As a Greek who's tasted grilled meats around the world, I can confidently say that Greek grilling holds a special place in my heart (and stomach!). It's more than just the techniques, recipes, or sauces – it starts with the meat itself. In Greece, we prioritize naturally raised animals, often grazing freely on herbs and wild grasses. This results in meat with a depth of flavor and tenderness that's hard to find elsewhere.
A Greek's Guide to the Best Grilled Meats in Athens (and Beyond!)
The Magic of Greek Meat:
- Naturally Raised: Forget factory farms! In Greece, you'll find animals raised the traditional way, resulting in superior quality meat.
- Island Flavors: On the islands, goats graze on wild herbs and drink seawater, yielding presalted meat with a unique, almost briny flavor.
- Crete's Culinary Treasures: If you find yourself in Crete, be sure to savor the grilled lamb – you won't regret it!
- Northern Delights: In Northern Greece, indulge in the local veal steaks. For an authentic experience, seek out tavernas frequented by locals, not tourists.
Athens' Best Barbecue:
Now, let's explore the best grilled meats in Athens:
1. Telis (Evripidou Street):
Telis is a legend in Athens, renowned for his mastery of pork chops. These juicy, flavorful chops are served atop crispy fried potatoes and are a must-try for any meat lover visiting the city. Telis offers fast, economical, and incredibly delicious grilled meat.
2. Thanasis Kebab Souvlaki (Thisio):
Thanasis is a classic souvlaki joint in the Thisio district, serving up mouthwatering kebabs made with a mix of lamb and veal. Enjoy them on a plate with grilled tomatoes or wrapped in a fluffy pita with your choice of toppings. One bite, and you'll understand why it's so hard to stop at just one!
3. Leibadia (Kanigos Square):
Leibadia is a haven for pork souvlaki lovers. Their succulent skewers are grilled to perfection and served with all the village bread you can eat. The constant flow of fresh souvlaki ensures you'll always get a taste straight from the charcoal grill.
The Art of Greek Grilling:
- Charcoal is King: In Greece, we love the smoky flavor that charcoal grilling imparts on our meat.
- Simple Marinades: We keep it simple with olive oil, salt, pepper, and oregano, allowing the natural flavors of the meat to shine.
- Aromatic Additions: During grilling, we add a touch of olive oil, salt, and oregano to create a tantalizing aroma and enhance the flavor.
- Lemon and Vinegar: Fresh lemon juice is squeezed over the meat just before serving, and vinegar is kept handy to tame any unruly flames.
- Embrace the Fat: We don't trim the fat before grilling, as it adds to the flavor and juiciness of the meat.
Beyond Athens: A Must-Stop for Souvlaki:
Don't miss the legendary souvlaki at the Corinth Bridge, the gateway to the Peloponnese. Thousands of people stop daily to savor these delicious skewers – a testament to their irresistible flavor.
