Athens Σουπερμαρκετ Sweep!

A good snack is the perfect way to stave off that intense hunger while you wait, and wait, and wait for a Greek meal, typically a good three hours after the rest of the world has washed their dishes.

I visited the supermarket and deli, To Elekton on 29 Voulis Street,  set near a large number of hotels and hostels surrounding Plaka and Syntagma, to tell you what to try if you find yourself feeling a mite peckish in Athens.

SAVORY SNACKS

When I’m in the mood for salty, I go for cured anchovies. They’re delicious with crunchy, twice-baked breads called “paximadia” coated in olive oil or cheese.

Paximadia, or twice baked bread.

There is also, of course, the discreet little olive.  It’s tough to find a better place to try the wide varieties available than a supermarket in the capital city of the olive capital of the world.

SWEET SNACKS

If you have a sweet tooth, you should taste halva made from sesame paste, butter and sugar…

or  dusty, sugary, cavity-inducing “Greek delights” ( loukoumi) the  perfect complement to an afternoon Greek coffee.

Chocolate is supposedly an aphrodisiac, as in “of Aphrodite.” Isn’t it beautiful? Greek chocolate bars such as Ion and Pavlidis are perfect for a chocolate fix.

HEALTHY SNACKS

I would never ever EVER recommend being on a diet on a visit to Greece. Still, you don’t have to spend all of your “points” on snacks.

Greek yogurt just tastes better here. Even if it’s newly found fame has brought it to a supermarket near you, I dare you to make a taste test to see if the quality compares. My favorite brand is Olympos.

Creamy, tart, newly established icon of good health, Greek yogurt.

Goes perfect with honey. Democritus swore by it. “Oil on the outside, honey on the inside.” And he lived to be 109!

No bees, no honey, no work, no money...

Don’t forget to share! It’s a social country after all and even snacks offer an opportunity to forge a friendship.