There’s a good chance that if you ask someone in Melbourne where to get the most authentic souvlaki, the recommendation time and time again will be Kalimera Souvlaki Art.
But the Greek eatery is no longer Oakleigh’s best-kept secret; word has gotten out, especially after the restaurant’s appearance on SBS’s popular food series, Food Safari.
The episode devoted to street food saw host Maeve O’Meara get into the kitchen with owner Thomas Deliopoulos to learn the secrets of making the city’s best souvlaki.
The Greek-born chef appeared to be quite comfortable on the small screen, giving O’Meara and her viewers a few insider’s tips.
He suggested that souvlaki be made with either pork or chicken, rather than lamb, which has always been the staple for souvlaki Down Under.
He also said paprika should be added to the mix, and made it clear that no souvlaki is complete without chips to make it a “complete meal.” While Kalimera has been well received by locals since opening its doors, the success is even greater considering the back story of its creation.
It wasn’t all that long ago that Deliopoulos and his wife Sylvia Gabriel left a crisis-stricken Greece with hopes and dreams for a brighter future, and now their hard work is being praised across the country.
One pork souvlaki with the lot thanks!