There are certain Greek words that you just can’t translate.
Some are very rich in meaning; others simply don’t exist in english and others simply sound much better in Greek.

Γαλιάντρα (pronounced ga-lee-ah-ndra) is a word that when you translate it loses part of the whole sense of it along with its brand name. In greek it’s a specific kind of bird, while in slang we use it for a woman who talks too much. Interesting choice of words, am I right?

Although not many people use it in slang, nowadays Γαλιάντρα has made a comeback in daily conversations as a canteen for you to try delicious street food in the heart of Athens. You will find it at Giatrakou 4 right next to a coffee shop called Blue Parrot and while at first you will think that this is an old, maybe even abandoned building you’re in for a big surprise. Inside the old, rock-built, building is a canteen. Yes, you read that right, a canteen. Truck, bright lights, delicious smells and everything.

Gogo Deligianni, a known chef in Greece, along with two friends Nelli Bofiliou and Michael Dimakos, set her heart to create a modern canteen with a twist in its location and menu. Open ceiling, a canteen truck at the end against a wall and delicious smells coming from it – it’s the kind of canteen you won’t easily find anywhere else in Greece.

It trully is a unique place, not only for its location and architecture, but also for the fact that the tables are actually barrels set on pebbles. It’s like you’re somewhere else and nowhere near Athens, which thinking about it now it actually might be the secret to its success. It’s a very laid-back, casual scenery, you can even show up with your home wear set if you like because it’s that chill. Except from the times when a live singing event is happening, you might want to dress up for that, but other than that it’s a cute and convenient place for you to grab a bite.

We tried the chicken burgers, but there are also meatballs with French fries, vegan burgers and hot dog recipes for you to try if you’re not into chicken burgers. They give you a bazzer with your order to alarm you when it’s ready for pickup, something I always enjoy in street food places because when it’s crowded you don’t have to wait in line and you can easily go find somewhere to sit before your food is ready. Well known canteen trucks are always busy with people, therefore I enjoy it when they are very organized when it comes to customer service and workflow.

From drinks you have a variety of options, all of them suitable with your streetfood, like a cold beer to accompany your burger or if you’re a coke freak like me you can grab your beverage and be on your way. Something that I found interesting is the fact that in the morning it also has coffee, so if you happen to pass by you can grab a cup.

Modern beats are echoing from the speakers around the building. It’s a great place to grab a bit with friends if you feel like it. Most people who work at the heart of Athens as most people call Metaxourgio, the area the canteen is set, choose to grab a bite after office hours there before heading home. There is nothing better than an ice cold beer and a burger with crispy chicken hot and tasty to help you finish off your day.

If you ever happen to stroll around Ermou street and wondering where is a good place to eat something quickly you can always count on Γαλιάντρα.
I am definitely going back there to try the meatballs and the hot dog, are you?

Thanks for reading!

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