When I step into a grocery store or market in Greece, I remember shopping with my grandparents as a child. They were ruthless when it came to buying great produce; mediocre just wasn’t going to cut it. They wouldn’t hesitate to ask store assistants what the freshest catch of fish or cut of meat of the day was.
This emphasis on buying high-quality produce is common among Greek people. Why? I used to think my grandparents were obsessive during their grocery hunts. However, food and family are at the center of Greek culture. Therefore, everything from serving someone a nice Greek coffee to cooking a traditional family feast is taken very seriously. Here’s how you can do it too.
In Greece’s larger cities and towns, you won’t have trouble finding large supermarkets. Two that I’d recommend are AB Vassilopoulos and Sklavenitis (the latter advertises with the amusing slogan, “as cheap as anywhere”). These supermarkets offer a range of products similar to what you’d find in any major supermarket worldwide.
Naturally, grocery stores are smaller and more modest on the islands and in rural villages. These stores stock essential items and focus on hyperlocal produce. While there’s not an abundance of choice, this simplicity makes shopping straightforward. It also encourages you to be more resourceful and even experimental. However, what will always be well represented in these smaller grocers are ingredients integral to the Greek Mediterranean diet – including fresh fruit and vegetables, olive oil, whole grains, legumes, and nuts.
In many villages, fresh produce comes to you not via meal delivery, but via trucks equipped with loudspeakers that announce available items, whether they’re fruits, vegetables, or fish. Part of the fun is chasing the truck down.
If you prefer a more leisurely shopping experience, visit a laiki agora (public market). These traditional markets feature a variety of local products, from fresh fruits and vegetables to cured meats, cheeses, deli items, toiletries, and even alcohol.
How to Shop for Food Like a Greek
In Greece, seasonal produce is highly valued. People prefer local ingredients that are bursting with flavor. Greek cuisine emphasizes using the freshest produce, as relying on subpar ingredients can compromise an entire dish.
Traditional dishes play a significant role in Greek culture, both in homes and in restaurants. Many foods are tied to important events and holidays, and these traditions are deeply rooted in the seasonal availability of ingredients.
Respect for the Mediterranean diet is also profound in Greece. The focus is on incorporating various food groups into daily meals, making whole foods dominate shopping lists to promote balance and health.
Typically, Greeks prefer to shop for food fresh rather than in bulk, which often means making trips to the grocery store two or three times a week, or even daily for some. Some of these trips might include stops at specialty food shops. For fresh bread or pastries, visit a fourno (bakery), which can be found throughout Greece offering warm, traditional baked goods.
If you’re a seafood lover and near the coast, seek a fish market or fishmonger where you may even find locals selling freshly caught seafood near the piers.
Moreover, for those with a sweet tooth, zacharoplastia are Greek cake shops selling an array of freshly baked sweet treats.
What Products You Must Try in Greece
Greek Yogurt
You won’t find a better Greek yogurt than the one produced by Fage, which is beloved throughout Greece. It’s the thickest, creamiest yogurt one can taste. Fage yogurt comes in several fat percentages: 0%, 2%, and 5% (the 5% being the creamiest and my personal favorite).
Kasseri Cheese
You’ve probably heard of feta, but perhaps not kasseri. This mild cheese is made from a blend of sheep’s and goat’s milk. It works well as both a cooking cheese and a table cheese, often served in chunks as part of a larger meal. Kasseri can also be fried to make saganaki, a delicious Greek appetizer best enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon and/or a drizzle of honey.
Pickled Octopus
The Greek way of pickling octopus involves red wine vinegar and aromatic herbs like thyme and oregano. Tangy and flavorful, this dish tastes like summertime. It’s often served as an appetizer, but I enjoy it as a snack.
Greek Dips from Tzatziki to Skordalia
Tzatziki, a classic yogurt, garlic, dill, and cucumber dip, is incredibly versatile, pairing well with pita, veggies, or meat. Don’t overlook skordalia, a garlic, potato, and lemon dip that packs a punch. Like tzatziki, you can enjoy skordalia with pita or pair it with proteins.
Local Honey
Honey has been cherished in Greece since ancient times. I recommend buying local honey from wherever you’re staying to support local beekeepers while reflecting the unique floral notes of the region.
Oregano Chips
Before leaving Greece, try oregano-flavored potato chips, a classic snack perfect after a beach day. Grab a bag of Ruffles, one of the most popular brands.
Dolmades
A staple of Greek cuisine, dolmades are vine leaves stuffed with rice and sometimes meat. For vegetarians or vegans, there are rice-only versions. It’s best to buy fresh dolmades from a deli.
Chocolate
While Greece isn’t renowned for its chocolate production, the brand Ion offers high-quality options that rival northern European brands. Look for the milk chocolate with crunchy whole hazelnuts for a delightful treat.
Mastiha
Mastika is a resin made from mastic trees, synonymous with the northern Greek island of Chios. The resin has a pine-like flavor and is distilled into alcohol called mastiha. It’s worth a try, offering a unique taste contrast to other liquors.
Filo Pastries
Greece gave the world its famous filo pastries. On the savory side, you’ll find tiropita (cheese pie), spanakopita (spinach and cheese pie), and kolokithopita (zucchini pie). For something sweet, sample a bougatsa, a custard-filled treat wrapped in crispy filo.
Tips for Shopping in Greek Grocery Stores
If It’s Not Too Busy, Get Social
You may notice many older Greeks have excellent relationships with staff at local grocery stores. They often strike up conversations beyond mere purchases, which become an essential part of daily life. You can join in by politely acknowledging someone serving you. A friendly yiasas (hello) or kalimera (good day) can be followed by efharisto (thank you), enhancing your shopping experience.
The Best Times to Shop
In Greece, siestas are common; many stores close from roughly 2 PM to 5 PM. It’s best to grocery shop in the morning around 9 AM or 10 AM. The stores can get busy around lunchtime, just before siesta. Additionally, smaller grocery stores are often closed on Sundays, which is a day of rest for many.
Payment Methods
Greek grocery stores typically accept cash, credit cards, and contactless payments. However, cash may be the only option in quaint village shops, so it’s wise to have some on hand.
