On Evripidou street you may find the delicacy called “pastourma”, a variation of pastrami. It is dehydrated goat, beef, lamb or, and the best, camel meat, covered with a cumin paste called tsemeni, prepared with distinctive herbs, garlic, and hot paprika which gives it its distinctive taste. There are at least two shops renowned for their cold cuts, namely Miran and Arapian.
Also on Evripidou Street among the several stores, are the cheese shops Bitsika,Arcadia, and Zouridakis known for their expansive selection of the finest local cheese varieties from all over the country. Evripidou Street is also known for herbs and spices, seasonings, nuts and dried fruit! For herbs, spices and teas, we strongly recommend that you visit Bahar or, my personal preference, a few steps down the road, Elixir! You will encounter wonderful stuff you never even knew they existed!
Where to Stay
An electrifying medley of sleek design fused with the ancient splendor of Athens, Fresh Hotel warmly welcomes guests to a spacious and calm sanctuary. Each of the 133 rooms comes with punches of color, as well as furniture and fittings from designers such as Philippe Starck and Zaha Hadid. While the landmark Air Lounge Bar is complete with a rooftop pool, a wooden deck, and olive trees, the latest addition “ArtWall” brings together contemporary local artists to create an urban visual dialogue in the hotel. The majority of rooms and suites offer vivid views of the iconic streets of Athens. The Standard Room features either twin beds or a queen-size bed, while the Executive Room and the Suite offer a queen-size bed. The Executive Room also boasts a private deck veranda, an additional sofa bed, and many have views of the Acropolis, while the Suite comprises a bedroom and separate living room with a home cinema and a private balcony. Amenities include an in-house restaurant, room service, a fitness center and an outdoor pool.
Churches
Make sure you visit the church of St. John (Agios Ioannis) at Kolona, at 70 Evripidou St., which was built atop an ancient sanctuary of Asclepios, the ancient Greek deity of medicine and healing. Founded in 565 AD, this little church may be the oldest christian church in Athens. Underneath its foundations flows the ancient river of Eridanos, and several wells are known to have been created through time to deposit this precious commodity.
Shopping
Dozens of stores with tools for all trades and clothing for all purposes. On 32, Athinas St. check out the Spyros Syllas store with utensils of all sorts carved in wood.
Dine & Wine
In the area around the Central Market you will also find small restaurants with fresh -from the market- food, attracting Athenians especially after midnight.
Coffee | Pastry | Snacks
There is a small grove on the Varvakeios Square across the street which is now landscaped, with several cafes, and offers an opportunity to take a break from the frenzy of the market.
Noteworthy
Miran deli.
Miran: A century-long tradition It started with the craving and passion of Miran Kourounlian, from Caesarea in Cappadocia, who started in 1915 in Constantinople and from there to the island of Chios, and then to Palea Kokkinia. Today, the store is at 45 Evripidou St., off Athinas Street, selling pastourma (seasoned beef/camel meat), soujouk (seasoned beef meat in sausage form) and all sorts of meat and cheese varieties. Visit them at the store or at www.miran.gr.
