Top-of-the-line elements of touring is attempting new meals. Greek meals is filled with historical past, conventional recipes and genuine components. Every part is filled with taste and positive to have you ever wishing you can prolong your journey. From easy treats like feta cheese and olives to hearty meals like stifado and pastitsio, there aren’t any meals to keep away from in Greece. The Greeks put their very own twist on every little thing, so even acquainted requirements will really feel like one thing new.
With so many various kinds of dishes in Greece, everybody is bound to search out one thing they’ll get pleasure from.
In This Article
20 Greatest Greek Meals to Attempt In Greece
Should you’re planning a visit to Greece, make sure to attempt a few of these in style dishes.
1. Olives and Olive Oil
Olives have an extended historical past in Greece — many say they originated from the olive tree the Greek goddess Athena gifted to the town of Athens. Olives have grown in Greece for 1000’s of years, changing into a staple in Greek delicacies. Native olives, both uncured or soaked in sea salt brine, typically accompany Greek meals. Extra importantly, olive oil is so important to Greek meals that it’s utilized in most dishes. From topping salads, dips and major dishes to cooking, olive oil is a continuing throughout the board.
When you’ve seemingly already tried some model of olives or olive oil, make sure to attempt them once more in Greece. The Greeks have had 1000’s of years to excellent their craft, and the contemporary, native merchandise listed below are extra genuine than in different areas.
2. Taramasalata
A standard Greek recipe most frequently served as a “meze,” or appetizer, taramasalata is a creamy dip usually eaten with pita. Taramasalata is fabricated from fish roe, most frequently carp or cod, that’s been salted and cured. The roe is then combined with lemon juice, olive oil and both bread or potatoes. The mix creates a clean, velvety texture. You’ll discover plain taramasalata most frequently, although garlic, onion or peppers are additionally typically added for extra taste.
3. Courgette Balls
Courgette balls, also referred to as kolokythokeftedes, are fried zucchini balls or patties. The dish consists of zucchini, feta cheese, mint and olive oil, mixed and shaped into balls or patties. The surface of the courgette balls is crispy, whereas the within stays creamy. Courgette balls are served scorching with chilly yogurt or tzatziki for dipping.
This appetizer is a well-liked alternative on Crete, one of many Greek islands. Nonetheless, courgette balls are on the menu in most Greek eating places, even outdoors of Crete.
4. Tomatokeftedes
The island of Santorini is house to the normal appetizer tomatokeftedes, or tomato fritters. Santorini’s soil is volcanic, giving the tomatoes a novel texture perfect for these fritters. They consist primarily of diced tomatoes, feta cheese, onions and mint, shaped into patties and fried till their edges are crispy. This dish is the proper addition to a meze platter and a yogurt dip.
5. Dolmades
Dolmades are a preferred appetizer, typically served alongside others on a meze platter. These stuffed grapevine leaves can differ relying on who’s making them. Vegetarian dolmades are filled with rice, spices and herbs and generally flavored with lemon. You may additionally discover dolmades crammed with rice and floor beef or lamb. As soon as the grapevine leaves are stuffed, they’re rolled up and secured, then boiled till tender.
Dolmades are a must-try as a result of there are such a lot of potential variations, from the seasonings and herbs to the meat inside. Chances are you’ll even come throughout dolmades that substitute the grapevine leaves with cabbage.
6. Tzatziki
Tzatziki is a basic appetizer dip and sauce that you could pair with many dishes. Whereas most cooks put their very own twist on it, primary tzatziki recipes include yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill, olive oil and lemon juice. As a result of you’ll be able to eat this dip with so many alternative dishes, it’s a staple on most restaurant menus. You’ll seemingly encounter it with out even needing to ask!
7. Tiropita
This in style Greek dish is a cheese pie most frequently loved for breakfast or as a snack all through the day. This tacky dish consists primarily of feta combined with different yellow cheeses for added taste. The cheese is wrapped in phyllo dough and coated in melted butter or olive oil to make sure a crisp, golden crust when baked. You may additionally discover tiropita with further components, like rooster.
Tiropita can are available in quite a lot of styles and sizes. The title of the dish may additionally differ, relying on the form of the pie. A triangle, which is the form when the pie known as tiropita, is commonest.
8. Choriatiki
Often known as a Greek salad, choriatiki is accessible year-round in Greece. When you can get pleasure from it as the principle portion of a meal, Greek salad is most frequently served as a starter or facet to different dishes.
Choriatiki consists of cucumber, tomatoes, onion, bell peppers, olives and a piece of feta cheese. Greek salad is served with dressing choices on the facet, so you’ll be able to select the way you need it dressed. Your choices will seemingly embrace olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper.
9. Pastitsio
Should you’re searching for conventional Greek consolation meals, attempt pastitsio. Pastitsio is named a Greek lasagna as a result of it has the same style and layered components. As an alternative of the flat lasagna pasta you could be used to, pastitsio layers tubular pasta in a crimson beef sauce. This dish is topped with a thick, tacky béchamel sauce and baked till the highest is golden brown.
This scrumptious dish is often served with a refreshing salad to spherical out the meal.
10. Papoutsakia
Papoutsakia, which interprets to “little footwear,” is a stuffed eggplant dish. The eggplant is halved and baked to melt the vegetable. Every half is then crammed with a crimson meat sauce and mashed potatoes, topped with béchamel and cheese and baked once more to achieve a golden colour. This juicy dish is just like one other in style Greek meal, moussaka, which incorporates lots of the identical components.
Easy, conventional Greek meals like papoutsakia are sometimes a number of the greatest dishes to attempt as a result of they’re filled with taste.
