Best Food Tours In Athens

Food tours, as we know them today, are a modern concept, but their roots trace back to ancient Greece, where gastronomy was deeply connected to philosophy, health, and culture.

Archestratos (4th century BC) is considered the father of gastronomy. His work Hedypatheia (Life of Luxury) was the first known cookbook, offering advice on the finest ingredients, cooking techniques, and where to find the best food across the Greek world. He emphasized the importance of simplicity and quality in cuisine—principles that still define Greek food today.

Hippocrates, the father of medicine, believed that food was the best form of medicine. He studied the effects of different ingredients on the body and encouraged a balanced diet as the key to good health. His teachings on nutrition influenced Greek and later Roman dietary habits, shaping the foundation of modern dietetics.

Pythagoras, best known for his mathematical theories, also had a significant influence on food philosophy. He promoted a vegetarian diet based on ethical and health reasons, advocating for the consumption of fruits, grains, and honey while avoiding meat. His followers, the Pythagoreans, believed that food choices were directly linked to a person’s moral and spiritual well-being.

Athenaeus, in his work Deipnosophistae (The Banquet of the Learned), provided a detailed account of ancient Greek culinary traditions, feasting customs, and the role of food in society. His writings serve as a historical record of Greek dining culture, highlighting the importance of communal meals, storytelling, and the appreciation of fine food and drink.

Today’s food tours are a continuation of this long culinary tradition, offering travelers the chance to experience Greek gastronomy not just as a meal, but as a journey through history, culture, and philosophy—just as the ancients intended.