This Food Cart Has Been Serving Incredible Souvlaki For Decades | Secret's Out | NYT Cooking

For nearly 30 years, Elpida Vasiliadis, known as the Souvlaki Lady, has been serving up Greek souvlaki from her street cart in Astoria, Queens. Over time, it’s become a symbol of the neighborhood, her Greek heritage and family legacy. Elpida’s customer base spans generations of families who have been eating at her cart for decades. Elpida is no stranger to the food industry: Her recipes come from a restaurant her parents owned in Thessaloniki. Follow along as we take you behind the scenes of a day in the life of the Souvlaki Lady.
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[@rpaafourever7908]

“I’m proud not because I’m doing something special, but just being there all these years..” Love that attitude. It's truly special.

[@ryangies4798]

My apartment is just steps away from the Souvlaki Lady cart. Been eating her food for 25 years. She’s an icon to Astoria.

[@user-or6yn8pm3c]

There are several other Greek carts in the area.

[@aznthy]

25 years, wow, so good

[@RudieObias]

Are there long lines there now?

[@user-or6yn8pm3c]

@@RudieObias Literally half the food in that neighborhood is Greek. There are at least 4 other Greek carts.

[@user-or6yn8pm3c]

@RudieObias Bazillion Greek places there.

[@TheAlan11223]

This lady food is so clutch. If she retires and nobody is working I’m going to so sad. These mom and pop shops are truly one of a kind 😭

[@FYMASMD]

Make it yourself. It’s not magic. Lazy. 🙄

[@user-or6yn8pm3c]

The gentrification of that area pushed out a lot of others. There was another Greek Lady on Steinway too making kebabs.

[@DodjersBoy]

This cart is the real deal, went for the first time in 2015 and it’s nice to see them still going

[@Skammerd]

She's exhausted and struggling to hold it together but she's determined. Badass.

[@papa_pt]

I hope she taking vacation to the Greek Isles at least once a year

[@blake.henderson]

Yeah I'll say ah well at least after this video she can deservedly raise her prices 😊

[@ForceInstinct]

The dystopia that is called the United States

[@madhavyu]

​The nimrod that is called ​@ForceInstinct.

[@madhavyu]

@@ForceInstinct What a maroon. 🤡

[@eandrots]

Love this and love her!!!! She’s been feeding my family for 30 years and the food tastes just as good each time!! The best in Astoria!!! ❤️❤️🙌🙌

[@ashleys637]

"In Greece, we don't put lettuce on our sandwiches. We put french fries". lol Damn right. Love Greek food, and love this souvlaki lady.

[@kabehzadi]

I've never been so early. I love that we're covering these kinds of stories. Food is a huge connector - KEEP TELLING THESE STORIES

[@MelissaColoradoReporter]

So glad she’s being recognized! The Queen of Astoria!

[@caradempsey9904]

I used to live next to these excellent ladies! They’re the best, the kindest, and deserve all the love and business.

[@amgaddroby8689]

These wonderful hard working individuals are so inspiring. Thank you for showcasing them and hopefully more similar to come.

[@ArielK1987]

Even though it took a long time. It sure feels good that food cart cook are getting the same recognition as chefs in a restaurant.

[@mariaandrews3320]

As a proud Greek American, I'm grateful to see this story shared. We need to uplift these immigrant experiences. Working families make the world go round and immigrants are the fabric of our country ❤

[@JayOEhEn]

WHAT A GEM!!! Greek food is like nothing else ... I remember when we visited Athens, as a kid I was a picky eater and would never touch salad, once I had a salad with Greek olive oil and Greek oregano I couldn't stop myself from eating salads.... The street vendors selling souvlaki hot off the grill on tiny tiny skewers were out of this world.... This place looks like something I will have to check out when I visit NYC next time, also they should change the name to the Souvlaki Queen ❤

[@newportsteve2203]

I used to live four blocks away from this cart and ate here all the time. The hype is real, and these ladies are wonderful humans. Love this story.

[@ginchadope2171]

Thank you nytimes for bringing such joy and a tear this sunday morning. Amazing.

[@crabapples1995]

Love this, also love how the main woman keeps mentioning that her coworker “does this” and “came up with that”. Nice to see

[@marielaenith19]

I love the fact that she also did it because it was convenient for her, she did it for her children ❤️

[@cryisfree510]

Crazy, they’re serving my favorite album for 30 years now

[@hasugkrith]

Wonderful video, bravo Souvlaki lady! As a frequent Greek American visitor & lover of Astoria

[@juliagavriilidis9658]

My favorite picture of my family we took infront of the Souvlaki Lady. Love her hospitality and her food, it’s become apart of my family’s life ❤ so incredible to see her being featured in the NYT

[@sophiekoester5214]

i love you souvlaki lady! i used to live across the street from her cart, BANGER souvlaki and her soup was a go-to whenever i was under the weather

[@subzarbi9684]

I don't even live in the US but I wan't to visit the Souvlaki Lady, amazing story. Thank you for sharing!!

