What to buy in a Greek supermarket: from tzatziki to oregano chips and more

16.09.2024 - 18:23 / lonelyplanet.com

Sep 16, 2024 • 7 min read

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. But ultimately, food and family are at the center of Greek culture. So 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. Sure, there’s not an abundance of choice but that makes shopping much more straightforward. It also encourages you to be more resourceful and even experimentative. 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, wholegrains, legumes and nuts.

In many of Greece’s villages, the food also comes to you. Not in the form of meal delivery but via trucks equipped with loudspeakers that roll down streets calling out what fresh produce is on board, whether it’s fruit, 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 various local products, from fresh fruits and vegetables to cured meats, cheeses, deli items, toiletries and even alcohol.

In Greece, seasonal produce is highly valued. People prefer local ingredients and those 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.

There is also great respect for the Mediterranean diet in Greece. The goal is to incorporate all food groups into daily meals, so most shopping lists are dominated by whole