The most delicious place for traditional cuisine can be found at the Stamatopoulou Palia Plakiotiki Taverna in Athens. The history of this establishment dates back to 1882, when it started as a humble grocery store selling homemade wine. By the 1960s, it had evolved into a traditional taverna.
It is known for serving traditional Greek cuisine, including dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. The tavern has a warm and inviting atmosphere, rustic decor and friendly staff.
It would be best to taste the Dolma - a traditional dish from Ottoman cuisine, now popular in many countries that were once part of the Ottoman Empire. It is made by stuffing vegetables, fruit, offal, or seafood or wrapping fillings in grape, cabbage, or other leaves, known as sarma. Dolma can be served warm or at room temperature and has been a part of Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries. The word "dolma" is of Turkish origin and means "something stuffed." Variations of dolma include fillings of ground meat, rice, and saffron, and different ingredients such as sauteed mint leaves and sweet and sour flavours. In Eastern Europe, Jews prepared stuffed cabbage rolls with kosher meat and rice or barley, while in the Persian Gulf, basmati rice and spices like tomatoes, onions, and cumin are used.
Another must-taste dish is moussaka. Moussaka is a popular dish in Greek cuisine, typically made with layers of sautéed eggplant and seasoned ground beef or lamb, topped with a creamy béchamel sauce and baked in the oven. The dish has its origins in the Ottoman Empire and is similar to other Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes like moussaka in the Balkan region and imam bayildi in Turkish cuisine. It is a classic comfort food in Greece and is often served as a main dish, accompanied by a side salad or roasted vegetables. The dish can vary in ingredients and preparation methods, but typically includes a combination of eggplant, meat, tomato sauce, and béchamel sauce. Some recipes also include potatoes or zucchini in place of eggplant, and variations in spices and herbs used in the filling and sauce. Overall, moussaka is a rich and flavorful dish that showcases the flavours and ingredients of Greek cuisine.
Don't forget to ask for local homemade wine and have a good appetite!
A walking trip through the streets of Athens can be a fantastic way to dive into the rich history of this ancient city. Here is a trial that explores some of the most exciting sites in Athens:
Start at Athina Avenue and head towards Monastiraki Street. This lively street is lined with shops and street vendors selling various goods, including souvenirs, clothing, and jewellery.
Take a stroll down the lane and enjoy the sights and sounds of the bustling marketplace. From Monastiraki Street, continue to the Plaka neighbourhood, one of the oldest and most charming neighbourhoods in Athens. The Plaka is known for its narrow, winding streets, picturesque houses, and traditional Greek tavernas. Visit the old house of the Venizelos family, a historic building once the home of the famous Greek politician Eleftherios Venizelos.
From the Plaka, head up to the Anafiotika district, a charming neighbourhood built on the slopes of the Acropolis. Here you can visit some of the most delicious restaurants in Athens, offering traditional Greek cuisine and breathtaking views of the city.
After exploring the Anafiotika district, make your way to the southern slope of the Acropolis, where you can see the ruins of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the Theatre of Dionysus.
End your walking trip by visiting the Areopagus and Pnyx Hills, two historic sites located just outside the city centre. The Areopagus Hill was once a seat of the judicial court in ancient Athens and is also associated with the spread of Christianity into Greece. Pnyx Hill was the location of the assembly of the people, where citizens gathered to discuss and vote on important political matters. From these two hills, you will see breathtaking views of the city in the sunset and gain a deeper understanding of its rich history and cultural heritage.
Don't be afraid to get lost in new places!
