Where to Eat the Best Authentic Piroshki in Athens
Piroshki, a well-known and beloved dish, is of Russian origin (but not exclusively, as it also comes from Belarus and Ukraine). Traditionally, authentic piroshki is a fried dough ball, about the size of a fist, filled with potatoes or minced meat. However, it can be made in many other variations, such as with sausage, cheese, egg, cabbage, ham, and various other cold cuts. Traditionally, it is a savory dish, but there is now a sweet version filled mainly with fruits—like apples, cherries, apricots, and lemons—or jam, making it a snack that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
Piroshki are among the dishes of traditional Russian cuisine and are a popular choice for fast food in Russia. The name comes from the term “pirozhok” (singular of piroshki) and is a diminutive of the Russian “pirog,” meaning small pie. Piroshki are often confused with “pierogi,” a related term primarily from Poland, which are half-moon shaped pieces of dough that are also fried and stuffed.
While Russian cuisine as a whole may not be familiar to us, piroshki certainly is! After all, who can resist their delicious flavor? The truth is that in Athens, you’ll find many places making and selling piroshki—some good, some better, and some not so good! Here, we have gathered five food spots in Athens that create tasty, authentic Russian piroshki that will delight you! You may know or have tried them before. Regardless, next time you’re nearby, be sure to stop by!
1. Marousia
Nearly 30 years ago, “Marousia” was opened by Ms. Violetta (a piano teacher who came from Russia to Greece) and her husband in Moschato. Initially, Violetta made her own dough and created homemade cheese pies and ham-cheese pies, but quickly, her fluffy, golden piroshki became a much better choice for customers in the area. Now, in the small shop, you’ll find these delicious piroshki in more than 15 different fillings. Marousia’s piroshki stand out for their crispy crust and very fluffy dough that resembles donuts.
Address: Stratigou Makrygianni 73, Moschato, T. 210-94.06.403 | Vasilissis Sofias 59, Marousi, T. 210-80.50.167
Hours: Daily 08:00 – 15:00, Closed on Sunday
2.Kalinka-Malinka
With an authentic recipe and fresh ingredients, Kalinka-Malinka offers some of the best piroshki you can find in Athens! With two locations in the heart of the city—Stadiou and the corner of Solonos and Mavromichali—Kalinka-Malinka has gained a loyal following for one simple reason: their piroshki are unbeatable! Traditional, handmade, and fresh, they also have an interesting mix-and-match selection of different variations of the classic piroshki. Besides the bestsellers, fried piroshki with minced meat and potatoes, and fresh mushrooms, they have created a lighter version, the baked piroshki, which remain fluffy and golden!
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Addresses: 1. Stadiou 27, Athens, T. 210 3316070 – Daily 07:00 – 17:00, Saturday 08:00 – 15:00, Closed on Sunday
2. Solonos & Mavromichali, Center, T. 2103388358 – Daily 07:30 – 17:00, Saturday 09:00 – 15:00, Closed on Sunday
3.Rousikon, Authentic Piroshki
Maria Gandaitsiouk came to Greece from Ukraine, where she worked as a food chemist, over 25 years ago. Here, she initially worked as a cook until about a decade ago when she managed to open her own shop, a “piroshki place” on Acharnon street, near Agios Panteleimonas. Every day, she fries and bakes her delicious piroshki with a thin crispy crust and a soft, chewy interior. Besides the classic Russian fillings—all her mother’s recipes—you’ll also find variations such as piroshki with spicy beef, chicken, spinach, mushrooms with sour cream, potato with dill, and cheese—some with feta and others with fresh cheese.
Address: Acharnon 140, Agios Panteleimonas, T. 213 0043076 – Daily 06:00 – 23:00
4.Russian Women
In Kallithea, Russian Women have been making souvlaki and piroshki (only) since 1990, and it’s one of the hot food spots in the area you’ll want to visit specifically. Although close to the central market of Kallithea, it’s not on the way, so you won’t stumble upon it accidentally. A small corner shop, what we call a “neighborhood place,” where you can have “the tastiest souvlaki in Kallithea” as well as piroshki. At Russian Women, you’ll find a few good options, namely delicious piroshki filled with potatoes, minced meat, or cheese, and wrapped souvlaki with a hamburger or pork skewer, along with their secret recipe red sauce—which also makes the difference in the souvlaki.
Address: Anagnostara 16, Kallithea | T. 211 119 2145 | Daily except Sunday: 19:00 – 00:00
5.Astana Supermarket
You might be surprised to see a supermarket listed, but in essence, it’s a Russian grocery store in Kallithea that, besides all the products you’ll find, has a small display case out front showcasing their freshly made, handmade, and delicious piroshki! So, perhaps the best piroshki in Athens can actually be found in a grocery store! How did this come to be? The shop owner, Leonidas Yulvanidis, came to Greece with his family from Kazakhstan in 1990—hence the name, Astana, which is the capital of Kazakhstan—while his ancestors had migrated there from Pontus and Russia. For many years, they operated a Russian restaurant at the same location, also called Astana. Now, that restaurant no longer exists, and in its place, this grocery store serves the unique piroshki. They make fresh dough daily with a family recipe passed down through generations, filled with surprising ingredients such as sauerkraut, egg with fresh onion, and beef, resulting in delicious authentic Russian piroshki that you won’t find anywhere else!
Address: Dimosthenous 207, Kallithea | T: 210-95.77.774
Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00 – 14:00 & 17:00 – 22:00, Saturday 09:00 – 21:00, Closed on Sunday