Shops We Love: Daphnis and Chloe

Longing for a piece of Greece at home? You need to hear out Evangelia Koutsovoulou’s story. She started her business Daphnis and Chloe back in 2011 with a mere desire to discover the hidden world of spectacular culinary herbs in Greece. Situated in a tiny shop just beneath the Acropolis in Athens, Daphnis and Chloe is dedicated to chefs and home cooks who are looking for Mediterranean ingredients of the finest quality.

The selection of Daphnis and Chloe includes Mediterranean basics such oregano from Mount Taygetus and sage from a tiny village in the Epirus region named Faskomilia (which apparently means Sage in Greek). Herbs are selected according to the areas where each plant naturally performs better, from suppliers who put quality above quantity and nature above personal interest.

Daphnis and Chloe herbs have a smell and taste more complex than what we usually come across. As Evangelia explains, nearly 20% of the plants that grow in Greece are endemic, which means you cannot find them anywhere else in the world. Researches say that Greek oregano can contain up to 30 times more essential oils than the ones typically found on common stores. This truly is a gift of nature! Her story and the success of her business is inspirational. To find more about Evangelia, read this Freunde von Freunden interview which will remind you the value in following your gut. Daphnis and Chloe ships worldwide, available for purchase online and also at General Store in Peckham.