[@AthenaZotos-h5v]

Best souvlaki in NY!!! How I miss it!! And the soups are yummy! You should def try if you are in the neighborhood!!

[@lisakennedy2151]

You are an absolute ledgend❤

[@priyar.6732]

The NY neighborhoods are so special and lovely

[@mpat100]

Blessings. good health and good luck for Elpida and her business.

[@jeannemarie6747]

Elpida Vasiliadis, the Souvlaki Lady, IS doing something special ~ I hope Mrs Vasiliadis knows she is loved.

[@joesmithnyc]

You do do something special! People like you are what makes a community! You help make Astoria what it is and others just like you in our neighborhood.

[@Michael62nyc]

Astoria is glorious. Great video. I ❤NYC and I ❤ NYers.

[@AussieAngeS]

More power to her! She reminds me of my one mother 😊 bless her

[@democracysaved2577]

Down to earth people not many like them left in Astoria.

[@EBarbalias]

Love me some souvlaki lady!!! ❤❤ Greek platters for the win 🙌

[@sechay9328]

I lived three streets up from this corner, moving away in 2019. It is amazing how much I can see has changed even in the random street shots but at the same time feels immediately recognizable. Especially the people.

[@parispc]

I live close by, she is a gem. Quick food and still great quality.

[@chili-rye123]

Hearing all the NYC accent gives me some hope for regional culture

[@AshishGeorge-kd8zu]

Wise words from a Hardworking Lady.

[@moncreebrown948]

Food looks so darn good.

[@Kariwable]

Food looks delicious- lovely story

[@stonedzebra420]

I live in Astoria. Its not only her, every single street has amazing souvlaki and gyro. This is little greece

[@Red_Dragon_46]

Christos is the best on 31 street and 23 avenue

[@stonedzebra420]

@@Red_Dragon_46 have you tried frankies? thats my spot. I'll have to give Christos a shot also

[@goldmank2497]

She is an a absolute legend. Hands down the best souvlaki in the NYC area!

[@Red_Dragon_46]

You obviously haven’t tried Christos on 31 street and 23 avenue

[@bluefish537]

It's interesting to see how all cultures have their own variation of cooked meat on a stick.

[@Ric419]

She’s great, and there are several around the neighborhood who serve souvlakis around Astoria and Queens. Vendors like this in NYC are disappearing fast, support them but don’t exploit there neighborhoods.

[@Enjoyrving]

Wonderful women!….and their food looks delicious!

[@minervabird1967]

She is a real treasure

[@NateBergeson]

This is what America is all about.

[@FrankQ777]

It is very good to see the America dream come true to nice people 👍

[@bigbird2451]

Oh, you're doing something special. Well done my Lady.

[@ririabz1393]

I'm from Australia would love to visit her cart one day!

[@matthewj16]

People like this are so important to the community….they are the community.

[@kcmartin5101]

💖Loved💖 watching this piece and how it really shines the great New York spirit of determination and incredible work ethic of 30 years. Definitely adding this on my New York bucket list for my next trip. Food looks sooo delicious.

[@tjg2553]

great content. thank you for sharing. love to see it and love seeing her being able to do what she set out on. A wonderful and very human story.

[@stevenstevenson3705]

Love this stopping by soon when I’m in Astoria

[@blazinpyromaniac]

Had it a few times. She's legit

[@ΣαββιναΒουτσινα]

She is the best!!! Awesome quality and taste!!!

[@naeemmajors3636]

I’m headed there NOW

[@heyjudylei]

love these videos .. always a tear jerker 🥹

[@rosecano9599]

People like this is what makes America the best country in the world. Salt of the earth.

[@georgei546]

I ate at that food truck a couple of times. Good food I miss living on ditmars in Astoria 😢

[@richardottley4611]

to get a grade A for a Food Truck.. is really remarkable

[@PaulMitchell-m3q]

Like all great places this isn't about food it's about ❤.

[@CReyes811]

Amazing woman.. bless her.

[@karenmccormick2694]

She's amazing!

[@MRP1.1000]

Hardworking two ladies❤👍

[@arlenesolis024]

Souvlaki Ladies, you are beautiful and tough. Keep showing us that hard work pays off, deliciously 😋. I'm heading there for some great food.

