Street Food Stories

With Greek and ethnic flair, these small haunts promising unexpected delicacies are favourites of foodies.

Thessaloniki is a melting pot of cultures from which the most delicious flavours in Greece evolve. They are everywhere in the squares, alleyways and streets: traditional Simitiko Koulouri (sesame seed bread rings), Bougatsa (sweet or savoury breakfast pastry), Soutzoukakia (spicy meatballs with cumin, garlic and tomato sauce) and many more modern options, all delicious!

Enjoy authentic Thessaloniki souvlaki with mustard and mayonnaise sauce wrapped in a fluffy pita at the legendary 22 Souvlakia. Head to bustling Bombidia for spicy soutzoukakia with chilli flakes and plenty of onion. Try the hot-pepper version with a side of Russian salad at Lambros. Enjoy bougatsa with cheese in the morning at Bantis, a family joint that’s been around since 1969.

After a night on the town, grab a bougatsa with mince and yoghurt at Yiannis. For Georgian Piroshki (baked or fried dumplings with assorted filling), Khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), Tsimpoureki (veg or meat-stuffed pita) and airy cheese pies count on the culinary skills of the women at Agapi.

At Falafel, Raed Zahem, a lovelorn transplant from Lebanon, makes authentic, magical falafel with tabbouleh, homemade pickles and crispy pies. At Mono Unique Fresh, the flaky and delicate dough stuffed with Italian cheese and charcuterie is a cross between pizza and Lahmacun (Turkish pizza), only better! For Neapolitan pizza, stop at Pizza Hood or Salento Wood. For thin-crust pizza with fresh mozzarella and Tartufo, visit Poselli.

Three talented young chefs are putting new twists on Chinese bao buns at Thess Bao. Our favourite is with crispy prawns, spicy mayonnaise and avocado spread. The steaks and Iberico tenderloins at KouZēn are raised on small organic farms in Greece. For vegans, there are delicious Briam (a dish of roasted veggies in tomato sauce) and Veloute (a French savoury sauce) soups.

Looking for the best Angus burger with sweet potato fries? Head to Tarantino. For sushi to suit all palates, Sushaki is a must. However, nothing represents the city like the pancetta sandwich outside the PAOK stadium on match days.

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TEXT : ELENI PSYHOULI
PHOTOS : PERIKLES MERAKOS