Thessaloniki, New York Times...and food!!

One of the 52 destinations proposed for several different reasons by the New York Times is... Thessaloniki!!
The main reason for this?... Food! 

To be honest, we couldn't agree more!

So, what is it that makes Thessaloniki so special when it comes to food? And most importantly why the NY Times chose this city among so many other Greek destinations?

The answer is ... everything!

Like in several other cities, food in Thessaloniki is great...
But in this city, food as a part of the city's soul, something is different than the rest of Greece...       

The food culture in Thessaloniki is the result of a unique mix of Balkan influences and flavors along with a very distinctive Eastern (mostly Ottoman) legacy and scents.

The Greek dishes you may be looking for (of course), are also available everywhere but the soul of the city's culinary identity can be found in spices, salads, pies and traditional meat recipes that the refugees brought with... 

In other words, delicious!!


What to eat in Thessaloniki?

Whether you are interested on exploring the traditional Greek dishes and specialties (salads, musaka, pastitsio, patsas, souvlaki, fish or meat dishes) or Eastern, more "exotic" recipes, you will be satisfied.

The cherry on the cake? Prices are good. In fact they are very good compared to the European standards! You'll have the chance to try the beloved for the Greeks Gyros (pork or chicken) for 3 euros, the traditional Mpougatsa for 2,5 euros and koulouri (kind like a bagel with sesame) for 1 euro.

Pizza and calzone for 1 or 2 euros are also easy to find in many places all over the center! Some of these food spots are easier to find because of the college students all around them (like Kamara and Rotonda). 12 to 17 euros per person will also be enough for the majority of the restaurants in the city center.


Countless food options

Is this all? Well...not exactly! What will really surprise you is the variety of the food options available! The one characteristic every food lover will appreciate and pay tribute to!! Gourmet destinations, countless street and fast food options and the traditional Greek taverns will leave you with a smile.

A less gourmet yet very popular food destination is the Greek taverns. Although some of them especially in the city center are considered tourist traps, the whole atmosphere (cheerful and loud) along with some extra wine will help you feel the mood!

After your meal, take your time and enjoy your coffee in one of the hundreds cafe and bars available all around. You'll soon understand why the coffee culture in this city is considered such a big deal.

Discover as many flavors as possible, (you have a lot of work to do!) try to become a part of the city's coffee culture and feel the truly special rhythm of Thessaloniki!

Yummy! Tell me more!!

I want to discover the city through a guided tour devoted to Flavors and Aromas!