10 Must-Try Greek Foods in Athens Under €5
- Adventures of Matt & Nat
- Sep 7
- 6 min read
If there’s one thing we’ve learned while traveling, it’s that some of the best ways to experience a city are through its food. And Athens? Let’s just say your taste buds are in for a treat, without emptying your wallet!
On our recent trip, we set out on a self-guided food tour with one goal in mind: find the most delicious, authentic Greek eats you can get for under €5. Spoiler alert… Athens delivered! From flaky, savory pies and perfectly grilled souvlaki to sweet, syrupy desserts that’ll have you licking your fingers, this city is proof that you don’t have to spend big to eat well!
In this guide, we’re sharing 10 must-try Greek foods in Athens under €5, plus exactly where to find them. Whether you’re a first-time visitor eager to taste the classics or a budget-conscious traveler looking for a local-approved bite, these dishes are a perfect introduction to the flavors of Greece.
Grab a fork (or just your hands) and let’s dig in!
For a closer look at our experience, watch our Athens Food Tour video!
For the best guided food tours in Athens, check out GetYourGuide!
Where to Stay in Athens
Finding the right place to stay in Athens can make your trip even more enjoyable. Whether you want to be steps from the historic sights in Plaka, close to the nightlife in Psiri, or tucked away in a quieter neighborhood, Athens has options for every style and budget.
Here are a few of our top hotel recommendations to get you started:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Electra Palace Athens
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 360 Degrees
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hotel Thissio
And if you’d like to browse more options, use the interactive map below to explore hotels by location and price:
Table of Contents:
1. Freddo Espresso
Cost: €3–€4 | Where to Try: Taf Coffee
When it comes to coffee culture in Athens, nothing beats the Freddo Espresso (far superior to its instant coffee cousin, the Frappe). Born in Greece, this refreshing drink is made by shaking a double shot of espresso with ice until it’s perfectly frothy, then served over more ice. It’s smooth, bold, and the perfect way to cool down in the Mediterranean heat.
Tip: If you prefer something creamier, order a Freddo Cappuccino — the same shaken espresso base, but topped with a thick layer of cold milk foam. Taf Coffee is one of the best spots in the city to try either version.
2. Koulouri
Cost: €0.50–€1 | Where to Try: Street Kuluri
A true Athenian breakfast on the go, the koulouri is a sesame-covered bread ring that’s simple, filling, and incredibly satisfying. Crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, it’s the kind of snack you’ll see locals grabbing on their way to work or school. (Think of it as Greece’s version of a bagel or soft pretzel — but lighter.)
Tip: The koulouri has been a staple since Byzantine times, and it’s still one of the cheapest, most filling snacks you can buy in Athens. Locals usually eat it plain, but some bakeries offer variations with cheese or olives baked into the dough if you want to try something different.
3. Tiropita
Cost: €1–€2 | Where to Try: Μάμ
Flaky, buttery phyllo dough filled with tangy Greek cheese — the tiropita is one of Greece’s most beloved savory pies. The filling is usually made with feta or a feta-style white cheese, which gives it that signature salty, creamy flavor that balances perfectly with the crisp layers of pastry. It’s a grab-and-go snack that works just as well for breakfast as it does for a mid-day bite. (Think of it as a portable cheese-filled pastry that manages to taste both indulgent and comforting.)
Tip: The tiropita at Μάμ is a must, but don’t skip the fresh orange juice while you’re there. It’s probably the best we’ve ever had!
4. Spanakopita
Cost: €2–€3 | Where to Try: Μάμ
The spanakopita is tiropita’s green, leafy cousin — a savory phyllo pie filled with spinach, herbs, and often a little feta for extra creaminess. The layers of golden pastry give way to a flavorful, earthy filling that’s both hearty and fresh. It’s one of the most iconic Greek comfort foods, equally loved as a quick snack or a light meal. (If tiropita is all about rich, cheesy indulgence, spanakopita balances things out with something a little lighter and greener.)
Tip: Spanakopita recipes vary depending on the region and season — some versions include fresh dill or leeks for extra flavor. In Athens, you’ll often find the classic spinach-and-feta combo, but keep an eye out for these variations if you travel around Greece.
