Athens Central Market

The hectic, colourful Athens agora is the highlight of the vibrant Athinas market district in Omonia. It is a sensory and gastronomic delight, with an amazing range of olives, spices, cheeses, deli treats. Even if I’m vegetarian and I write a vegetarian food blog I think I should show you the historic meat market too, with hanging carcasses illuminated by swinging light bulbs, is a surreal highlight. The place is so noisy (the vendors /butchers know how to shout) and a bit scary for a vegetarian but it is worth looking around.

The fish market (next to the meat market) is also a must see. The ground is always fishy and wet so if you go there, make sure you wear shoes and not flip-flops or sandals. Wander around, listen to the vendors as they call out their prices, look at the fish, the sea food (some frozen, some fresh). You will be surprised at the variety and the noise.

Across the street of the meat and fish market there are the vegetables, fruits, olives and cheeses. This is the place for the vegetarians. 🙂 You can sample the olives before buying. Taste them all and go back to the place where you loved it the most. There are really tasty, juicy, huge green ones – these are my favourites.

The tavernas, small shops, deli treats in and around the market are worth seeking out too. My favourite spice shop was Elixir where Jamie Oliver went, in his TV show, Jamie does Athens. Their range in the herbs and spices is very impressive and rarely obtainable tastes and flavors thus catering to the needs of the most demanding and exotic of cuisines. They also offer a selection of other products such us natural hand made herbal olive oil soaps, organic oils, and an exclusive melange of teas and honey using natural processing methods. So do not miss it!

Athens Central Market:
Between Sofokleous and Evripidou streets, at Omonia district. Metro station: Omonia.
Open: from Monday until Saturday, 7:00 am – 3:00 pm.

Elixir:
41, Evripidou street, at Omonia district. Metro station: Omonia.
Open: from Monday until Saturday.