Let's go Greek

Greeks love a snack, especially when it’s part of the traditional volta. Here, DANI VALENT explores the classics and where to find them.

How’s your Greek phrasebook? Along with “efharisto” (thank you) and “Ke alo krasi, parakalo” (more wine, please), you need to know “pame volta”. This not-quite-translatable call to action sweeps up the idea of going for a stroll, getting out to see what’s happening and finding community, often

in the gentle warmth of a long evening. “We always say pame volta,” says Kathy Tsaples, owner of Sweet Greek food store at Prahran Market in Melbourne. “You say it to your friend, your children, your grandparents and you go out for a stroll.”

It’s more than likely a little something to eat will be part of the perambulation too. “You may or may not be hungry,” says Tsaples. “But you walk past a souvlaki shop, a pastry shop, you decide to pick up a little treat, maybe a koulouri or loukoumades. It comes with the volta.” Whether it’s part of a cruisy volta or a dedicated mission, here are the key snacks on the streets of Greece.

KOULOURI

The ubiquitous sesame-seed-coated bread ring is available from vendor carts and bakeries. They're an uncomplicated snack but the better versions have a consistent and generous crusting of seeds, are crunchy on the outside and have a decent chew on the inside.

"They're very popular in the morning," says Tsaples.