Cities Where Street Food is Better Than Any Michelin Restaurant

33. Athens, Greece: Souvlaki, Gyros, and Ancient Bites

Athens’ street food is as timeless and satisfying as its ancient ruins. The quintessential Athenian street eats are souvlaki (grilled meat skewers, usually pork or chicken) and gyros (thinly sliced meat roasted on a vertical spit), both often wrapped in warm pita bread with tzatziki, tomatoes, and onions. For a quick breakfast or snack, grab a koulouri Thessalonikis, a large, sesame-crusted bread ring sold by street vendors everywhere. Sweet treats like loukoumades (honey-drizzled doughnuts) also tempt passersby. It’s simple, fresh, affordable, and the perfect fuel for exploring this historic city.