We love pita gyros and souvlaki. In any form. By any means. But the truth is that our national street food has become an expensive affair. Where are the times when it was the obvious choice for the tastiest and fastest economic option? Now you can find a wrap for 4 euros - is it made of gold?
However, some shops still resist the wave of price rises as much as possible. That is the most important thing without having dropped the quality at all.
It's one thing to be cheap because you serve mediocre food and another to manage to keep your prices low with the taste consistently on the high side.
Therefore, let's see who are the leading exponents of the food in the heart of Athens with a significant "plus" parallel to the price their "delights" offer us - that is, delicious and affordable!
The value for money skewers of Athens:
Lefteris o Politis
Two choices, infinite happiness: juicy biftekia or Constantinople kebabs wrapped in a delicious and well-oiled pita. The cost is 2.70 and 2.90 euros, respectively, a bargain for such a hearty taste.
Lefteris o Politis has been operating in the centre since 1951; it is no coincidence that it has lasted so long and has become the definition of the value and charm of the classic. How does everyone know him?
Satovriandou 20, Omonia / Romvi 18, Syntagma
The Russians of Kallithea
For the (divine) taste, the secret is this (red) sauce. Which once drove chef Scarmutso crazy – what can gourmets say to you in front of the deliciousness of simplicity?
Beef biftekia or pork souvlaki on the "pito-menu" are 2.80 euros. Try the excellent piroski, with potato, minced meat and sweet mizithra - for 2.30. And for those who don't know, it doesn't even have a name from the outside, just a dark sign that reads "Souvlaki-Piroski".
The best advertising was word of mouth.
Anagnostara 16 & Grypari, Kallithea
Volvi
Again, simplicity is what makes the difference for these beautiful skewers. Pork chop or beef sausage. These two alone go into the pie. The above is enough.
They cost just 2.40 and 2.30 euros respectively. There is no gyros; you are in the wrong store if you want fries in your wrap.
If you still want to eat well without emptying your wallet, fine!
24-26 Evripidou, Athens
Tomas
Here, kebab is a science, not a joke—the tastiest and juiciest in town. We are talking about ISO quality that remains unchanged over time. For what you eat, you pay… nothing. These skewers are priceless.
Sarkoudinou 49, Neos Kosmos
READ MORE: Koulouri, Greece’s favourite breakfast on the run.