11. Souvlaki
Souvlaki, which means “meat on a skewer,” is a well-liked sort of Greek road meals just like gyros, the most effective and most well-known Greek meals. Souvlaki is skewered meat wrapped in a pita, usually served with tomato, onion and tzatziki. The meat is most frequently rooster, lamb or pork, although many Greek folks consult with any pita-wrapped meat as souvlaki.
Souvlaki is likely one of the first Greek meals many individuals consider and might differ considerably from metropolis to metropolis and even vendor to vendor. Everybody has their very own recipes and preferences for the kind of meat and sauce they use. When you could discover them in Greek meals vehicles at house, there’s nothing just like the genuine souvlaki you’ll discover in Greece.
12. Stifado
Stifado, a hearty beef stew, is one other well-loved conventional Greek dish. The stew is cooked with onions or shallots, tomatoes, crimson wine and quite a lot of candy herbs and spices. Cooking the meat in crimson wine helps tenderize the meat whereas including juicy taste.
In some locations, stifado continues to be made with conventional rabbit meat, although beef has turn into a broadly accepted substitute that gives a richer taste. It’s generally served with or over rice, pasta or potatoes. The heartiness of this meal makes it appropriate for winter, although it’s provided and might be loved year-round.
13. Bougatsa
Whereas savory dishes are widespread Greek meals favorites, keep in mind to attempt the sweets and desserts too! Bougatsa is a semi-sweet breakfast dessert, just like a pastry. Because it’s not too sugary, you’ll be able to get pleasure from it at any time of the day.
This dish options cheese or semolina custard wrapped in skinny layers of phyllo dough. The pie is baked or fried to make the dough crispy and the custard heat and gooey. Powdered sugar and cinnamon are sprinkled excessive of the pastry to complete it off.
14. Spanakopita
Spanakopita is a conventional recipe for Greek spinach pie. You possibly can eat this dish at any time of day, at the same time as an appetizer or snack. Spanakopita consists of spinach and crumbled feta cheese wrapped in phyllo pastry dough. Different widespread components embrace onions, dill and eggs, which assist maintain the combination of components collectively. As soon as the filling has been wrapped in phyllo, olive oil is brushed excessive, so the pastry turns crispy and golden when baked.
15. Octopus and Different Seafood
Seafood is kind of in style in Greece, particularly contemporary fish and octopus. Harbor and seaside eating places serve an abundance of Mediterranean and Aegean seafood. Fish like crimson mullet are grilled in lemon-oil dressings, and calamari and octopus could also be grilled or simmered in wine.
Greek seafood dishes are at all times price attempting, whether or not they’re an appetizer or the principle course. Should you’ve by no means eaten octopus earlier than, your journey to Greece is an ideal first time to attempt it. Even if you happen to’ve eaten it elsewhere, it’s best to attempt it once more — Greek octopus is a novel expertise.
16. Kleftiko
Lamb is a Greek specialty, and the Greeks know learn how to cook dinner it to perfection. This conventional recipe begins with marinating the lamb meat in olive oil, lemon juice and garlic.
The recipe originates from the Klephts, who secretly cooked lambs and goats in underground ovens. At present, the meat is slow-cooked to lock in flavors and juices. Kleftiko is usually cooked and served with greens like peppers, onions, potatoes and garlic so as to add taste and make this dish a filling meal.
17. Briam
Whether or not you’re a vegetarian or just a veggie-lover, briam is a must-try meal. This all-vegetable dish consists of thinly sliced potatoes, eggplant, zucchini, garlic and onions baked in a casserole with tomato sauce. Olive oil and oregano prime the dish, making this a easy but fulfilling meal. Briam is usually served with a facet of heat bread, although it’s additionally widespread to see it served over rice.
18. Feta Cheese and Honey
Whereas cheese and honey could sound like an unlikely mixture, it’s a must have when visiting Greece. Often known as “feta me meli,” this dish options feta cheese wrapped in phyllo dough with a honey drizzle and a sprinkle of sesame seeds excessive. When baked, the dough will get crispy, and the cheese will get heat and creamy. The sweetness of the honey balances the saltiness of the feta cheese to create the proper taste mixture.
19. Baklava
Sweets are in style in Greece, so it’s no shock that baklava is likely one of the hottest Greek meals. Baklava is bound to impress, though the dish consists of solely a handful of components. Chopped walnuts, sugar and butter are layered with phyllo pastry dough, baked till crispy and drizzled with honey syrup. The crisp phyllo soaks up the honey, making a scrumptious deal with you’ll perpetually affiliate together with your journey to Greece.
Completely different areas use completely different nuts for this dessert. Baklava can be in style in Turkey and Turkish, and northern Greek baklava is made with pistachios, whereas central Greece primarily makes use of almonds. Attempt all of them to search out your favourite!
20. Ellinikos
Craving your espresso repair? Ellinikos is likely one of the greatest kinds of espresso in Greece. This model of espresso is served in a briki, the normal long-handled copper espresso pot. You possibly can order ellinikos in three other ways, relying on how candy you want your espresso:
- Vari glyko could be very candy, nearly like honey.
- Metrios has a medium sweetness.
- Sketos has no sugar.
Journey to Greece and Past With Windstar Cruises
Visiting Greece is an unforgettable expertise in each manner potential. With so many islands to discover and Greek dishes to attempt, there’s no higher method to get the Greek expertise than crusing by way of the islands with Windstar Cruises.
Our cruises are smaller than major cruise traces, giving our visitors a extra non-public and immersive touring expertise. Windstar yachts are the proper measurement for exploring less-visited ports and hidden gems. We’ll provide you with a front-row seat to one of the best views on the earth.
Curious to attempt a few of these in style Greek dishes for your self? Discover a Windstar Cruise to Greece or request extra info at present!
