Hello, hello! Today, we’re diving into the topic of internships in the restaurant industry abroad, specifically in Thessaloniki, Greece. Are you currently in the restaurant industry, or are you considering doing your internship in Thessaloniki? Keep reading, and I’ll guide you through the topic. Thessaloniki, also known as “Salonica,” is a port city in Greece, located on the Aegean Sea. It’s the country’s second-largest city and the capital of Macedonia. Thessaloniki is a city rich in history and culture, influenced by many civilizations. As a result, it offers a diverse and rich culinary scene. In this blog, I’ll introduce you to various Greek culinary specialties, the types of restaurants in Thessaloniki, the places to visit when you’re not working, and the benefits of doing an international internship in Greece.
- Discovering Greek Cuisine and Its Specialties
Greek cuisine is known for its Mediterranean flavors and simplicity.
Let’s start by discovering some of the main ingredients used in Greek cooking. The first one is olive oil, which is used in almost every Greek dish. Greeks also use many herbs and spices, such as oregano, thyme, rosemary, dill, basil, as well as cinnamon and cumin. Vegetables like tomatoes, zucchini, and peppers are frequently used, often grilled or roasted, and served either hot or cold depending on the dish. Greek cuisine also features a variety of cheeses, with feta being the most famous and commonly used. Additionally, many Greek dishes are based on meat or fish/seafood, with fish being especially prevalent in coastal regions.
Now, let me introduce you to some typical Greek dishes. The first one is Moussaka, a dish made of eggplant, meat (usually lamb), béchamel sauce, all baked in the oven. Souvlaki is another popular dish, made of grilled meat skewers served with pita bread and tzatziki. Speaking of tzatziki, it’s one of the staples of Greek cuisine, made with yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, mint, and dill. Another typical dish is Gyros, a meat roasted on a vertical rotisserie, served in pita bread with tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and tzatziki. This list is by no means exhaustive, and you can discover more by doing your own research or checking out our blog, “Greek Culinary Specialties.”
Finally, let’s touch on some iconic Greek desserts, especially popular in Thessaloniki. The first is the famous Baklava, a pastry made with phyllo dough, nuts, honey, and cinnamon. Another is Galaktoboureko, a custard-filled pie wrapped in phyllo dough and drenched in lemon syrup. Lastly, we have Loukoumades, deep-fried dough balls soaked in honey, cinnamon, and nuts.
- Learning in a Multicultural Environment
Now that you know more about Greek culinary specialties, let’s get into the heart of the matter: the environment in which you’ll be working if you choose to do your internship in Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki is a crossroads of various civilizations and cultures, offering a wide variety of restaurants with specialties from all over the world. So, you’ll have plenty of options when it comes to choosing where to intern abroad.
Restaurants Serving Traditional Greek Dishes
You’ll find many restaurants offering authentic Greek cuisine, with the dishes I’ve mentioned earlier. For this, look for local tavernas serving traditional Greek meals. I recommend restaurants like Taverna Agora and Ouzeri Aristotelous.
Italian Restaurants
There are also many pizzerias and restaurants offering Italian specialties in Thessaloniki. Fresh ingredients are typically used in these places. A couple of recommended Italian restaurants are La Pasteria and Pomodoro.
Turkish-Inspired Restaurants
You can visit Nea Foila, a restaurant offering Turkish-inspired dishes like kebabs and lahmacun (Turkish-style pizza).
Asian Cuisine Restaurants
Asian cuisine is becoming increasingly popular in Thessaloniki, with some restaurants offering Japanese, Chinese, or Thai dishes. Huang’s is a well-known spot for Asian food in Thessaloniki.
Middle Eastern Cuisine
Some restaurants in Thessaloniki serve Middle Eastern dishes like falafel and hummus. Falafel House is a great option if you’re looking to try these dishes.
Fusion Restaurants
Many restaurants in Thessaloniki offer fusion dishes that combine flavors and techniques from various cuisines around the world. These types of restaurants are quite popular in the city.
As you can see, Thessaloniki’s multicultural environment provides plenty of opportunities for your internship in the restaurant industry. Whether you want to work in the kitchen or in the service industry, you’ll easily find a restaurant that matches your preferences and interests.
- Discovering a New Country/City
Doing an internship in Thessaloniki is also a great opportunity to discover a new country and city in your free time. Thessaloniki offers a rich cultural and historical experience. If you’re interested in culture, there are several museums to visit, like the Archaeological Museum and the Byzantine Culture Museum, which you can explore during your free time. Walking along the seafront promenade, you’ll come across the White Tower, a landmark of Thessaloniki. Many Byzantine churches and the Rotonda are also must-see sights that will give you a deeper understanding of the city’s history. Thessaloniki is a lively city with many events and festivals, such as the Film Festival. So, you won’t be bored in your free time! Living in Thessaloniki during your internship will offer you a true immersion into the Greek lifestyle. The city’s neighborhoods, like Ladadika, are vibrant and full of life. Thessaloniki residents are friendly and welcoming, so you’ll have no trouble integrating.
- The Benefits of Doing Your Internship in Thessaloniki, Greece
Doing an internship abroad is a fantastic way to learn a new language or improve the one you already know. By going to Thessaloniki, you’ll have the chance to practice your English with colleagues and clients, as most people in Greece speak it well. Don’t worry, you don’t have to speak Greek to do your internship in Greece. However, it’s a good idea to learn some basic Greek phrases, as it will show your dedication and willingness to immerse yourself in Greek culture. People will appreciate your effort, and it’ll help make your internship experience go smoothly. I recommend learning a few key phrases like “hello,” “goodbye,” “please,” “thank you,” and “you’re welcome.” An internship in Thessaloniki is also a great way to improve your adaptability by discovering a new country with customs and habits different from those in France. It’s a rewarding experience that will strengthen your autonomy and independence. Whether you work in the kitchen or the service, an internship in Thessaloniki will help you develop professional skills, as the restaurant scene there has different practices compared to those in France. If you’re working in the kitchen, it’s an excellent opportunity to learn how to prepare Greek dishes you may not have encountered before. If you’re working in service, it will give you a chance to experience new methods of working.
In Summary In Thessaloniki, Greece, you’ll have multiple options to choose from when it comes to internships in the restaurant industry. Whether you want to work in a traditional Greek restaurant or one offering international cuisine, the opportunities are endless. If you choose to do an internship in Thessaloniki, be sure to immerse yourself in the experience and enjoy every moment of your time there. Ready to take the leap? If you have any questions or need help organizing your internship, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help guide you through this amazing adventure!