Exploring Greek Cuisine:

When you think of Greece, the mind often wanders to ancient ruins, stunning beaches, and rich history. But a journey to Greece is incomplete without diving into its delicious and diverse culinary landscape. Here are some top Greek foods you absolutely must try when you visit this beautiful country.

1) Gyro

Gyro is a popular Greek street food made from meat (usually pork, chicken, or lamb) cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The meat is sliced and served in a pita with tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce. For just around €3, it’s a tasty and affordable way to experience Greek flavors.

2) Greek Salad

A refreshing and healthy option, the Greek salad (Horiatiki) consists of ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, green bell peppers, Kalamata olives, and a generous slab of feta cheese, all drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with oregano. It’s a perfect accompaniment to any meal.

3) Frappe (Greek Iced Coffee)

Greece’s answer to iced coffee, the frappe, is a frothy, cold coffee drink made from instant coffee, water, sugar, and milk (optional). It’s the ideal refreshment on a hot day, offering a unique taste and a caffeine kick.

4) Kleftiko (Slow Cooked Lamb)

Kleftiko is a traditional Greek dish where lamb is marinated in garlic, lemon, and herbs, then slow-cooked until it’s tender and juicy. The name “kleftiko” means “stolen meat,” referencing the cooking method used by Greek rebels who would cook the meat in a sealed pit to avoid detection.

5) Giouvetsi (Greek Risotto)

Giouvetsi is a comforting dish made with orzo pasta and meat (usually beef or lamb) baked in a rich tomato sauce. It’s akin to a Greek risotto, hearty and perfect for a cozy meal.

6) Pastitsio (Greek Lasagna)

This layered pasta dish resembles lasagna but features a distinctly Greek twist. It consists of pasta, a spiced meat sauce, and béchamel sauce, all baked to perfection. It’s a favorite comfort food in Greek households.

7) Moussaka

Moussaka is similar to pastitsio but includes layers of eggplant. It’s a rich and flavourful casserole with layers of ground meat (typically lamb), eggplant, and a creamy béchamel sauce, all baked until golden brown.

8) Saganaki Cheese (Appetiser)

Saganaki is a simple yet delightful appetizer of fried cheese. Typically made with graviera, kefalograviera, or kasseri cheese, it’s fried until golden and crispy on the outside and melty inside, often served with a squeeze of lemon.

9) Souvlaki

Souvlaki consists of small pieces of meat (usually pork or chicken) and sometimes vegetables grilled on a skewer. It’s often served with pita bread, fries, and a side of tzatziki. It’s a quick and delicious way to sample Greek flavours.

10) Dolmades

My personal all time favourite dish in the world are these heavenly vine leaf wrapped Dolmades that bring me back to my childhood eating them from the pot made perfectly every time by my YiaYia.

Dolmades are a traditional dish made from vine leaves stuffed with a mixture of rice, onions, herbs, and often ground meat such as beef or lamb. The filling is seasoned with various spices such as parsley, giving it a fragrant and flavourful taste. Once rolled, the dolmades are typically cooked in a broth or sauce until tender. They can be accompanied by a sauce like tzatziki, greek yogurt or lemon sauce. 

11) Sheftelia (Cypriot Meatballs)

These Cypriot meatballs are made from minced pork or lamb mixed with onions, parsley, and spices, then wrapped in caul fat and grilled. They are juicy, flavorful, and a must-try for meat lovers.

12) Gemista (Stuffed Capsicums)

Gemista are bell peppers or tomatoes stuffed with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes minced meat, then baked. They are a delightful and healthy vegetarian option.

13) Grilled Octopus

A staple in Greek coastal cuisine, grilled octopus is tender and flavorful, often seasoned with olive oil, lemon, and oregano. It’s a must-try for seafood enthusiasts.

14) Mixed Meat Platter

If you want to sample a variety of Greek meats, the mixed meat platter is perfect. It typically includes lamb chops, souvlaki, sausages, and sometimes even sheftelia, providing a carnivorous feast.

15) Lamb Chops

Greek lamb chops are usually marinated in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs, then grilled to perfection. They are juicy, flavorful, and a favorite in Greek tavernas.

16) Loukaniko (Greek Sausage)

Loukaniko is a traditional Greek sausage flavoured with orange zest, fennel seeds, and various herbs. It’s typically grilled and has a distinct and aromatic flavour.

17) Goat Meat

Often slow-cooked or grilled, goat meat is a common dish in rural Greece. It’s tender and flavourful, usually marinated in herbs and olive oil.

18) Lemonato (Tangy Lemon Veal)

Lemonato is a dish of veal cooked with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and oregano, creating a tangy and savoury flavour profile. It’s typically served with rice or potatoes.

19) Loukoumades (Greek Donut Balls for Dessert)

For dessert, try loukoumades – small, round, deep-fried dough balls soaked in honey syrup and often sprinkled with cinnamon and walnuts. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

20) Galaktoboureko (Dessert)

Galaktoboureko is a sumptuous dessert made of layers of phyllo dough filled with a creamy custard, then baked and soaked in a sweet syrup. It’s a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Exploring these traditional Greek dishes will not only satisfy your taste buds but also give you a deeper appreciation of Greek culture and hospitality. Enjoy your culinary adventure in Greece!