The Top 10 Greek Foods Every Erasmus Student in Athens Must Try

Erasmus students come to Athens from many countries.

And when we ask what they like best about Athens...

The most common response is...

• Rich history

• Beautiful architecture

• Vibrant cultural scene

But let's be real…

One of the most awesome parts of living in a new city is... TRYING OUT THE LOCAL CUISINE!

And when it comes to Athens, there's no shortage of delicious food to try.

From fresh seafood to juicy souvlaki, there's something for every palate.

To ensure you get all of the yummiest foods in Athens, we've compiled a list of the top 10 Greek foods... every ERASMUS student must try!

1. Greek Salad

Ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and feta cheese, all drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice... and you get a classic dish impossible to say no to.

It's the perfect combination of fresh and salty flavors and is often served as a starter or side dish.

2. Souvlaki

This popular street food consists of small pieces of grilled meat (pork or chicken). It is served on a skewer with pita bread, tomato, onion, and a yogurt-based sauce—a super convenient and delicious meal.

3. Dolmades

Dolmades is such a staple of Greek cuisine.

And like everything brilliant, this dish is simple.

They're made by rolling up a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes meat... in a tender grape leaf and then cooking them in a flavorful tomato sauce!

The result? Heavenly tasty!

4. Tzatziki

This creamy dip made from strained yogurt, garlic, and cucumber is another staple of Greek cuisine.

It's often served with pita bread or as a topping for gyros.

Simply put, tzatziki makes everything more exciting.

5. Gyros

This famous sandwich is another Greek food classic.

Made with tender slices of marinated meat (usually pork or chicken) and slow-roasted on a spit, then served on a warm pita with tomato, onion, and tzatziki sauce... this street food jewel will make you long for more.

6. Octopus

Fresh octopus is a common sight on Greek menus. It's a flavorful and unique dish that everyone should try.

It is often grilled or boiled until tender and served with lemon and olive oil.

7. Feta cheese

This tangy, salty cheese is another staple of Greek cuisine.

It's often served as a topping on salads. Or used as a filling in dishes like dolmades or spanakopita (spinach and feta pie).

Want something more edgy? Go for the fried version called saganaki.

8. Spanakopita

What do you get by layering phyllo dough with a mixture of spinach and feta cheese... then baking it until golden brown?

A savory pastry that is both a delicious snack and a light meal that's easy to grab on the go!

9. Baklava

Talking about layering...

Baklava is a sweet pastry.

Layering thin phyllo dough with a mixture of honey, nuts, and cinnamon, then bake until golden brown... you get this rich and decadent treat perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

10. Greek coffee

No visit to Athens is complete without trying the local coffee!

Greek coffee is a strong and flavorful coffee made by boiling finely ground coffee beans with water and sugar.

It's traditionally served in small cups.

And it is the perfect way to start your day or perk you up after a long night of studying!

When it comes to food, Athens has something for everyone.

Whether you're in the mood for a hearty sandwich, a light salad, or a sweet treat, you'll find it here.

So why not take a break from studying and treat yourself to a delicious Greek meal? You won't regret it!