Paniyiri Greek Festival 2025 is ready to kick off this weekend and we can already hear the plates smashing, hands clapping and souvla spinning. From golden honey puffs to gyros, Greece is known for celebrating good food and company and will be serving it up at our very own Musgrave Park. Keen for a Greek culinary adventure this weekend? Check out our foodie’s guide to Paniyiri for all the best bites.
Sheftalia: To start things off in our foodie’s guide to Paniyiri, let’s talk sausage. We’re not referring to your typical Bunnings snag. Oh no, friendo – these bangers are way more legit. This Cypriot sausage is made from a mixture of lamb and pork, which is then wrapped in caul fat and cooked over a blazing fire. Just follow the sizzling sound to the Cypriot Community stall and you’ll be sure to find these handmade delights.
Koupes: Cyprus is represented again in the food stakes with this hugely popular street dish. Koupes are delectable baked clusters of bulgur wheat, flour, oil, salt and egg that have been stuffed to bursting point with ground meat, onions and spices. You’ll already be at the Cypriot Community stall for the sheftalies – you won’t regret adding these to your plate too!
Pork Gyros: We know you’re familiar with gyros (also referred to as yiros), but we know where you can wrap your hands around traditional pork gyros, just like you’d find along the cobblestone streets of Greece. Head to the Olympic FC stall to find this mouth-watering delight – fluffy pita stuffed with juicy pork (not lamb or chicken), hot chips, salata and zesty tzatziki.
Pastitsio: Did you know that there is such a thing as Greek lasagne? Well, now you do! Pastitsio is a beloved Greek dinner recipe made from layers of pasta, beef ragu, bechamel sauce and kefalotyri cheese to top it off. With the cooler weather rolling in, this is the perfect soul-warming meal to fill your belly with at this year’s festival.
Souvla: No, we’re not misspelling souvlaki – souvla is its own beast, one that deserves to be respected. This is Greek barbecue at its purest – picture hunks of meat skewered on a spit and cooked to perfection over a charcoal barbecue. Any self-respecting carnivore shouldn’t think twice when spying these beauties from across the festival. You can find lamb and chicken on the spit at the Pankoakos Associations KOS stall, and lamb loin, pork belly and chicken-thigh souvla from the Cypriot Community stall at Plateia Village. Although not technically souvla, keep your eyes peeled for the Chios Taverna, serving up large octopus perfectly charred over the coals.
Loukoumades: Let’s be honest – loukoumades, or honey puffs, are at the top of everyone’s food list when visiting Paniyiri. These fried golden balls of delight are irresistible – and we know where to find the best ones. For traditional honey loukoumades sprinkled with icing sugar, head to The Cretan Association of Queensland stall, but if you want to mix things up, the Athelfotis Zarakiton Association stall is serving up traditional honey, chocolate, Nutella, Biscoff and salted-caramel puffs.
Tiropita: Let us introduce to spanakopita’s (spinach pie) cheesy cousin! If you like your pastries buttery (don’t we all?), then you’ll have a hard time passing by this multi-layered filo, cheese and egg-stuffed snack. Don’t be scared to go back for seconds – we’re all thinking it!
Galatoboureko: If you’re a lover of sweet treats and hold baklava close to your heart then you’re almost certain to love galatoboureko (try saying that after a few ouzos), also known as Greek custard pie. This traditional dessert is made with a creamy set-custard filling that’s encased in a crunchy filo pastry shell, which is bathed in syrup (much like baklava). Honestly, it’s heaven on earth.
Kataifi: As tasty as it is appealing to the eye, kataifi is a traditional pastry made with a nut filling and soaked in a honey syrup. The melt-in-your-mouth dessert is made with a special pastry dough that consists of delicate, thin strands crafted from shredded filo. The result is a birds-nest-esque creation that must be devoured to be believed.
Baklava: Although there’s been rivalry for the origins of this delicious sweet, we’re just happy to see it available everywhere at Paniyiri. For those who have been living under a rock the size of The Acropolis, baklava is the sweet treat of all sweet treats, a multi-layered filo pastry filed with chopped nuts and sugar-coated by syrup or honey. Say less!
Keftedes: When one thinks of meatballs, the mind wanders to a certain boot-shaped country, but Greek meatballs are very much a thing! Known as keftedes, these meaty morsels are usually made from ground beef or lamb and flavoured with onion, herbs and spices. You’ll most likely find these bad boys on a mezze platter, surrounded by an assortment of dips and pita breads.
Kids Kouzina: Little chefs unite! Paniyiri is introducing a fun-filled brand new event just for the young foodies. Kids Kouzina will feature an interactive Greek cooking class for children aged 6–12 years old, hosted by acclaimed Nutritionist and Dietitian Liz Borgo. Tickets for this event are available here.
Pre-ordered Mezze Boxes: Another new addition this year is a special Paniyiri picnic experience. Settle down in the the exclusive VIP picnic area (with a perfect view of the main stage) on top of a Greek-themed blue and white picnic blanket to soak in the action and atmosphere as you chow down on a delicious box of authentic home-made mezze including keftedes, spanakopita, taramasalata, tzatziki, kalamata olives with Yiayia’s secret marinade, locally produced fetta and, of course, pita bread. Pre-order your mezze box via the website here.
Greek Cooking Demonstrations: Does all of this deliciousness have you craving more Greek food in your kitchen? Be sure to pop by the NAB Greek Cooking Demonstrations on level one of The Greek Club across the weekend. Special guest chef George Diakomichalis from Kalymnos Pastries in Adelaide will be creating a baklava tower, Yiannis Passaris from Morning After, Yolk and Pingpong Asian is showcasing a traditional gyros, and Kristala and George Samios from Madd Loans will be guiding audiences through a one-pot Greek chicken orzo (risoni pasta dish with oregano, paprika, garlic and lemon).
You can also catch demonstrations from dieticians and nutritionists explaining the benefits of a Mediterranean diet, as well as local members of the Greek community sharing their time-honoured family recipes. Yiayia Anna’s spanakopita, anyone?
Food is just the tip of the souvlaki stick at Paniyiri – the weekend is jam-packed with a smorgasbord of Hellenic heaven! The Coffee Club Main Stage will host a variety of cultural delights all weekend long, including dance performances, live music, competitions and more.
Over in the Madd Loans Plateia you can catch DJ sets by KASBOI and live music throughout each day, and The Greek Club will also showcase an special exhibition inspired by the Olive Tree which will include a series of engaging presentations, children’s workshops, talks and performances.
Has this list got your mouth watering? Go on – splash out and try something different this year! You can sample these delights (plus all of your favourites) when Paniyiri Greek Festival returns to Musgrave Park this weekend Saturday May 17 and Sunday May 18. Tickets available here. Opa!
Image credit (Kids Kouzina): Rebekah Martin
