25 Best Greek Street Foods You Must Try: A Complete Guide

The tastes and flavors of Greece are beautifully encapsulated in dishes served on the streets, from pita bread wraps and skewered delights to slices of pies and rolls infused with cinnamon, sesame, or wrapped in vine leaves.

This ultimate guide to the best 25 Greek street food dishes will take your taste buds on a journey through the country’s rich culinary heritage.

Most Popular Street Foods

1. Souvlaki

Souvlaki reigns as the quintessential Greek street food. Often mistaken for Gyros, souvlakia are skewers threaded with marinated cubes of pork or chicken, grilled over charcoal.

Savor the flavors of Greek street food with grilled meat and vegetables on skewers, served alongside pita bread, crispy fries, juicy tomato slices, and golden onion rings on a white plate. — *Souvlaki, Chania, Crete*

These flavorful morsels are served in warm pita bread alongside sliced onion, tomatoes, tzatziki sauce, a pinch of salt, and a drizzle of fresh lemon juice.

Dating back to Ancient Greece, where it was known as ‘Kandaulos,’ the dish originally included cheese and fresh dill.

The first souvlaki shop appeared in Livadia in 1951, and now, souvlakia shops dot every town, offering this tasty and affordable treat.

2. Gyros

Gyros, meaning “turning” in Greek, are a beloved and widespread street food. Originating from the Turkish doner kebab, gyros became a hit in Athens before spreading across Greece and even reaching the USA.

A plate of grilled meat with fries, pita bread, and salad, served with a small dish of sauce on a checkered tablecloth captures the essence of Greek street food. — *Gyros, Kos Town, Kos Island*

Thinly sliced grilled meat is wrapped in pita bread with a mix of salad, tzatziki sauce, and often french fries.

The meat, usually pork or chicken in Greece, is roasted on a vertical spit. This delicious meal offers a medley of flavors in every bite.

3. Loukoumades

Loukoumades are Greece’s answer to doughnuts. These golden, deep-fried dough balls are soaked in honey and sprinkled with cinnamon and chopped walnuts.

Trays of round fried snacks, reminiscent of Greek street food, and popcorn in striped boxes rest on a stainless steel counter under a glass display. — *Loukoumades, Athens Airport*

For those with a sweet tooth, variations with Nutella and other toppings are also available. Loukoumades are a delightful after-meal treat that encapsulates Greek dessert traditions.

Savory Pies and Baked Goods

4. Spanakopita

Spanakopita, a flaky pastry filled with spinach, feta cheese, dill, and herbs, is a staple in Greek bakeries and coffee shops. Made with delicate phyllo dough, this pie’s origins trace back to Persia and Turkey.

A slice of spinach and cheese pie with flaky pastry layers, reminiscent of Greek street food, rests invitingly on parchment paper. — *Spanakopita – the perfect Corfiot lunch*

The layers of phyllo, brushed with olive oil or butter, create a crispy shell for the savory filling.

5. Tiropita

Tiropita, a savory cheese pie, blends eggs and a mix of cheeses in a flaky phyllo pastry shell.

Three triangular pastries, reminiscent of Greek street food, are served on a white plate with mixed greens and cherry tomatoes, set on a red tablecloth alongside silverware and a glass. — *Tiropita, Greece*

This rich and creamy pie is a cousin to spanakopita, emphasizing the Greek love for cheese and pastry combinations.

It is widely enjoyed as a breakfast snack or a light meal, often paired with a cup of Greek coffee.

6. Peynirli

Peynirli, a boat-shaped pide topped with cheese and other ingredients, originated from Pontic Greek refugees.

A display of several freshly baked flatbreads, reminiscent of Greek street food, with various toppings on wooden boards, arranged in a line by a window. — *Peynirli, Greece*

This satisfying dish blends Greek and Turkish culinary traditions. It is often served with a runny egg cracked on top.

7. Bougatsa

A Northern Greek favorite, bougatsa features flaky phyllo pastry filled with either savory meat or cheese or sweet custard.

A mostly eaten pastry, reminiscent of Greek street food, dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon on a black rectangular plate with scattered crumbs, rests on a white table. A fork and napkins linger in the background. — *A last remaining piece of Bougatsa – Tinos Town, Tinos Island*

The dish, introduced by Greek refugees from Constantinople, is a morning staple in Thessaloniki, where it is chopped into bite-sized pieces and dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon for sweet variations.

8. Kreatopita

Kreatopita, or Greek meat pie, is a savory pastry filled with minced beef, onions, and sometimes rice, wrapped in flaky phyllo dough.

