by Konstantina Voulgarelis
At Moonkiz in Thission, a world of Korean flavors awaits, just as you’ve always imagined tasting them. The first Korean café to open in Greece has now found its way to Athens. Moonkiz Café has journeyed down from Thessaloniki, where it first opened its doors in 2024, to the heart of the capital, and already, Gen Zers and K-pop enthusiasts gather in eager lines, drawn by the viral Korean delights that have swept across TikTok and Instagram.
What will you taste at this Korean café?
Here, you’ll find almost everything you’ve glimpsed on social media and longed to try, an entire universe of Korean drinks and bites. From the familiar delight of boba milk (the beloved bubble tea) to indulgent corn dogs, fish-shaped taiyaki and mochi in all their irresistible variations, every craving seems to find its answer. There are sandos (Korean-style sandwiches) alongside playful coin toasts, delicate Maregon (Korean macarons), fragrant matcha tea and velvety matcha lattes. And then, a touch of surprise: inventive cocktails each infused with a subtle Korean twist.
Beyond the menu, the experience continues. The space offers a curated selection of merchandise, such as T-shirts, Korean beauty masks and small collectible treasures, along with charming memorabilia, like magnets adorned with the Moonkiz logo, where whimsical little alien creatures seem to wink back at you. “Moonkiz are adorable little extraterrestrial beings on a galaxy-wide mission: to seek out the most delicious recipes in the universe. With their magical powers, shimmering moon dust, and radiant positive energy, the Moonkiz are destined to bring happiness to everyone they encounter,” according to their own description.
The philosophy of the first Korean café
Moonkiz has brought a breath of Korea to Athens, blending K-culture influences with a cute, playful, and fun aesthetic. Bright neon signs, colorful Korean lettering and adorable little faces appear everywhere, while at the center of the ceiling hangs a disco ball that looks like a moon-shaped lollipop.
From the speakers, K-pop fills the air, tracks from globally beloved groups such as Stray Kids and BLACKPINK setting the rhythm of the space.
Behind this successful project stands a team with a strong foundation in gastronomy. Dimitris Triantafyllou, CEO of Asian House with many years of experience in the industry, Yiannis Christides, bringing his expertise in franchising through Jerry’s Foodtruck, Eleni Dillis, with a rich background in gastronomic projects and education and Daniel Hardy, Executive Chef with 30 years of experience and a distinguished tenure at Le Cordon Bleu.
Moonkiz
3 Adrianou Str., Thission
tel.: +30 210 3214067