[@rda3000]

I lived nearby, deep in the heart of Souvlakistan. Sadly the people coming to buy $2MM houses and rent $4000+ apartments in Astoria don't get excited for souvlaki, gyro, or burek and these old gems are on their last legs.

[@plasticwrap]

Watching this after the last Eater video is like bathing after spending all day in a sewer

[@christianrolandoleonardmaisy]

You mean the $22 (excluding tips) sandwich? That was a shitshow

[@tashatopalakis2035]

❤❤❤...Love her & delicious foods! 🇬🇷

[@kdkulhanek]

Wow, finally something I will travel to NY for! Lol

[@mohammed.mustabi5817]

She been there since I was a kid

[@MRP1.1000]

Hardworking life❤👍

[@blad170]

I’ve eaten from her truck. Best souvlaki in Astoria, followed by Cristos, if you know you know

[@Red_Dragon_46]

@@blad170 Christos is first and only place I eat. Everyone else cooks at 11am and serving at all hours of lunch. Christos is always cooking a little at a time and on charcoal, like it should be done

[@blad170]

@ that’s fine, everyone’s entitled to their opinion, I personally like both but the seasoning these ladies use are top notch

[@EleniKarabelas]

I’m loving thisssss❤

[@reeeech9245]

Need to check out the pork sticks at the Family Corner - 31 St 21 Ave - N train to Ditmars!!!

[@erikjuarezdk2367]

Hopefully someone Can help her more, so she doesnt have to be there all the time. She deserves a break.

[@jbf5117]

I’m going to Astoria!!!

[@joshuastefanick4806]

I wonder if we can get her a/c or a heater

[@takeotenn]

Love her.

[@brandonluu6665]

They're awesome like Mama Jo's!

[@georgehantzakos9893]

I'm hungry I wish she was just outside my house

[@stonedzebra420]

Frankies Souvlaki is really good also

[@1m2s3t]

Bravo ❤

[@silverlve70]

Someone stole their generator?! What the heck. The nerve of some people.

[@arinbk6841]

Lmao- don't come to nyc

[@Red_Dragon_46]

@@silverlve70 they’ll steal the milk out your coffee in NYC. If you know , you know

[@sheshashah3728]

Could I know the location please I want to taste this mama’s made such a tantalizing delicious Greek Foods wow

[@Red_Dragon_46]

@@sheshashah3728 go to Christos instead. 31 street and 23 avenue

[@amym3169]

Corner of 33rd street and Ditmars Blvd

[@MariaHernandez-xo7sc]

She's busy !

[@JanetGregory-fj1pm]

I watch these videos a lot.

[@mind4reak315]

Ahh man i misss astoria so much T_T

[@greggleswong]

What are the chances Sam Vartholomeus comes by on filming day?

[@herczeus9341]

I'm probably the only Greek that doesn't like Souvlaki. I like Gyro. But I still would buy from her everyday regardless if I lived near by there.

[@685squad2]

Awww🥰🥰🥰

[@ImFadedAsfRn]

So dope

[@aethertrace]

slowdive reference?

[@ayyysun]

i remember my first " Gjay-roh"

[@CharlieMoney777]

30 years in the neighborhood and some scumbag steals her generator. 🤦🏾

[@legendaryeats3471]

Huhuhu I went here but they were closed on vacation

[@johnfleming5411]

What street is she on?

[@nunya4117]

33rd street Ditmars blvd

[@johnfleming5411]

Thanks

[@Red_Dragon_46]

@@johnfleming5411 go to Christos instead, 31 street and 23 avenue

[@clywat57]

🥰💖

[@rockturtleneck]

Nice to see stories like this instead of drones, rigged elections, etc. May have to make a pilgrimage out to the Souvlaki Lady.

[@itsgoingtobeok-justbreathe4808]

I heard a lot of tired, exhausting and lack of self care. As delicious as it is and as much as everyone loves it, maybe it's time to retire and give to yourself what you've given to others for decades

[@RizzyGyatt]

self care means nothing if you are broke at the end of the day!

[@Red_Dragon_46]

@@RizzyGyatt and what will money do for you if you take care of yourself ??

[@RizzyGyatt]

@@Red_Dragon_46 enable you to take care of yourself lmfao. do you think the world runs on feelings and beliefs?

[@itsgoingtobeok-justbreathe4808]

@@RizzyGyatt disagree 1000% ! the broker you are the more you need self care. who said she's broke? if she's broke working this hard, this many hours a day for this many years, it's time to raise prices or at least switch to a job with a 401k and paid days off. She could likely sell the cart and the Business and have a good retirement

[@youshouldprobablyrun]

No one thought her how to scale.