A slice of pie with a filling composed of shredded meat and rice offers a delightful nod to Greek street food, served elegantly on a white plate. — *Kreatopita, Kefalonia*

It is especially popular in the Epirus region.

Traditionally, it is prepared with homemade phyllo, adding a rustic and authentic touch to its flavor.

9. Koulouri

Koulouri is a staple of Greece’s second city, Thessaloniki. A sesame-covered Greek bagel, has roots in the Byzantine Empire.

People are buying Greek street food from a small yellow kiosk brimming with snacks. Trees and pedestrians create a lively backdrop, enhancing the scene's charm. — *Koulouri seller Athens*

Widely available in Greece, koulouri is enjoyed plain or filled with cream cheese, feta, or tomatoes.

10. Tiropsomo

Tiropsomo, a simple cheese bread, is made by baking feta cheese into a light dough. Often garnished with herbs or olives, it’s a quick and satisfying snack or accompaniment to meals.

Two round baking trays rest on the counter, one holding a cut puff pastry pie reminiscent of Greek street food delights, while the other tray displays a perfectly sliced flatbread. — *Tiropsomo, Pelion*

It is especially popular during road trips or as a picnic staple for its portability and delicious simplicity.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

11. Dolmades

Dolmades, grapevine leaves stuffed with rice, onions, fresh herbs, and pine nuts, are a traditional Greek delicacy with a debated origin.

A plate featuring six grape leaf rolls, partially filled with rice, and two cucumber slices, drizzled with olive oil—capturing the essence of Greek street food. — *Dolmades, Aegina Town, Aegina Island*

Vegetarian dolmades are typically served cold with Greek yogurt and lemon juice.

Their preparation, involving tenderizing the leaves and rolling them meticulously, reflects the care and artistry of Greek cuisine.

12. Greek Salad (Horiatiki)

Horiatiki, or Greek salad, combines feta, cucumbers, onions, and kalamata olives in a simple yet refreshing dish.

A table with a Greek salad, grilled meat platter reminiscent of Greek street food, a bread basket, a glass of white wine, and a bottle of Mythos beer. There's a seaside view in the background. — *Greek salad, Paros Island, Greece*

Enhanced with olive oil and locally-grown herbs, it’s a versatile option enjoyed across Greece with lovely variations according to the types of cheese, greens, and herbs grown in the different regions and islands of Greece.

13. Dakos

Dakos is a Cretan meze of barley rusk topped with chopped tomatoes, mizithra cheese, olive oil, and spices.

Two slices of bread topped with tomatoes and cheese rest on a wooden tray, reminiscent of Greek street food, accompanied by a small bowl of black and green olives. — Cretan dakos is for a traditional salad from the island of Crete consists of barley rusk topped with juicy tomatoes, cheese and olive oil closeup on the wooden board on the table. Horizontal

This light and flavorful dish is reminiscent of bruschetta and highlights Crete’s fresh ingredients and culinary traditions.

This Cretan specialty pairs perfectly with ouzo and captures the essence of Greek meze culture.

14. Kolokithokeftedes

Kolokithokeftedes, or zucchini fritters, combine grated zucchini, feta, and herbs for a crispy, savory snack.

A plate of zucchini fritters, reminiscent of Greek street food, rests on a paper towel beside a small bowl of yogurt sauce garnished with a dill sprig. — Greek zucchini fritters with tzatziki

This Cretan specialty pairs perfectly with ouzo and captures the essence of Greek meze culture.

They are often served with a dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki on the side, adding a creamy contrast to their crunchy texture.

15. Greek Falafel (Revithokeftedes)

Greek falafel, or revithokeftedes, are chickpea fritters seasoned with herbs like dill and mint.

Greek street food comes to life as meatballs sizzle in hot oil, with a delicate dusting of flour on top. — *Revithokeftedes frying in olive oil*

Originating in Sifnos, these vegan delights are a testament to Greek ingenuity in creating flavorful meat alternatives.

Falafel has also become a popular urban street food, blending Greek flavors with its Middle Eastern roots.

16. Ryzi

Peasant rice, or ryzi, is a humble yet flavorful dish of rice cooked with onions, olive oil, and lemon juice.

Grilled octopus tentacles, a Greek street food delight, served on a bed of bulgur with herbs, red peppers, and a lemon wedge on the side. — *Ryzi with Octopus, Antiparos Island*

It’s a staple comfort food often enjoyed as a side dish in Greek homes and tavernas, and it pairs well with grilled meats or stews.

Seafood Specialties

17. Octopus

Greek cuisine’s connection to the sea shines through in grilled octopus, a delicacy prepared with simplicity and flair.

