Tradition has it that Athenians and the people from Thessaloniki quarrel passionately over the names of certain dishes and ingredients. The rift is so deep, people cannot agree even on the correct term for the souvlaki! Whatever their differences, one thing remains indisputable; the supreme quality and sublime taste of the food in Thessaloniki. Every Greek admits it, students studying in the city have missed exams because of it, and travellers visiting Thessaloniki never neglect to commend the cozy ambiance of the city’s tavernas.

Now it is time for others to find out, through the Thessaloniki Food Festival. What began as a common secret among residents in 2011 [Thessaloniki Map of Flavours], has grown into an international event [Toronto Gets a Taste of Thessaloniki!]. We want to expand to Belgrade, Smyrna, London, Montreal and New York, says one of the Festival’s organisers, working for the Municipality’s Communications Office.

The city’s rich multicultural history sets its cuisine apart from the rest of Greece. Local gastronomy is a unique blend of Oriental spices, Mediterranean flavours and the seafood wealth of Thermaikos Gulf. But mostly, it’s a love of cooking and a devotion to unhurried, long meals that makes Thessaloniki eateries great.

See also: Eat & Drink in Thessaloniki and Thessaloniki: Street Food Central