PEPI NIKOLOPOULOU
Exploring the creative pulse Athens: A Day of Books and Bites at “Hyper Hypo” book treasures and “Photis Deli” street food delights
There’s something magical about wandering the streets of Athens, where every corner reveals a hidden gem. Today’s stroll will take you from a modern, minimalist bookstore to one of the city’s tastiest street food joints. Whether you’re a book or art lover or just someone who enjoys the city’s pulse, this short city walk promises a memorable experience.
A brief business meeting will take me to the heart of Athens, close to Monastiraki. The contrast of old and new is ever-present in Athens especially here. Strolling around the surrounding streets, which are full of small shops, cafes, and cultural spots is my favorite and since I had another mission in my mind, to find a cool gift for my friend coming to Greece for some days, I found myself weaving through the crowded alleys of Monastiraki. The usual tourist spots were full with souvenirs, but I was searching for something more meaningful—something that could speak for itself.
Hyper Hypo – A bookstore full of energy and art
As I wandered further away from the busy squares, I took a turn down a quieter street. The noise of the city began to fade, replaced by the distant hum of daily life. That’s when I saw it—a minimalist storefront. Hyper Hypo, the sign read.
A bookstore full of energy and shelves lined with beautiful books on art, design, film, pop culture and photography, each title more intriguing than the last. I caught up myself wondering around the amazing selection of the books but also the variety of thoughtfully curated gifts perfect for design enthusiasts and those who appreciate the unconventional.
From notebooks with minimalist aesthetics to postcards featuring original artwork, limited-edition zines that make for special, but also unique home decor items, such as modern ceramics and small, functional objects and some really cute Tote Bags and T-Shirts. The selection often features collaborations with local artists, making it easy to find something both original and tied to the creative pulse of Athens.
The name Hyper Hypo comes from the Greek prefixes υπερ and υπο, which mean above and below. It got its name from our love for all things visual, from high culture to subculture.
Hyper Hypo, Voreou 10, Athens, Greece 10551 | www.hyperhypo.gr
Homemade street food with a gourmet touch – “Photis” Deli
I headed towards Syntagma to catch the metro, when, on a corner of Praxitelous Street, the bright yellow and blue facade of a small shop caught my eye. The sign read Photis. Feeling hungry, the thought of a cornbread sandwich with pastrami and gruyere being freshly prepared before my eyes seemed like the perfect option.
Curated by Chef Alexandros Papandreou, the menu at Photis Deli is thoughtfully crafted with attention to detail and high-quality ingredients. Highlights include the tender, slow-cooked black pork leg, homemade beef meatballs made from free-range cattle provided by Boumpas Epirus Meats, and a selection of artisanal cold cuts from Miran, featuring options like pastrami and mortadella.
Vegetarians and vegans will also find plenty to enjoy as well, with dishes such as Genovese pesto paired with fresh mozzarella, egg salad with graviera cheese from Crete, and homemade hummus topped with caramelized onions.
At Photis Deli, the sandwiches are crafted with a focus on quality and tradition. Their homemade preparations, like fresh hummus and pickles, elevate each bite. Sourced from trusted small producers, the ingredients reflect the best of Greek artisanal goods—meat from Epirus, sausages from the renowned Miran, Cretan gruyere, creamy tsalafuti from Fthiotida, tangy feta from Epirus, and rich olive oil from Lesvos. These thoughtful choices ensure that each sandwich strikes the perfect balance between delicacy and taste, leaving you satisfied without feeling weighed down.
So if you’re in search of homemade street food with a gourmet touch, this is an option you won’t want to miss.
Photis Deli, Praxitelous 20, Athens, Greece 10561, | Tue-Sat | 09:00-17:00| www.photis-deli-sandwiches.gr