Octopuses hanging on rods to dry by the sea in Naoussa, with boats gently rocking in the background. — *Octopi drying in the sun, Naoussa marina, Paros Island*

Sun-dried, marinated, and grilled over charcoal, it’s best served with latholemono sauce and a side of horta or steamed vegetables.

Sustainably sourced seafood is key to preserving this traditional dish.

18. Fish in a Cone

A modern twist on seafood, fish in a cone offers a portable and economical way to enjoy fried fish.

Four cones of seafood, each filled with different fried delicacies, are displayed in white and blue patterned paper cones on a counter, capturing the essence of Greek street food. — *Zizi’s Fish in a Cone, Athens*

Pioneered in Athens, this innovative street food trend has gained popularity for its convenience and flavor.

Meat Specialties

19. Kokoretsi

Kokoretsi is a bold Greek dish made from seasoned lamb or goat offal, wrapped in intestines, and roasted on a spit. It is often served with flatbread or salad.

Several whole lambs, a quintessential Greek street food delight, roast on turning spits over an open charcoal fire. — *Kokoretsi feast at Easter in Greece*

This dish is a staple of Easter celebrations in Greece, symbolizing tradition and communal feasting.

20. Moussaka

Moussaka is a rich, layered dish featuring eggplant, ground meat, and béchamel sauce.

A partially eaten dish in a brown ceramic bowl on a white plate, resting on a napkin, offers a glimpse of Greek street food flavors. The dish features mashed potatoes and minced meat, delicately garnished with herbs. — *Moussaka, disappearing fast*

While more commonly associated with home cooking, it is also found as a street food option in mini-portions, offering a hearty and satisfying snack for on-the-go diners.

21. Biftekia (Greek Burgers)

Biftekia, or Greek-style burgers, are made from minced meat mixed with breadcrumbs, herbs like oregano and parsley, and eggs.

A burger with creamy sauce on a bun sits on a plate, echoing the flavors of Greek street food, with a side of sliced vegetables. Fries are served in a cup nearby, completing this delightful culinary experience. — *Biftekia – Greek burger*

Grilled to perfection, these patties are served with pita bread or as part of a meal with fries and salad. Biftekia offer a Greek twist on a global favorite.

Snacks and Small Bites

22. Koupes

Koupes, also known as kibbe, are bulgur wheat and flour cylinders stuffed with meat or other fillings, then fried.

A plate of fried croquettes, reminiscent of Greek street food delights, is arranged neatly with limes in the background. — *Koupes*

This Mediterranean dish, popular in Greece and Cyprus, showcases a crispy outer layer and flavorful fillings seasoned with onions and parsley.

23. Saganaki

Saganaki is a type of fried cheese, named after the small frying pan used to prepare it. It is often flambéed at the table and served with a squeeze of lemon juice for a tangy kick.

A plate featuring a piece of fried cheese and a lemon wedge on a decorative floral-patterned dish evokes the vibrant flavors of Greek street food. — *Saganaki, Naxos Chora, Naxos Island*

Popular in tavernas across Greece, it originated as a meze dish and can sometimes include variations with shrimp or mussels, showcasing its versatility in Greek cuisine.

24. Chestnuts

In Greece, October signals the arrival of roasted chestnuts, a winter street food staple.

A street vendor in Athens at Christmas sells various snacks and sweets from a green cart on a cobblestone sidewalk, offering visitors delightful treats to enjoy as they explore the city's festive attractions. — *Chestnut streetfood cart in Athens, Greece*

These smoky treats, scored for even roasting, are sold warm and fresh from street carts, offering a cozy snack during the cooler months.

25. Dried Fruit

Dried fruits like raisins, figs, and apricots are a beloved staple in Greek markets, often enjoyed as a quick snack or dessert topping.

A market stall with assorted nuts and dried fruits reminiscent of Greek street food. Pistachios and cashews are displayed with price tags in euros, while a metal scoop rests among raisins. — *Dried fruit and nuts stall, Athens Market*

They are sometimes rehydrated and used in traditional Greek recipes, such as savory stews or sweet pastries, adding a burst of natural sweetness and flavor.

Cultural Significance of Greek Street Food

Greek street food is more than just sustenance, it’s a reflection of culture and community spirit. From bustling markets to seaside stalls, street food fosters connections and showcases the heart of the Greek culinary tradition.

Street food vendors often serve as gathering points, bringing people together to share moments over delicious and affordable meals.

Whether it’s a quick koulouri for breakfast or a shared plate of dolmades, these dishes represent the essence of Greek hospitality, storytelling, and the joy of simple, authentic flavors.