The short answer
Agree what you are ordering and the price before you sit down, check the bill against the board, and send back bread, olives or dishes you did not ask for. Some stalls add those to the bill. You can choose any stall you like, whoever waves you towards their bench.
In more detail
The night stalls are where most visitors eat at least once. The common trick is small and adds up: plates you did not order. A basket of bread, a dish of olives or a salad set down without a word may turn up on the bill. None of this is a scam in the dramatic sense. It is simply worth being clear from the start.
Point at what you want, confirm it and ask the price before you take a seat. If something arrives that you did not ask for, say no thank you and slide it back. When the bill comes, check it against the board. Carry small notes and coins.
The touts who walk up and wave a menu are part of the show. You do not have to sit where the first one points. Walk the rows, look for full benches of locals, and sit where the food looks freshest.
On our evening food tour all the street-food costs along the route are included, so there is nothing to haggle over and your guide does the ordering. You only pay for any extra dishes you order yourself.
Good to know
- Ask the price first, sit second.
- Refuse anything you did not order.
- Check the bill against the board.
- Carry small change.