by Manina Zouboulaki

This time of year, five out of five people in Monastiraki are foreigners—tourists and visitors from every corner of the world: Americans, Chinese, Slavs, Italians, Spaniards, Belgians, Germans, Dutch, and others who don’t specify where they’re from but speak “foreign” languages and ask for help in broken English when their GPS lets them down. Because GPS apps love to tell you to “head northeast” when you’re standing in a narrow alley off Ermou whose name doesn’t appear anywhere, and you have no idea where north or east is—especially at night. Or even during the day, if you never had a scouting career to begin with.

All this just to tell you about “Chymopoieio”, which has been making fresh juices for years on Pandrosou Street—but I hadn’t walked past it in ages. Monastiraki, Thiseio, that whole part of downtown, below Kapnikarea and to the left of Omonia (to avoid saying “southeast” and confusing things further), is not exactly a local’s destination during summer months. Except for locals under twenty—especially those between 12 and 18—who pour into Monastiraki from all over Athens to hang out in the square. Apart from those teenagers, the rest of us can’t be bothered to deal with the crowds, the maze of shops stacked one on top of another, each one more touristy than the next.

“Chymopoieio” is a breath of fresh air—a place that feels like a big, provincial fruit market, with fresh produce gleaming behind the counter. The juices are made on the spot, with fruit sliced right before your eyes, and with delicious combinations—the watermelon and mint is amazing: chilled, refreshing, and perfect for the hot months. They also make smoothies with yogurt, honey, and fruit, and juices of every kind imaginable, with any fruit or vegetable you can think of—there’s no way you’ll come up with one they can’t serve fresh. The prices are great, too—you’ll pay under 4 euros for a large glass of watermelon juice, and leave not only refreshed, but genuinely delighted.

Pandrosou 64, Monastiraki / 210 3254186