Gytheio – The Unique Maniot Street Food or an Alternative Souvlaki

What happens when pork and kefalotyri cheese meet the traditional "travihtes" pitas of Mani? We get the famous "tripleta," which we sampled at the namesake shop in the picturesque town on the eastern shore of the Mani Peninsula, in Laconia, Peloponnese.

Maniot Pita with Cheese and Souvlaki – Street Advertisement of a Shop in Gytheio

This is an alternative approach to the classic Greek pita-souvlaki, where instead of the usual pitas found throughout Greece, Maniot "travihtes" are used. The "travihtes" pitas of Mani are doughs stretched wide and then fried in hot olive oil. On these unique and tantalizing pitas—crispy in some parts and fluffy like unsweetened donuts in others—either a pork souvlaki (skewer) or a souvlaki with "syglino" from Mani (a local pork preparation) is placed. The meat is accompanied by a generous piece of raw kefalotyri cheese. Ideally, something juicy on the side, like a ripe tomato, complements the dish.

Several shops in Gytheio prepare this unique street food. We happened to try it at "Tripleta" by Tasos Kyrifidis, which we encountered during a stroll through the beautiful, flower-adorned narrow streets of the beautiful seaside town. "Tripleta" (the shop) has outdoor tables spread across the sidewalks and a distinctive interior space adorned with memorabilia of rebetiko music and old tavern decor.

Info: Tripleta: 2 Ancient Theater Street, Gytheio