“I hate these people who don’t share food”

Pizza is the ultimate food. Whether served hot or cold, simple or loaded, it never fails to satisfy. To me, pizza is always a celebration, a source of joy, even when enjoyed in solitude at home. After all, it was a cherished Friday night tradition in my childhood home to gather around a pizza and a movie. – Bianca Samara

My love affair with jellies began one summer in Karpathos, when I stumbled upon a supermarket stocking various foreign brands. Their vibrant colors and exotic appeal were irresistible to a lifelong supermarket consumer like me, so naturally, I bought several bags. Until then, sweets before or after a meal were unthinkable. But these jellies sat well with my stomach, curbing my sweet cravings without causing any discomfort or interfering with my meals. They became my anytime treat, leading to my second serious addiction after Coke Zero. – Vanessa Ferlet

Right now, I’m indulging in supermarket sushi. This choice wasn’t premeditated; I occasionally develop a sudden liking for something and eat it non-stop for a week. This time, it’s sushi. It has a summery feel to it, like a savory cherry. But instead of pralines, I’m devouring these assorted morsels.
– Mina Kalogera

Generally, I steer clear of sweets, but on those rare occasions when I do indulge, doughnuts are my go-to. The one I’m having now is top-notch. I’ve had it in my bag since morning, and it’s still as fresh as ever. It brings back memories of my childhood, of beach outings. This pastry embodies a sense of carefree joy. – Georgia Lambaki

I’m currently enjoying a KFC burger and fries, although I regrettably forgot the ketchup. This fast-food meal has become a recurring indulgence in my life over the years – not in a positive way, though. However, I take solace in the theory that people in their thirties undergo a second adolescence, rediscovering their childhood food preferences around the age of 35 and resetting their adult diet. By that calculation, I have a few more years of guilt-free KFC orders and junk food binges before I embrace this supposed dietary reset. And let’s be honest, if you’re going to spend all day thinking about it and resisting because it’s “fattening”, just eat it and move on. Until the next craving, that is. – Vanna Kravari

I’m also enjoying some imam bayildi from a Tupperware container, courtesy of my mother. Legend has it that an imam fainted when he learned the cost of the dish that now bears his name, imam baildis. I adore the bittersweet taste of eggplant, especially when my mother prepares it. As the cost of dining out has soared, home-cooked meals like this have become my ultimate comfort food. The love my mother puts into the dish adds an extra layer of flavor, making it priceless, while the minimal cost makes it practical. – Giorgos Tsagozis

Moussaka is a dish that typically leaves me unimpressed. I never eat moussaka with potato and I detest the taste of nutmeg in bechamel. However, Argyro Koutsou’s moussaka is an exception. It’s soft, airy, and made with pan-fried eggplant, minced meat, and a mousse-like bechamel. Served individually in a clay pot, it’s a version of moussaka I’ve come to enjoy. – M. Hulot

Food can either be a pleasure or a punishment. TAKIS manages to be both at once. It’s like being hit on the head by a falling branch – painful, yes, but you also end up with a lovely little flower to give to your partner. Some are happy, some are hurt, but everyone gains something. – Larry Gus

I can’t stand people who refuse to share food, those who don’t enjoy a table full of dishes. I’m the type who wants to try a bit of everything. Alexander, thankfully, didn’t ruin our meal. He even ordered baked okra, which I ended up eating all of. You truly get to know people better over a meal. I was particularly taken with Manolis’ gardubakia at Pharaoh, which he turns into a delight, and we were all won over by the tart asparagus and some wines that we shamelessly judged by their labels – here’s to you, Michael. – Zoe Parasidi

I enjoy souvlaki from Lefteris Politis, but only from the Satovriandou location. I’ve never been to Romvi’s because that particular souvlaki is tied to my memories, like going to Chateaubriandou with my father as a child to eat at Minion. Now I’m 39, and when I went to the registry office to file my civil union papers, I also stopped by Lefteris, continuing to create new memories associated with this dish. – Vassilis Kouroumichakis

Chocolate cream wasn’t a part of my childhood, so I can’t say that visiting Stani’s brings back any memories. I discovered the legendary Omonia shop one summer in May when I was on my way to the local police station – a long story for another time. I didn’t manage to go in that day, but I promised myself I’d return the next. I did, and tasted what I consider the finest chocolate cream in the city. Twelve years have passed since that day, but I still stop by regularly to enjoy my cream. – By Denisa Bairaktari

This article originally appeared in the fanzine Tavern

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