There you are, sitting in a charming little Greek tavern in the middle of Monastiraki, ready to order a delicious Greek sandwich that you’ve been salivating over for days. Suddenly, the menu arrives and with it, an endless list of dishes: souvlaki, gyros, kebab and… you’re lost. What is the difference between all these dishes? No need to panic! It’s actually very simple.
Before I visited Greece for the first time and finally moved there, I thought these names were referring to one and only dish, similar to the Turkish kebab. But I was so wrong! In reality, each dish has its specificities: different tastes, different shapes, different occasions! So here are the main differences between souvlaki, gyros, and kebab in Greece.
What is a souvlaki?
Originally, a “souvlaki” designates a skewer, made of wood or metal, which by extension also designates a meat skewer. In Greece, the most popular are pork and chicken skewers, and more rarely, lamb skewers.
If you get meat skewers to take away in Athens, they will be served in a paper bag with one or two slices of bread and, more rarely, french fries (you often have to ask for it). In Greece, you can find souvlakia stands in most street markets, it’s a traditional street food.
With the exception of the northern region of Greece (around Thessaloniki), a souvlaki also designates the famous sandwich that you can get as a takeaway, and which contains a pork or chicken skewer, tomatoes, onions, sauce (depending on the meat) and french fries, wrapped in delicious pita bread. Instead of ordering a “bread with a skewer” (“pita me souvlaki”), in Athens you simply order a “souvlaki”!
By default, if you order a pork souvlaki, it will be served with tzatziki, but if you order a chicken souvlaki, it will be a yoghurt/mustard sauce (also very good). Feel free to change the sauce (or any other ingredient in your souvlaki) when you order!
At the restaurant, you can also order an “open” souvlaki: in this case, you will be served two or three meat skewers accompanied by pita bread, french fries and salad on a plate. This main course is called a “merida” on the menus (“μερίδα”).
What is a gyros?
Moving on from the souvlakia, gyros is probably the most popular Greek dish abroad and is very easy to spot when in Greece: it’s that delicious grilled meat that you see turning and roasting slowly through restaurant windows… accompanied by a divine smell! Like souvlaki, gyros is usually made with pork or chicken and sometimes lamb.
A delicious gyros I ate in Parga!
How does it work? To prepare “gyros” meat (gyros literally means “circle” in Greek and refers to the action of turning the meat!), pieces of marinated meat are piled on a long vertical spit and roasted for several hours. As soon as it is properly roasted, the top layer of meat is cut with a long knife, and the rest is left to roast. It’s a real technique!
Gyros is most often eaten in pita bread with tomatoes, onions, tzatziki and french fries. Like souvlakia, gyros can also be served as a portion on a plate if you order a merida in a restaurant.
What is a kebab?
Finally, kebab (written “kebap” in Greek) should not be confused with gyros and its Turkish counterpart (doner kebab)! Kebab in Greece is spicy minced meat (pork, chicken, beef or lamb, sometimes mixed) on a skewer, which can be eaten like a souvlaki: either in pita bread, or ordered separately on a plate, and most often served with yoghurt sauce. This is one of the Greek specialities that you must try during your trip!
To recap: the difference between souvlaki, gyros and kebab
If you still don’t understand the difference between souvlaki, gyros and kebab after reading the above paragraphs, remember this: all three can be served in pita bread or as a portion on a plate in a restaurant. Souvlakia are meat skewers, gyros are thin pieces of roasted meat and kebabs are spicy minced meat skewers.
Where to eat the best souvlaki/gyros/kebab in Athens
Now that you know the difference, the real question is: where to eat them? Here are my personal favourites in Athens!
For the best souvlaki: Kalamakia O Elvis (Elvis Kalamakia)
Elvis is an institution in Athens and for good reason! The souvlaki here is incredibly juicy with a unique flavour that’s hard to find anywhere else. There are several locations around the city, most open until late hours at night and perfect for an after-party snack! Once you’ve tried it, you’ll understand why locals swear by it.
For kebab: O Thanasis
If you want to try a proper Greek kebab, O Thanasis in Monastiraki is the place to go. It’s been around for decades and is one of the most iconic spots in Athens for this dish. Order it in pita bread with yoghurt and thank me later.
For a great gyros: The Greco’s Project & Royal
Both located near Monastiraki, these two spots are perfect if you are looking for great quality and great atmosphere. When I’m in the city center and feel like having a gyros, that’s where I go. Ideal for a quick and satisfying lunch between sightseeing.
Finally, the one you absolutely cannot skip: Kosta Souvlaki
Hidden on the charming Agia Eirini square, Kosta serves what is probably the most unique souvlaki in Athens. Forget the classic pita, here you get meatballs tucked inside pita bread with a spiced tomato sauce (don’t worry, it’s not spicy, just super delicious). It’s unlike anything else you’ll try in Greece, and honestly, it might be my favourite bite in the whole city. Don’t leave Athens without trying it!
Experience Athens!
A little FAQ about souvlaki, gyros and kebab
Souvlaki vs gyros vs kebab: which tastes better?
All three are excellent! I love the juiciness of souvlakia, how roasted gyros is, and the spicy taste of kebab. You can’t compare them!
Are souvlaki and pita the same?
Not exactly! Pita is the flatbread, souvlaki is what goes inside it. When you order a souvlaki in Athens, you’ll automatically get it wrapped in pita bread with tomatoes, onions, sauce and fries. So technically, a souvlaki includes a pita, but the pita itself is just the bread! 😄
Is gyros or souvlaki healthier?
Honestly, neither is exactly diet food, but if we’re being technical, souvlaki tends to be slightly healthier since it’s grilled meat on a skewer with minimal fat, especially if you go for chicken. Gyros meat is marinated and slow-roasted, which means a higher fat content (depending on the cut). That said, both are so much better than any fast food option back home, so I wouldn’t stress too much about it!
Are souvlaki and gyros the same?
No, they are not! Both are delicious Greek street foods, but they’re made differently. Souvlaki is grilled meat on a skewer, while gyros is meat that’s been stacked on a vertical spit and slowly roasted for hours. Same pita bread, same toppings, but completely different textures and flavours!
What’s the difference between a kebab and a souvlaki?
In Greece, a kebab is spicy minced meat on a skewer, usually served with yogurt. A souvlaki, on the other hand, is a simple pork or chicken skewer with no spice, served in pita bread with tzatziki and fries. Think of kebab as the spicy, bold cousin of souvlaki!
What’s the difference between a gyro and a kebab?
Gyros is thinly sliced roasted meat (usually pork or chicken) shaved off a vertical rotisserie. Kebab is spiced minced meat grilled on a skewer. Both can be served in pita bread, but the taste is very different: gyros is juicy and smoky, kebab is spicy and hearty.
I hope you enjoyed this article, writing it certainly made my mouth water! Enjoy your time in Greece 😋
Did you like this post? Save it on Pinterest!
