11 February 2025
05 minutes
Photo: LouizaVradiThessaloniki
We’re heading to Greece’s second city, Thessaloniki. This offbeat metropolis on the Aegean coast has a rich gastronomic identity thanks to its diverse history at the crossroads of east and west. In 2021, its culinary prowess was recognised by Unesco as a “City of Gastronomy” within its Creative Cities Network. Join Monocle’s Claudia Jacob on a tour of this colourful and compact city that’s sure to slake your appetite.
11 February 2025
Share episode
DownloadWant more radio episodes like these in your inbox?
Sign up to Monocle’s email newsletters to stay on top of news and opinion, plus the latest from the magazine, radio, film and shop.
The Menu - latest episodes
Food Neighbourhoods #421: Thessaloniki, Greece
We’re heading to Greece’s second city, Thessaloniki. This offbeat metropolis on the Aegean coast has a rich gastronomic identity thanks to its diverse history at the crossroads of east and west. In 2021, its culinary pro…
Taking it slow
This week we’re appreciating the effects that time has on some of our favourite dishes and ingredients. We sit down with Ryan Walker, head of fermentation at zero-waste restaurant Silo, in London. Then: Angelica Jopson…
Food Neighbourhoods #420: Little Portugal, Sydney
We’re heading to Sydney, one of the world’s most multicultural hubs. The Harbour City’s diversity is reflected in its vibrant selection of global restaurants, cafes and bars. Here, Monocle contributor Adam Hancock takes us…
Modern Georgian cuisine and Lyon’s Sirha trade fair
We meet Diana Militski, the founder of Kinkally, a restaurant in London championing a modern approach to Georgian cuisine. Then: Michael Booth is at Europe’s biggest food-supplier trade fair in Lyon to get a preview of the…
Food Neighbourhoods #419: Alagna Valsesia
We’re hitting the Italian Alps and the small hamlet of Alagna Valsesia at the foot of the Monte Rosa massif. Though Monocle’s Lars Bevanger keeps returning here to ski, what’s equally tempting are the region’s delicious…
Modern barbecue philosophy with Dave Pynt
We speak to the man whose passion for cooking with fire has been fuelling one of the world’s best restaurants – Burnt Ends in Singapore. Also on the programme: we trace the journey of Hong Kong noodles to London and speak…
Food Neighbourhoods #418: De Baarsjes, Amsterdam
This week we wander the canals of De Baarsjes in west Amsterdam. With an abundance of specialty cafés, bakeries and global culinary outposts, this area of the Netherlands’ capital is fast becoming the preferred choice of…
Eat your greens! Plus: the popularity of non-alocholic drinks
It’s only natural to spend time reflecting on your habits at the beginning of the new year – and that includes eating and drinking too. In this episode we speak to the author tracing the philosophy of food systems around…
Food Neighbourhoods #417: Lagos, Portugal
We head to Lagos in the Algarve region of southern Portugal, a busy summer-tourist destination known for its golden beaches and limestone cliffs. Here, in the quieter months, Angelica Jopson takes us for a walk through town…
‘Crumbs’, Kurze and ‘Money on the Wall’
We meet author Ben Mims to flick through his new book, ‘Crumbs’, which traces the history of cookies and biscuits from around the world. Also in the programme, Monocle’s Petri Burtsoff is in Tallinn to try a newly opened…
Food Neighbourhoods #416: Périgueux, France
Périgueux, capital of the Dordogne department in southwestern France, is renowned for a history that is just as rich as its food. From truffles and walnuts to foie gras and goats cheese, the hallmarks of Périgord cuisine…
The best of 2024, part two
Monocle’s Chiara Rimella looks back at a delicious 2024.
The best of 2024, part one
Monocle’s Chiara Rimella looks back at a delicious 2024. This week we reflect on our favourite drinking and dining books of the year.
Winter special
We celebrate the season with an episode dedicated to the joys of eating in winter. First up, we get the scoop on why a successful London restaurant is expanding into serving up ice cream. Then: we’re in Singapore to learn…
Food Neighbourhoods #415: Trondheim, Norway
We’re heading to Norway’s third-largest city, Trondheim. Also known as the Viking capital, Trondheim boasts abundant culinary traditions, particularly at Christmas time. Monocle’s Oslo correspondent, Lars Bevanger, takes…
