Halal food in Greece is limited compared to other European destinations. Greece has a small Muslim population (about 2%) and pork is commonly used in Greek cuisine. However, Athens and some tourist areas offer halal options, and Greece’s Mediterranean diet provides plenty of seafood and vegetarian alternatives. Discover more halal dining options. Explore Greece travel for more information. Explore halal food for more information.

Muslim travelers should plan ahead but can find halal food with some effort, particularly in the capital and areas with immigrant communities.

How Accessible Is Halal Food in Greece?

Halal food accessibility is limited but possible:

Athens: Best options with Middle Eastern and Turkish restaurants Thessaloniki: Some halal options in city center Thrace region: Historically Muslim area with more options Tourist islands: Very limited, focus on seafood Smaller towns: Almost no dedicated halal restaurants

Planning and research are essential for halal dining in Greece.

Safe Food Options in Greece

When halal restaurants aren’t available:

Seafood (excellent in Greece):

  • Fresh grilled fish
  • Octopus
  • Calamari (squid)
  • Shrimp and prawns
  • Mussels and clams

Vegetarian Greek dishes:

  • Greek salad (horiatiki)
  • Spanakopita (spinach pie—verify no lard)
  • Fasolada (bean soup)
  • Gigantes (baked beans)
  • Grilled vegetables
  • Fava (yellow split pea dip)

To avoid:

  • Souvlaki (often pork)
  • Gyros (mixed meats, often pork)
  • Moussaka (typically uses pork mince)
  • Pastitsio (may contain pork)

Is Greece a Muslim Country?

No, Greece is not a Muslim country:

  • Orthodox Christian: Dominant religion (90%+)
  • Muslim population: Approximately 2%
  • Thrace region: Historic Muslim minority (Turkish and Pomak)
  • Athens immigrants: Middle Eastern and South Asian Muslims
  • Secular state: Freedom of religion

Best Areas for Halal Food

Athens

  • Monastiraki area: Some Middle Eastern restaurants
  • Omonia Square: Immigrant area with halal options
  • Pakistani and Bangladeshi restaurants: Serve halal
  • Turkish eateries: Some available
  • Near Athens Mosque: Community restaurants

Thessaloniki

  • City center: Limited but available options
  • Near markets: Ethnic restaurants
  • Middle Eastern cuisine: Some halal

Thrace (Northeastern Greece)

  • Komotini and Xanthi: Historic Muslim populations
  • More halal options: Due to Turkish Muslim community
  • Mosques: Active Islamic heritage

Islands (Santorini, Mykonos, Crete)

  • Very limited: Few to no halal restaurants
  • Focus on seafood: Best safe option
  • Self-catering: Consider for island trips
  • Vegetarian: Greek salads, grilled vegetables

Halal Shopping in Greece

Athens:

  • Halal butchers in immigrant areas
  • Middle Eastern grocery stores
  • Limited supermarket halal sections

Outside Athens: Very limited halal shopping options.

Is Greece Safe for Muslim Travelers?

Greece is generally safe:

  • Welcoming to tourists: Major tourism industry
  • Religious tolerance: Generally respectful
  • Low crime: Safe for visitors
  • Athens mosque: First official mosque opened 2020
  • Modest dress: Respected at religious sites

Greek Cuisine Considerations

Commonly uses pork:

  • Souvlaki
  • Gyros
  • Sausages
  • Many grilled meats

Usually safe:

  • Lamb (but verify cooking method)
  • Chicken (ask about preparation)
  • Seafood (abundant and fresh)
  • Vegetarian dishes

Always ask: About meat ingredients in dishes.

Practical Tips

  1. Athens best: Most halal options in capital
  2. Seafood strategy: Safe and delicious in Greece
  3. Vegetarian fallback: Greek salads, grilled vegetables
  4. Avoid gyros: Usually contains pork
  5. Ask about meat: Greek cuisine uses pork extensively
  6. Thrace region: More Muslim-friendly
  7. Islands challenging: Very limited halal
  8. Self-catering: Consider for island visits
  9. Middle Eastern restaurants: Most reliable halal
  10. Zabihah app: Find halal restaurants in Athens