If you want to try legit Greek street foods, then you’ve come to the right place!
From savory souvlaki to sweet baklava, these are the best of the best.
Greece has no shortage of delicious street foods. I’m talking skewered meats, endless sweets, legendary boat-shaped pizzas, and more.
From breakfast and dessert to everything in between, you can spend an entire day eating nothing but these authentic Greek street foods.
But be careful, it’s so easy to get hooked on this tasty fare!
27 Incredible Greek Street Food Dishes
1. Spanakopita
Let’s kick off our culinary journey with one of my favorites: spanakopita. From snacks to party appetizers, this spinach pie is always a crowd-pleaser.
And you don’t have to head to the street vendors to find out for yourself. It’s super simple to recreate at home.
Each pocket of flaky phyllo dough bursts with spinach, feta, and garlic. Serve them up on a platter and watch them disappear!
2. Greek Chicken Souvlaki
When you think of street food from around the world, I’m sure some version of a meat on a stick comes to mind. And in Greece, that version is souvlaki.
These juicy skewers turn chicken into a mouthwatering masterpiece.
It all starts with the marinade, a blend of quality olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and white wine vinegar.
Toss the chicken until well coated, then pile it on to skewers. Best cooked on the grill, this tastes extra special with a bit of char.
Turn it into a gyro, dip it into tzatziki, or just nibble away. It’s seriously good as it is.
3. Greek Chicken Gyros
It wouldn’t be a proper list of Greek recipes without gyros!
One of the most beloved street foods around, gyros are the perfect wrap. And here’s how to make them at home.
You’ll marinate the chicken for half a day, then toss it on the grill.
For assembly, add the chicken to warm pita bread with tzatziki and a cucumber tomato salad.
4. Koulouri Thessalonikis (Greek Sesame Bread Rings)
Koulouri thessalonikis is a common breakfast item you can find throughout Greece.
It’s a fluffy sesame-coated bagel that’s unlike anything in the states. And while the street vendors may not tell you their secret, this recipe will!
You’ll activate the yeast with warm water and honey instead of sugar. Then combine it with the bread and spelt flour mixture.
Once you’re done working with the dough, dip them in honey, coat them with sesame seeds, and bake.
Trust me on this: double up the batch and freeze some for later. You’ll want it!
5. Loukoumades (Greek Donuts with Honey Syrup)
Forget the bakery, street food donuts are where it’s at!
Although the dough is simple, these baked goodies are full of flavor. And it’s all thanks to the honey coating.
You roll the dough and fry it like normal. Then, while they’re still warm, coat these babies in a syrupy honey mixture.
Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, they have a wonderful texture. Pair that with the sweet coating, and you won’t be able to have just one.
6. Greek Dolmades
Also known as dolmas, Greek dolmades are one of my all-time favorites.
You often see these as part of a meze platter because they’re so great for entertaining.
But they’re so yummy, I can eat them as a meal.
These sensational bites entail stuffing grape leaves with fluffy rice and fresh herbs.
The rice is kicked up with lemon juice, giving the whole thing a lovely light taste.
It’s a pretty simple recipe, though rolling the leaves is time-consuming. It’s a labor of love for sure, but totally worth it!
7. Dakos (Cretan Meze)
Dakos is like the Greek version of bruschetta.
It’s a Cretan must-have when it comes to sharing bites with friends. It also makes for a great snack on your own.
Plus, anyone can make it, and it comes together in a snap.
The key is to use barley rusk, which is a type of dried bread. With that as the base, you pile grated tomatoes and feta on top.
You’ll also want to add a healthy drizzle of olive oil. And for a little more oomph, add capers, olives, and onions.
8. Bougatsa
The Greeks make impeccable desserts, and bougatsa is sweet tooth’s dream come true.
It entails wrapping creamy custard inside flaky phyllo dough, like a sweet little burrito.
Sprinkle icing sugar and cinnamon on top, and it’s a sight to behold!
When working with phyllo dough, a cheesecloth will come in handy to keep it from drying out.
That said, you’ll brush each sheet with butter, so it’s going to be tasty and tender no matter what.
It’s a great dessert for special occasions and sure to win over a crowd.
9. Greek Souvlaki Pork with Ladolemono
If you’re looking for an epic street food recipe, try souvlaki pork with ladolemono.
Souvlaki refers to skewered food, and this pork version features a marinade of olive oil, lemon, oregano, and garlic.
Let the pork rest so it can soak up all the juices. Then skewer and grill until charred.
For the grand finale, brush each irresistible chunk of meat with a mix of lemon juice and olive oil.
Make them for your next BBQ, and everyone will forget all about the burgers!
10. Greek Meat Pie (Kreatopita)
Help yourself to a savory slice of kreatopita.
This homemade Greek pie has a satiating filling of lamb, pork, rice, tomatoes, and onions. It also has a layer of cheese on top, too.
Comforting, hearty, and meaty, it’s great for dinner and holidays alike. You can even freeze the leftovers and reheat a slice for a quick weeknight meal.
However you serve it, this is one Greek tradition not to be missed!
11. Fish in the Cone
New to the Athens street food scene is fish in a cone.
As the name suggests, this one packs scrumptious fried seafood into a paper cone with a side of lemon.
It makes for a quick meal and an affordable one too. Grab a cone and carry on with your busy day.
You’ll find this in Italy too, and it’s crazy popular. Plus, since both Italy and Greece have plenty of coastlines, the fish is always fresh!
