Souvlaki (Greece)

Souvlaki is a beloved Greek street food featuring small, tender pieces of meat—most commonly pork, but also chicken or lamb—marinated in lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs like oregano, then grilled to perfection on skewers. It's typically served in a warm pita wrap with fresh tomatoes, onions, and a generous dollop of creamy tzatziki sauce, or as a platter with sides like fries and salad.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Souvlaki is a high-protein dish, with the grilled meat providing a substantial amount of lean protein, while the pita and optional fries contribute carbohydrates. A typical serving in a pita wrap contains roughly 500-700 calories, offering key nutrients like iron from the meat and vitamin C from the fresh vegetables.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	450 kcal
Protein	28 g
Carbs	35 g
Fat	22 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	5 g
Sodium	850 mg
Iron	3.5 mg
Potassium	400 mg
Vitamin B6	0.6 mg
Vitamin B12	1.2 mcg
Zinc	4.5 mg
Phosphorus	280 mg
Selenium	25 mcg
Niacin (B3)	8 mg

Per 1 serving (approx. 200 g, including meat and pita) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, souvlaki is a cornerstone of Greek casual dining, with its origins tracing back to ancient Greece, making it a modern link to a rich culinary history. Nutritionally, when served as a platter without the pita, it can be a lower-carb, high-protein meal that aligns well with Mediterranean diet principles.