The culinary tradition in Greece is very very strong and multiperspective. It varies depending on the area, while it is highly related to the local raw materials and climate. Based on that the city of Volos stands for a totally unique type of tavernas called "tsipouradika".
What does "tsipouradika" mean?
Those are a distinctive type of tavernas that serve tsipouro, the Greek distillate drink, with a variety of appetizers (meze). The totally special fact is that the appetizers continue to come to the table as accompaniments of tsipouro without someone ordering them.
The tsipouro tavernas of Volos started to become a meeting point since the beginning of the last century. The citizens of Volos were visiting them during the day in order to have their favorite drink accompanied with delicacies from the Pagasitikos sea.
When were founded the tsipouro-tavernas in Volos?
The creation of this type of tavernas initiated from the refugees of Asia Minor and over the years, they have been established as the favorite habit of Volos citizens as well as visitors. The fame of "tsipouradika" today has spread throughout Greece and abroad where there is a Greek diaspora.
The main components at the tables of "tsipouradika" are the tsipouro and the fine appetizers, which usually arrive at the table without any order and depending on the consumption of the drink. Octopuses, cuttlefish, squids, glossy, oysters, quinces, shrimps, and other small fish are a few of the sea goodies that someone can enjoy together with the favorite Greek distillate drink, tsipouro.
How do I order at tsipouradika in Volos?
It is not recommended to order appetizers from the menu but only "tsipouro with meze". The more tsipouro you order, the better and richer the meze (appetizers) will be. Tsipouradika tavernas are a tradition for Volos, while they are located almost in every corner of the city from the most central points to the narrowest streets.
Some of the best and traditional tsipouradika are located in the district of Nea Ionia while there are many of those tavernas on the beach of Volos. Undoubtedly, visiting one of them builds up an experience that describes clearly the Greek way of drinking and eating.