About us
Visiting the Greek cities, the islands as well as the different regions around the mainland is always fascinating and somehow familiar. The country is the ideal host that always welcomes you with a warm smile, a friendly touch and a plate of good food. That is what Greece has been for thousands of years; flavorful, authentic, honest and warm. In Greek, we call it “philoxenia”.
In Greek language,
we call it “philoxenia”.
The discovery of the unexpected blend of culture and food!
This is what we are thrilled to present you, through Gastro Routes. We are based in Thessaloniki, a vivant melting pot of history, tastes and populations who crossed or lived in the city during the centuries. This is the starting point of an authentic journey through history. A gastronomic journey of explorations, while wandering and tasting around the secret spots of an authentic experience.
Who else could lead the Gastro Routes rather than a qualified local chef!
Panagiotis Karafoulidis was inspired to design gastronomic routes in the cities and regions that he loves and has discovered a culinary value of. He has dreamed of hosting small groups of travelers and showing them the authentic spots, the hidden gems of local gastronomy and culture on the road. Beyond the touristic stereotypes and focusing on a true experience of the Greek “philoxenia’, he welcomes you at Gastro Routes!
Meet the chef
My name is Panagiotis Karafoulidis and I was born in Thessaloniki.
I studied Culinary Arts in 1995 in Rhodes island and worked during that period in different hotels and restaurants around the Dodecanese Islands, Chalkidiki and Thessaloniki. For the last 17 years my professional identity was focused on Education and Gastronomy Writing, in the capacity of Head of Education of Culinary and Pastry Arts. In the meantime, I participated in several International Gastronomy Contests with honors, as a member of the Hellenic Chefs Federation and participated as a guest chef in Thessaloniki’s Convivium, of Slow Food Conferences, with themed events based on Greek products.
My biggest love in life is Thessaloniki!
This is the city where I have met and collaborated with great cooks and chefs who taught me the most important principle of our profession… the generosity of offering through taste. Through this project, I will try to introduce you to the city that I love, through my eyes and my own tastes. We will discover together restaurants, chefs, market merchants and hidden gems of Thessaloniki.
Traveling and exploring new cultures and people is what makes you a better person, allowing you at the same time to learn and to love.