This year’s Tsiknopempti—the Greek pre-Lenten celebration known for its grilled meats—will come with a steeper price tag, as meat prices surge across the board. According to data from ELSTAT, Greece’s national statistics agency, average meat prices have risen by up to 13% compared to last year, hitting households planning home celebrations and restaurants alike.
Sharp Increases Hit Key Cuts
The biggest jumps are seen in beef and lamb products. Ground beef—commonly used for burgers and meatballs—has soared by as much as 50%, now costing €18 per kilogram, up from €12 in 2025. Similarly, lamb chops (paidakia) now exceed €21/kg, up from €18 last year.
Pork steaks have climbed from €8 to €8.90/kg, while pork loin is up 14% to €11.40/kg. Even skewers (kalamaki) have risen modestly—from €11 to €11.70/kg.
Chicken Remains the Most Affordable Option
Chicken breast remains the most budget-friendly choice, with prices edging up only slightly to €10.50/kg from €10.20 last year.
Dining Out Will Cost More Too
For those opting to celebrate at a taverna or grill house, the cost per person is expected to range between €30 and €35—making this year’s Tsiknopempti one of the most expensive in recent memory.
Experts attribute the spike to reduced domestic beef production and the severe impact of sheep and goat pox outbreaks on Greece’s livestock sector—a disease that significantly affected the country’s small ruminant population.
Faced with higher prices, many consumers are scaling back portion sizes or switching to more affordable alternatives—reflecting broader cost-of-living pressures ahead of the Lenten period.