How to eat healthy, delicious meals in Athens on a student budget

Athens is a beautiful city where you can find lots of delicious food.

But is it possible to eat healthy, delicious food on a student budget?

In this article, we will detail how to do precisely that.

Eat out less - cook at home more

It's easy to eat healthy in Athens if you're willing to cook.

And with the endless number of fresh fruit, vegetable, and seafood markets... it's pretty inexpensive!

Get groceries at a local market

The best way to eat healthy and cheap in Athens is to go to the local markets. It's much easier to get fresh meat at a market than at a grocery store. Local markets have lower prices on produce and meat and can also be more fun because they are social. You get to see and chat with your neighbors and find out the latest gossip.

Another option is "laiki…

…which are street farmers' markets where you can get fresh produce. 

They'll sell at much-discounted prices if you go toward the end of the day. These are not organic, but they're still pretty good and inexpensive!

You can also find great deals on things like bread, feta cheese, yogurt, eggs, and olives at your local mini-market. Some are open 24 hours a day and have everything you need if you have a sudden craving for some olives at 3 a.m.

The most traditional local shops, called "mpakaliko," are where you find what locals eat. One of the oldest still successfully serving is Karas Trofima.

Conveniently located in the center of Athens at Em Benaki 23 str... get ready for the friendliest Greek shopping experience. You can find many delicious kinds of cheese, cold cuts, legumes, olives, Greek spirits, and other Greek products... at the best prices and with the friendliest service.

Eat seasonal fruits and vegetables

You can get seasonal fruits and vegetables at reasonable prices throughout the year. Add them to your diet in combination with other ingredients. Or use them as the main ingredients in salads. For example, orange juice is great for Vitamin C, which helps fight colds!

Shop the sales

Supermarkets run different promotions every week. Keep an eye out and shop at deep discounts.

Where to find a farmers' market

The Central Farmers' Market of Athens, called 'Varvakios Agora,' is a short walk from Omonia square. The Central Market is the biggest and best known among Greek people too. It's a good place for buying fresh fruit and vegetables in bulk at lower prices.

Farmers' markets called "laiki" are open weekly in different neighborhoods throughout Athens. Ask a local when is "laiki" in your area. Or check for more info here

Some easy to make delicious Greek meals

Greek yogurt is a great breakfast choice because it is filling and very nutritious. Eat with honey and walnuts. It is heavenly!

Vegetables are very affordable in Greece, so roast some veggies... and dip them in good quality hummus! This recipe is healthy, savory, and has a great texture which makes it satisfying. Hummus also goes great with fresh pita bread- stab some veggies with a fork and dip in hummus.

And of course the famous Greek Salad!

Eating out on a budget

"Magireuta" which means home-cooked food, is a great option to eat cooked food! Find your local place and enjoy the meals Greeks cook at home.

Souvlakia is another good option for an inexpensive meal. Order whole grain pita, lettuce, tomato, and meat of your choice and enjoy a full meal!

And last but not least...

Taste Greek pies

You'll find pastries filled with spinach and cheese called spanakopita (spinach pie), kreatopita (meat pie), tiropita (cheese pie), tiropites/pitakia (cheese/meat turnovers), and bougatsa (custard pastry). 

These pastries cost anywhere between €1 and €2.50 ($1.12 - $2.80) and can easily fill you up. And they taste AMAZING! (try it and thank us later).

Use student discounts

All you need to do is show your Student Identity Card to get discounts at many places around Athens. It saves you money at bars and restaurants all around Greece. You can also get discounts at museums and places of interest around the city.

In conclusion

The Greek diet is one of the healthiest you can find. And if you're ready to put a little time and effort into planning your meals, shopping for the right ingredients, and cooking... you'll be amazed how well you can eat in Athens, even on a student budget!