Souvlaki

Souvlaki, or souvlakia in plural, is a cherished Greek fast food consisting of small pieces of meat—and occasionally vegetables—grilled on a skewer. Typically enjoyed hot, straight off the skewer, it's frequently accompanied by pita bread, fried potatoes, lemon, and various sauces. The term "souvlaki" is derived from the Medieval Greek word "souvla" meaning skewer. Fascinatingly, Greeks have been cooking food on spits or skewers since the Bronze Age.

Nowadays, souvlaki is most commonly made with pork in Greece and Cyprus, but variations featuring chicken, beef, lamb, or even fish can be found elsewhere. In northern Greece, it is generally referred to as "souvlaki" whereas in southern Greece and around Athens, it is known as "kalamaki." There is ongoing debate about whether souvlaki is a continuation of ancient Greek culinary traditions or influenced by Turkish cuisine.

Several variations of souvlaki exist. "Kalamaki" popular in Athens, is one such variation. Another is "souvlaki-merida" which is served as a full plate with side dishes, and "souvlaki pita" where the skewered meat is wrapped in pita bread. Different regions have their unique interpretations as well. For example, Corfu adds a special tomato sauce, while Cyprus offers a distinctive version with larger meat chunks served alongside yogurt and pickled green chili peppers. Over time, each region has infused its own character into this classic Greek street food, making it a quintessential dish with many delightful variations.