If there's one food that instantly reminds me of Greece, it's souvlaki. At its core, it's simply grilled meat on skewers, but you'll find it served on sticks, wrapped in pita, or plated with sides. In this guide, I'll share what it is, how it differs from gyros, and how you can make it at home.
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Peter's Rundown on Souvlaki
- Souvlaki is one of Greece's most popular street foods, made of skewered, grilled meat (usually pork or chicken).
- It's served in different ways - straight from the skewer, wrapped in pita, or plated with sides.
- It isn't the same as gyros: gyros are shaved rotisserie meat, while souvlaki is cooked on skewers.
What is Souvlaki?
The word (σουβλάκι) literally means "small skewer." Traditionally, it's bite-sized cubes of marinated meat threaded onto skewers and grilled over an open flame. Pork is the most common in Greece, though chicken, lamb, and beef are also used. It's one of the most accessible, affordable, and loved foods you'll find at a Greek taverna or street stand.
A Short History
Cooking meat on skewers goes back to ancient Greece. Archaeological finds show that Greeks were grilling skewered meat thousands of years ago.
"In ancient times, Greeks were already grilling meat on skewers-archaeologists have uncovered stone grill holders (krateutai) dating back to the Bronze Age on Santorini, showing this method was a popular cooking style even before the 17th century B.C." Source
In its modern form, this Greek street food became a true "fast food" in the 20th century-easy to cook, quick to eat, and full of flavor. Today, it's both a street staple and a dish served proudly at restaurants across the country.
Different Types You'll Find in Greece
- Pork skewers - the classic choice, juicy and flavorful.
- Chicken skewers - lighter, popular with modern eaters.
- Lamb or beef - less common, but traditional in some regions.
- Vegetarian versions - grilled vegetables, mushrooms, or halloumi are delicious alternatives.
- Seafood - more specialist. See my swordfish souvlaki as an example.
Serving Styles in Greece
This skewered meat dish comes in a few familiar forms:
- On the Skewer (Kalamaki): Meat grilled, seasoned with lemon and oregano, eaten right off the stick.
- Wrapped in Pita: Grilled skewers tucked into pita bread with tomato, onion, fries, and tzatziki - a classic handheld meal.
- On a Plate (Merida): A sit-down version served with fries, salad, pita, and dips - popular in tavernas.
Souvlaki vs Gyros
Although often confused, the two are quite different. Both are iconic, but their preparation and serving style set them apart.
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Souvlaki = skewered cubes of marinated meat, grilled.
Gyros = meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, shaved into slices.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Souvlaki | Gyros |
|---|---|---|
| Meat style | Skewered cubes (pork, chicken, lamb, beef) | Thin slices shaved from a rotisserie |
| Cooking method | Grilled over open flame | Slow-roasted on vertical spit |
| Serving style | On skewers, in pita, or plated with sides | Usually in pita with fries, tomato, onion, tzatziki |
| Flavor/texture | Smoky, juicy, lightly charred | Tender, seasoned, with crisp edges |
How to Make Souvlaki at Home
The secret to great results is in the marinade: olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and a pinch of salt.
Cut the meat into cubes, coat in marinade, and let rest for at least an hour (overnight is best). Thread onto skewers and grill until juicy and slightly charred.
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FAQ
Pork is most traditional, but chicken, lamb, and beef are also common
No - this dish is grilled on skewers, gyros is cooked on a rotisserie
Off the skewer with lemon, wrapped in pita with salad and fries, or plated with sides.
Yes - try halloumi, mushrooms, or mixed vegetables.
Souvlaki is more than a meal - it's a part of Greek culture, enjoyed everywhere from street corners to family tables. Whether you love it in pita, on skewers, or plated with sides, this Greek grilled favourite is simple, flavorful, and endlessly versatile.
Craving it at home? Start with my Swordfish Souvlaki or Pork Souvlaki and bring a taste of Greece to your kitchen.
This post was originally published in February 2009 but was updated with new information and pics in August 2025.
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