As a foodie fanatic and traveler, I was beyond excited to embark on my culinary journey in Athens, Greece. I had heard so much about the delicious traditional Greek cuisine and I couldn’t wait to taste it for myself. And let me tell you, Athens did not disappoint.
Upon arriving in Athens, I was immediately struck by the abundance of local markets and street vendors. These outdoor markets offered a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and seafood, all grown and caught locally. I was particularly enamored by the variety of olives available – from green to black – all expertly prepared and bursting with flavor. I couldn’t resist buying a few jars to take home with me.
One of the must-try traditional Greek dishes in Athens is the famous “gyro” – a grilled meat served in a pita with tomato, onion, and tzatziki sauce. These gyros are often served with a side of Greek fries and can be found at many street vendors and restaurants throughout the city. I tried my first gyro at a small street vendor, and let me tell you, it was love at first bite. The tender meat, combined with the tangy tzatziki sauce and fresh vegetables, was a flavor explosion in my mouth. I knew I had to have at least one more before leaving Athens.
Another staple of Greek cuisine that I had the pleasure of trying was “moussaka” – a layered eggplant and meat dish that is often served with rice or potatoes. This dish was hearty and comforting, perfect for a cold evening. The eggplant was cooked to perfection, and the meat sauce was rich and flavorful.
But it wasn’t just traditional Greek cuisine that Athens had to offer. I also had the opportunity to try some of the more unique and lesser-known local dishes, such as “dolmades” – stuffed grape leaves, and “pastitsio” – a traditional Greek pasta dish. These unique flavors added a new dimension to my food experience in Athens and made for a truly diverse culinary journey.
And let’s not forget about the international cuisine scene in Athens. The city is home to a variety of international restaurants, including Italian, Chinese, and Japanese. I was particularly impressed by the sushi scene in Athens, with many restaurants offering high-quality fish and creative roll options. I had some of the freshest and most delicious sushi I’ve ever had in Athens, and it was a nice change of pace from the traditional Greek fare.
Overall, my culinary journey in Athens was nothing short of a gastronomic dream come true. The city offers a wide variety of foods, from traditional Greek dishes to international flavors, all expertly prepared and delicious. If you’re a foodie fanatic like myself, I highly recommend a visit to Athens. You won’t be disappointed.
Travel Foodie 