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!
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.
