Souvlaki

Souvlaki is one of the most popular Greek dishes, consisting of small cubes of skewered and grilled pork, chicken, lamb, or beef. It is a popular fast food item that is usually served in souvladzidika, small eateries that also often serve gyros and other similar grilled meat dishes.

Souvlaki first appeared in ancient Greece, when it was called kandaulos, consisting of a combination of grilled meat, pita bread, cheese, and dill. The name of the dish is a diminutive of the Greek word souvla, meaning spit.

The first souvlaki shop opened in Livadia in 1951, and today, souvlaki is sold in almost every Greek city, ordered as a takeaway, on the beaches, or on numerous street corners. It is usually served with a slice of bread or pita bread, tomatoes, parsley, onions, sometimes chips, and thick yogurt or tzatziki.

There's also an oversized variety of souvlaki called kontosouvli in which large chunks of marinated meat, onions, tomatoes, and peppers are cooked on long and slim skewers over charcoal.