Soutzoukakia

Soutzoukakia is one of the most well-known and beloved dishes in Thessaloniki, with roots tracing back to the cuisine of Constantinople (Istanbul). This dish consists of elongated meatballs made from minced meat, flavored with cumin and garlic, and cooked in a rich tomato sauce. Its connection to Thessaloniki is primarily due to the arrival of refugees from Asia Minor, who brought this traditional dish with them and incorporated it into the local gastronomy.

Known also as "Smyrni-style soutzoukakia," the dish originates from the city of Smyrna (modern-day İzmir) and its name comes from the Turkish word "sucuk," which refers to a type of spicy sausage. Although the dish does not contain sausage, its shape and spices resemble those of sucuk, hence the name.

In Thessaloniki, soutzoukakia quickly became a favorite dish due to its rich flavor and unique aromatic composition. The spices, such as cumin and garlic, which were not as prevalent in traditional Greek cuisine, gave soutzoukakia a distinctive identity. Traditionally, this dish is served with rice, potatoes, or mashed potatoes and is accompanied by red wine.

Soutzoukakia has become a symbol of Thessaloniki's culinary tradition and the broader Constantinopolitan cuisine. It reflects the influence of refugee culture on the city's gastronomy and remains one of the most characteristic dishes to enjoy in Thessaloniki today.