Greek street foods for summer?

[d_kakavouli]

I might be going to Greece in July, and one thing I’m really looking forward to is the street food. I’ve had gyros and souvlaki plenty of times here in the U.S., but I’m guessing the experience in Greece is completely different.

I’d love recommendations for the best street foods to try during the summer, especially things that are refreshing or easy to grab while walking around. Are there certain foods that are more popular in the hotter months? I’ve heard about koulouri in Thessaloniki and loukoumades from street vendors, but I’m sure there’s a lot more I don’t know about.

Also curious if there are regional specialties depending on which islands or cities you visit. I’m hoping to avoid overly touristy spots and try things locals actually eat regularly. What street foods would you put at the top of the list?

 

[k_tsoukalas]

One thing I noticed in Greece is that locals often keep street food pretty simple, especially during the heat of summer. Of course, gyros and souvlaki are everywhere and definitely worth trying, but I also found myself grabbing things like koulouri, spinach pies, cheese pies, and fresh fruit cups from markets and bakeries.

If you're in Thessaloniki, I would absolutely try koulouri from a street vendor. It makes a great breakfast while walking around the city. On the islands, I saw plenty of people stopping for ice cream, fresh watermelon, and cold freddo espresso drinks rather than heavier foods during the hottest part of the day.

One thing I'd recommend is checking out local bakeries. Some of my favorite quick meals in Greece came from neighborhood bakeries rather than tourist-focused restaurants. Every region seems to have its own specialties, which is part of the fun.