The impact of rising prices in Greece is being felt acutely at the dinner table, with one of the country’s most cherished culinary staples—souvlaki—becoming increasingly out of reach for many.
Once a go-to affordable meal, souvlaki has now become a symbol of how inflation is reshaping everyday life. In some areas, the price of a single pita-wrapped portion can reach as much as 5 euros, making it a luxury rather than a casual option.
Traditionally seen as a quick, inexpensive solution for lunch or dinner, souvlaki is no longer the economical choice it once was. For a family of four or five, enjoying a modest meal of souvlaki now costs upwards of 20 euros, prompting many to turn instead to home-cooked meals, which are often more affordable.
Business owners point out that the relentless price increases are not a result of profiteering but a reflection of soaring operational costs. The price of meat, charcoal, electricity, and wages has risen steadily, all of which contribute to the steep climb in the cost of a gyro—particularly the popular version served in pita bread.
Across Attica, the cost of a pita souvlaki now hovers around 4 euros, with some neighborhoods seeing even higher prices. In Dafni, it’s priced at 3.80 euros, while in areas like Neos Kosmos, Kolonaki, and Kifisia, it can go up to 4.40 euros. Even traditionally lower-cost areas such as Piraeus and Gyzi are not immune to the trend, with prices ranging between 3.70 and 3.90 euros.
On the islands, where transportation and supply costs further inflate expenses, a single gyro can cost as much as 7 euros—placing it firmly out of reach for many locals.
What makes this shift even more striking is how quickly the change has occurred. Research indicates that just two years ago, the price of souvlaki was, on average, a full euro lower.
