Are you a food lover? If yes, then Thessaloniki is a must-visit destination for you. The city is known for its rich culinary heritage, which is a blend of Greek, Ottoman, and Jewish cuisines. In this post, we’ll take you on a culinary journey of Thessaloniki, where you’ll get to explore some of the city’s most iconic dishes.

  1. Start Your Day with Bougatsa

Bougatsa is a traditional pastry that is a staple of Thessaloniki’s breakfast scene. It is made with phyllo dough and filled with a sweet or savory custard. You can find bougatsa in most bakeries and cafes in the city. One of the best places to try bougatsa is Bougatsa Giannis, a bakery that has been serving the pastry for over 100 years.

  1. Try the Iconic Gyro

Gyro is a Greek dish that has become a worldwide phenomenon. It is made with marinated meat (usually pork or chicken) that is cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The meat is then sliced and served in a pita bread with tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce. One of the best places to try gyro in Thessaloniki is Souvlaki Opos Palia, a small eatery that serves some of the city’s best gyro.

  1. Savor the Flavor of Soutzoukakia

Soutzoukakia is a Greek meatball dish that is flavored with cumin, garlic, and paprika. The meatballs are cooked in a tomato sauce and served with rice or potatoes. One of the best places to try soutzoukakia in Thessaloniki is Mpakaliarakia Sto Koutouki Tou Aristou, a taverna that serves authentic Greek cuisine.

  1. Indulge in the Sweet Delight of Koulouri

Koulouri is a traditional Greek bread that is shaped like a large ring. It is sprinkled with sesame seeds and is a popular snack in Thessaloniki. You can find koulouri in most bakeries and street food vendors in the city. One of the best places to try koulouri is at Aristotelous Square, where you’ll find several street vendors selling the snack.

  1. End Your Day with a Glass of Ouzo

Ouzo is an anise-flavored Greek liquor that is usually served as an aperitif. It is made by distilling pure alcohol with anise and other aromatic herbs. Ouzo is often served with meze (small dishes) and is a staple of Thessaloniki’s nightlife. One of the best places to try ouzo in Thessaloniki is at Ouzeri Lesvos, a traditional taverna that serves authentic Greek cuisine.

In Conclusion

Thessaloniki is a food lover’s paradise. The city’s culinary scene is rich and diverse, offering a blend of Greek, Ottoman, and Jewish cuisines. From the iconic gyro to the sweet delight of koulouri, there’s something for everyone in Thessaloniki. So, when you visit the city, make sure to explore its food scene and indulge in some of the city’s most iconic dishes.