best places to eat Souvlaki

When in Athens, look for the souvlaki shops in Monastiraki square. Right in the corner of the market you will find one of the most popular places, Bairaktaris. By the way: the restaurant was featured in Joan Cusack’s Local Flavors on Discovery Travel and Living. So next time you visit Greece, make sure to try their Souvlaki.

Stelios, located in Plastira Street, specializes in chicken souvlaki. The ingredients are fresh, the pita is huge and everything is home-made.

Panerythraikos is located very close to Stelios and serves Souvlaki without tzatziki. They only add onions and tomatoes.

How to make your own Pork Souvlaki

Buy some lean pork meat and cut it into small cubs. Marinate the cubs in olive oil, oregano, thyme and a splash of vinegar for 8 to 10 hours. Put the cubs on the skewers and add a pinch of salt and pepper. Make sure not to grill at a very high temperature because the meat will be too dry. When done, put the skewers on a pita and add tomatoes and onion. You can add tzatziki, yogurt or mustard as well. Roll the pita and enjoy your souvlaki!