Having wandered around Athens, I have 10 top tips for foodies visiting the Greek Capital but I am going to start with general piece of advice.
Athens has graffiti, is gritty and you need to watch your bag as there are pick-pockets but it is actually pretty safe. People are lovely and you can wander around in the centre without too much hassle! Obviously don't take £2,000 worth of camera equipment and hang around in a deserted alley but I must admit, I felt completely safe and comfortable (and this can be an issue for a busty blond in Mediterranean countries) during my whole visit.
So now on to what a foodie should do:
- There is a foodie walking tour and while I didn't do it, I would recommend someone who doesn't have the luxury of time visits - www.athenswalkingtours.gr
- If you have the time, I recommend that you visit the Acropolis, then the Acropolis Museum finishing with drinks in the Cafe. The food isn't bad but to be honest, it is about the view - the glorious view of the Acropolis from a beautiful building with an outdoor terrace.
- Spend an evening wandering around Plaka - this is the old town and around the corner from Monastiraki station so really easy to get to. They have a street of restaurants which you can try Greek food at or simply enjoy a glass of wine. While obviously, the house wine isn't going to win awards, don't be afraid to try it as it is actually pretty good for 3 euros a glass.
- Remember when you order spirits, they are not US or UK measures, they are Greek measures. Very very generous or as my friend said, a nice glass of gin with a touch of tonic. So while it might seem pricey on the menu, it really isn't in actuality and you normally get some crisps or nuts with the order so think about it as a package deal.
- If you walk out of Monastiraki station and walk into the square (odd statue to your left) and then walk up the wide street in front of you for about 5/10 minutes, you will get to the central food market. It opens early and it is definitely worth a wander. Don't be afraid of tasting the food as often, they will allow you to try the olives or chili before you buy anything. We bought a few green pickled chillis and enjoyed them on our hotel terrace.
- Have a meze meal! All the food is good but try ordering a few different meze - Fava is excellent as is the aubergine salad. I really like the Greek version of whitebait and don't dismiss the humble Greek salad. Honestly, having a few of these for lunch is bliss in the sun with a view of the Acropolis.
- Try Greek frozen yogurt as this is a revolution for us from the UK. You, fill your cup with your yogurt and then choose your selection of topics and then then they charge you for the weight. All your own choice, such a nice change and if you don't like yogurt, their ice cream is pretty amazing too!
- Try Ouzo, Raki and some of the more unusual spirit. You don't have to like them but what I would say is don't simply assume you won't. A nice people watching drinking hole is just at the start of plaka (past the first row of shops and the yogurt shop) just next to the open plot. They serve excellent drinks and you get to see so many people.
- Look out for one of the slightly commercial Greek Food shops and then find someone to ask questions. They are all over Greece and stock some lovely local delicacies which many of the assistants know a huge amount about.
- Buy one of the 20 euro recipe books in the Airport and try a few things at home - may be a weird tip but the book is really good and well worth the money.
Finally, Accept the service, the atmosphere and the cats/dogs - this is Greece. This is not the UK or the US or anywhere else. You may have to wait a bit for a drink or find that the guys can really try to get you into their restaurant when you walk past. Don't ask for recommendations as they will simply point you in the direction of the normal tourist traps - walk. wander and enjoy.
Lxx
P.S. Don't forget to follow me on twitter @alittlebitofwhatyou
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