Greece National Food
Souvlaki
Last updated: 2026-03-01 01:13:09
Recipe at a glance
Souvlaki
Key recipe details from the source.
- Servings
- 4
- Preparation
- 20 minutes
- Cooking
- 15 minutes
- Calories
- 450 kcal
Greek recipe
Souvlaki
Souvlaki is a Greek dish recognized for its simplicity, flavor, and cultural importance. It comprises skewered, grilled meat, usually pork, chicken, or lamb, flavored with herbs and spices. It is generally accompanied by pita bread, tzatziki sauce, fresh vegetables, and a lemon wedge, exemplifying Mediterranean cuisine. The recipe entails marinating the meat in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, ground coriander, salt, and pepper. The skewers are subsequently immersed in water for 30 minutes. The dish is accompanied by pita bread, tzatziki sauce, red onion, tomato, cucumber, and lemon wedges. To achieve a smoky flavor, grill the meat using charcoal. Souvlaki complements Greek wine or cucumber salads effectively.
01 · Overview
Overview
In the sunlit streets of Greece, souvlaki stands out as a simple yet bold staple of street food. Tender cubes of pork (or chicken) are marinated in lemon juice, garlic, oregano and olive oil, then threaded onto skewers and grilled until smoky and charred. Each skewer is tucked into a warm pita and topped with crisp salad greens, sliced tomato, onion, and a dollop of cooling tzatziki sauce. The result is a portable wrap bursting with robust Mediterranean flavors: the tang of lemon, the earthiness of oregano, and the caramelized juiciness of the meat. Locals line up at busy souvlaki stalls day and night, making it Greece’s No. 1 fast-food favorite.
Once rooted in ancient roasting traditions, this humble kebab became ubiquitous in modern Greece, served at lunch counters or impromptu gatherings. Today, variations abound (pork or chicken, coarse or finely ground meat), but every version offers the same comforting combination of grilled meat, fresh vegetables, and silky yogurt sauce. Whether enjoyed after a night out or as a quick family meal, souvlaki’s straightforward appeal reflects the Greek talent for elevating simple ingredients. The recipe below shows how to recreate this classic: marinate the meat, grill until seared, then pile it into pita with toppings. With each bite, you’ll taste the authentic, hearty spirit of Greece’s favorite pita wrap.
02 · Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Souvlaki
- 500g pork shoulder (or chicken breasts), cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
- 4 pita breads
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- Lemon wedges
03 · Directions
Directions
Directions
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, ground coriander, salt, and pepper. Add the meat cubes, ensuring they're evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
Thread the marinated meat onto the soaked skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece for even cooking.
Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Cook the skewers for about 8–10 minutes, turning frequently, until the meat is golden brown and fully cooked.
Heat the pita bread briefly on the grill or in a skillet until soft and slightly charred.
Serve the skewers with warm pita, a dollop of tzatziki, and fresh vegetables. Garnish with lemon wedges and enjoy!
04 · Nutrition
Nutrition
- Calories
- 450 kcal