12. Koupes
Got some bulgur in the pantry? Use it to make koupes.
These sausage-shaped fried patties feature bulgur wheat with a wholesome filling of herbs, onions, tomatoes, and peppers.
For a full meal, try it with a Greek salad and a side of warm pita bread. Yum!
13. Grilled Chestnuts
While you’re perusing this list, why not nibble on a snack of grilled chestnuts?
You’ll find locals and tourists all around munching on these when they’re in season.
They have a slightly sweet flavor, and they’re packed with nutrition. They’re also a terrific snack!
14. Tiropitas
Pastry lovers will want to get in on this action!
On the outside, you have a gorgeous golden brown flaky phyllo dough. Take a bite, and you’ll find a heavenly egg and cheese filling hiding inside.
They take some time to prepare, but it’s a fun one for the family to make together. Plus, it feeds a crowd and then some.
15. Greek Feta Bread (Tiropsomo)
I’m a big fan of traditional Greek breads – especially when they involve cheese!
Tiropsomo is a soft and light bread with feta baked inside. But it doesn’t end there.
For more flavor, you can add all sorts of fillings, like Kalamata olives and fresh herbs.
No matter what you add, don’t forget to brush the top with butter and sprinkle it with a handful of sesame seeds.
16. Greek Falafel (Revithokeftedes)
There is no way I can talk about Greek street food without mentioning falafels.
Revithokeftedes are authentic Greek falafels that feature deep-fried balls of chickpeas with potatoes and herbs.
It’s a favorite among vegetarians and meat eaters alike!
17. Horiatiki (Greek Village Salad)
Street food tends to involve a lot of high-calorie dishes. Horiatiki, on the other hand, is super fresh.
It’s like the Greek version of a garden salad. And while it has many variations, cucumber, Kalamata olives, and feta are a must.
18. Kolokithokeftedes (Greek Zucchini Fritters)
When you’ve got a bunch of excess zucchini, fritters are a terrific way to use them up. And kolokithokeftedes are the best!
Originating in Crete, Greek zucchini fritters are found all over the islands.
Thick like pancakes, they’re pretty simple to make with zucchini, fresh herbs, onions, chives, and feta. For binding, eggs and flour are key.
I serve these with tzatziki, but choose any dipping sauce you fancy.
19. Pinerli/Peinirli (Boat Shaped Greek Pizza)
Known as pinerli or peinirli, Greek pizza is not your standard slice.
Like all things Greek, it takes quality ingredients and turns them into a masterpiece.
The boat-shaped crust has the perfect texture. And inside, you’ll find melty cheese with all sorts of fillings.
Do yourself a favor and make this for your next pizza night.
20. Greek Hot Dog
These aren’t your average hot dogs, folks!
A street food classic, this version stuffs a beef dog in a bun, then tops it with tzatziki and veggies.
Cucumbers and olives are a common choices. Tomato and red onion work well too.
You’d be surprised how popular an American tradition like hot dogs is in Greece. And they’re delicious to boot!
21. Skepasti (Greek-Style Quesadilla)
Looking for an epic quesadilla recipe? Skepasti is what you want.
A street food must, this Greek-style quesadilla sandwiches meat, veggies, and cheese inside two grilled pitas.
So it’s just as tasty, but a little thicker than you’re used to.
Chicken and pork are pretty common, but I think lamb elevates things to another level.
Did I tell you it also tends to come with fries? It may not be your traditional quesadilla, but it is legendary!
22. Biftekia (Greek Burgers)
A big, juicy burger is a favorite street cart menu item. Even in Greece. Mouthwatering biftekia isn’t what you’ll find in the states, though.
This minced meat patty is full of herbs, breadcrumbs for binding, and plenty of tzatziki for fresh flavor.
All that and it’s slapped on a bun and served with fries.
So, I guess some things are the same. But why mess with a good thing?
23. Saganaki (Greek Cheese Appetizer)
Fried cheese? Count me in!
The outside is nice and crunchy while the inside is ooey gooey. Plus, the cheese is fresh from local cheesemongers.
I like to smear this on flatbread or use pita crackers for dipping.
24. Kalitsounia (Cheese Pie)
Another cheesy adventure you must try is cheese pie. It’s a type of Greek hand pie with a creamy cheese filling.
You can get these either savory or sweet. The first will typically have spinach, whereas the latter will likely have a dash of cinnamon.
25. Baklava (Layered Pastry)
Crispy, flaky baklava is a popular layered pastry and a famous one at that!
It entails layers upon layers of phyllo dough with nuts, cinnamon, and a syrupy honey mixture.
It’s a bit sticky, but it’s one of the best Greek sweets around.
26. Melomakarona (Greek Honey Cookies)
A platter of melomakarona cookies is a Greek Christmas tradition the family will love.
They have a warming mix of spices and a soft texture you’ll love. The most defining feature, though, is the signature honey syrup coating.
When making the cookie dough, be sure to add a splash of cognac. It makes them just a little bit more special and enhances the sweet orange flavor.
27. Diples (Greek Pastry with Honey And Cinnamon)
Diples are traditionally for special occasions, but you don’t need an excuse to make a batch of these.
These fried pastries are very crispy, sweet, and nutty.
The dough gets spiked with brandy, fried, then rolled. They’re then drizzled with cinnamon and honey syrup, and there’s add ground walnuts on top to boot.
Since you roll them, there’s no need to worry about getting perfect shapes. The more character, the better!