5. Greek Yogurt
Cost: €3–€5 | Where to Try: Stani
Thick, creamy, and tangy... real Greek yogurt is a world apart from the versions you’ll find in grocery stores back home. Served simply with a generous “drizzle” of local honey and a sprinkle of crunchy walnuts, it’s a timeless combination that highlights Greece’s knack for turning just a few ingredients into something extraordinary.
Tip: Don’t be surprised if the yogurt is served slightly warm instead of ice-cold. That’s traditional in Greece, and it actually makes the flavors of the honey and nuts shine even more.
6. Loukoumades
Cost: €3–€5 | Where to Try: Krinos
Golden, bite-sized balls of fried dough, loukoumades are Greece’s answer to donuts — crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and drenched in honey syrup. Traditionally, they’re sprinkled with cinnamon and walnuts, but modern shops often get creative with toppings like chocolate, ice cream, or even savory twists. (They’re actually one of the oldest recorded desserts in the world, dating back to the ancient Olympic Games, where winners were awarded “honey tokens.”)
Tip: Order them fresh and eat them hot — that’s when the honey soaks perfectly into the dough. For a delicious and modern take on Loukoumades, head to Lukumades and get an order drizzled with pistachio cream!
7. Bougatsa
Cost: €2–€3 | Where to Try: Creme Royale
Buttery layers of phyllo wrapped around a creamy semolina custard filling — while savory versions exist, the sweet version of bougatsa is the star in Athens. Lightly dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon, it’s sweet without being overwhelming and pairs perfectly with a morning coffee. (The dish originated in Northern Greece, especially Thessaloniki, and over time made its way south, where Athenians embraced the custard-filled variety.)
Tip: Bougatsa is best enjoyed straight from the oven, when the phyllo is still crisp and the custard warm.
8. Baklava
Cost: €3–€4 | Where to Try: Artos Venetis
If there’s one Greek dessert that needs no introduction, it’s baklava. Made with delicate layers of phyllo pastry, chopped nuts (usually walnuts or pistachios), and plenty of honey or syrup, this treat is as rich as it is irresistible. Every bite balances sweetness with crunch, making it one of the most iconic desserts in the Eastern Mediterranean. (Though its exact origins are debated — with claims from Greece, Turkey, and the Middle East — baklava has become a cornerstone of Greek pastry culture.)
Tip: In Greece, baklava is often made with local thyme honey, which gives it a more floral, complex flavor compared to versions you may have tried elsewhere. If you want the full experience, pair it with a small cup of strong Greek coffee — the bitterness balances the sweetness perfectly.
9. Souvlaki Skewers
Cost: €2–€3 | Where to Try: Delicious Souvlaki
Tender cubes of marinated meat grilled on a skewer — souvlaki is one of the most iconic and beloved Greek street foods. Traditionally made with pork, though chicken and lamb are also popular, it’s seasoned simply with olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper before hitting the grill. Served either straight off the stick or tucked into a pita, it’s quick, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying.
Tip: If you order souvlaki on its own (just the skewer), locals often squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top before eating — it brightens the flavors and cuts through the richness of the meat.
10. Gyro Pita
Cost: €3–€4 | Where to Try: Delicious Souvlaki
If there’s one dish you absolutely can’t leave Athens without trying, it’s the gyro pita. Juicy slices of pork or chicken are shaved from a vertical rotisserie and tucked into warm pita bread, along with tomato, onion, fries, and a generous dollop of tzatziki. It’s hearty, flavorful, and basically the definition of Greek street food. (The word “gyro” literally means “turn” in Greek, a nod to the way the meat slowly rotates as it cooks.)
Tip: In Greece, gyros almost always include fries inside the pita — it’s not a side, it’s part of the experience. Don’t be tempted to pick them out; they add the perfect salty crunch to each bite.
And that’s how you can experience the flavors of Athens for less than €5 a dish! We hope this guide helps you eat your way through Athens without breaking the bank, and maybe even inspires you to try something new!
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