Everybody who loves Greek delicacies, from its greater than 30 Michelin starred eating places to farm-to-table cooking, is conscious of how scrumptious it’s. Do you know, although, that it’s some of the wholesome cuisines on the planet?
As you cruise alongside Greece’s islands and mainland, the frequent contact in its culinary choices is how native and contemporary elements are. Core to dishes are herbs like thyme, rosemary, oregano and lavender and greens corresponding to olives, tomatoes, and aubergine. And Greece’s wine business, which nowadays goes means past the retsina it’s lengthy been recognized for, produces great varietals like Agiorgitiko, a lush crimson and Assyrtiko, a bone-dry white with a contact of citrus. Its regionally produced roses are crisp and scrumptious.
And eventually, earlier than we launch into our fun-to-research listing of the very best dishes to attempt in your subsequent journey, know this: Not all delicacies is identical. It varies from mainland to island and that’s, partially, as a result of there are three distinctive areas that affect tastes in Greece: The Aegean Islands, the Ionian Islands, and the peninsula on which Athens and different areas on the mainland exist.
Check out our listing – and please, if we missed one in every of your favorites, jot it down within the feedback beneath.
1. Olives and Olive Oil
Olives have a protracted 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 hundreds of years, changing into a staple in Greek delicacies. Native olives, both uncured or soaked in sea salt brine, usually 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 important dishes to cooking, olive oil is a continuing throughout the board.
Whilst you’ve doubtless already tried some model of olives or olive oil, make sure you attempt them once more in Greece. The Greeks have had hundreds of years to good their craft, and the contemporary, native merchandise listed here are extra genuine than in different areas.
2. Taramasalata
A conventional Greek recipe most frequently served as a “meze,” or appetizer, taramasalata is a creamy dip sometimes eaten with pita. Taramasalata is made from fish roe, most frequently carp or cod, that’s been salted and cured. The roe is then blended 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 usually added for extra taste.
3. Courgette Balls
Courgette balls, often known as kolokythokeftedes, are fried zucchini balls or patties. The dish contains zucchini, feta cheese, mint and olive oil, mixed and shaped into balls or patties. The skin 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 exterior 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 best 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 well-liked appetizer, usually 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 might also discover dolmades stuffed 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 would be able to pair with many dishes. Whereas most cooks put their very own twist on it, fundamental tzatziki recipes include yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill, olive oil and lemon juice. As a result of you possibly can eat this dip with so many various dishes, it’s a staple on most restaurant menus. You’ll doubtless encounter it with out even needing to ask!
7. Tiropita
This widespread 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 blended 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 might also discover tiropita with further elements, like hen.
Tiropita can are available in a wide range of configurations and dimensions. The identify of the dish might also differ, relying on the form of the pie. A triangle, which is the form when the pie is known as tiropita, is commonest.
8. Choriatiki
Also referred to as a Greek salad, choriatiki is on the market year-round in Greece. Whilst you can get pleasure from it as the principle portion of a meal, Greek salad is most frequently served as a starter or aspect to different dishes.
Choriatiki consists of cucumber, tomatoes, onion, bell peppers, olives and a bit of feta cheese. Greek salad is served with dressing choices on the aspect, so you possibly can select the way you need it dressed. Your choices will doubtless embody olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper.
9. Pastitsio
In case you’re on the lookout for conventional Greek consolation meals, attempt pastitsio. Pastitsio is called a Greek lasagna as a result of it has the same style and layered elements. As a substitute of the flat lasagna pasta chances are you’ll 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 usually served with a refreshing salad to spherical out the meal.
10. Papoutsakia
Papoutsakia, which interprets to “little sneakers,” is a stuffed eggplant dish. The eggplant is halved and baked to melt the vegetable. Every half is then stuffed with a crimson meat sauce and mashed potatoes, topped with béchamel and cheese and baked once more to succeed in a golden colour. This juicy dish is just like one other widespread Greek meal, moussaka, which incorporates lots of the similar elements.
Easy, conventional Greek meals like papoutsakia are sometimes a number of the finest 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 kind of Greek road meals just like gyros, top-of-the-line and most well-known Greek meals. Souvlaki is skewered meat wrapped in a pita, sometimes served with tomato, onion and tzatziki. The meat is most frequently hen, lamb or pork, although many Greek individuals seek advice from any pita-wrapped meat as souvlaki.
Souvlaki is likely one of the first Greek meals many individuals consider and may 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. Whilst 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 a wide range of candy herbs and spices. Cooking the meat in crimson wine helps tenderize the meat whereas including juicy taste.
In some locations, stifado remains 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 supplied and could be loved year-round.
13. Bougatsa
Whereas savory dishes are frequent Greek meals favorites, bear 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 possibly can 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 standard recipe for Greek spinach pie. You may eat this dish at any time of day, whilst an appetizer or snack. Spanakopita consists of spinach and crumbled feta cheese wrapped in phyllo pastry dough. Different frequent elements embody onions, dill and eggs, which assist maintain the combination of elements 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 widespread 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. In case you’ve by no means eaten octopus earlier than, your journey to Greece is an ideal first time to attempt it. Even for those who’ve eaten it elsewhere, you must attempt it once more — Greek octopus is a novel expertise.
16. Kleftiko
Lamb is a Greek specialty, and the Greeks know methods to prepare 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. As we speak, the meat is slow-cooked to lock in flavors and juices. Kleftiko is commonly 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 contains thinly sliced potatoes, eggplant, zucchini, garlic and onions baked in a casserole with tomato sauce. Olive oil and oregano high the dish, making this a easy but fulfilling meal. Briam is commonly served with a aspect of heat bread, although it’s additionally frequent to see it served over rice.
18. Feta Cheese and Honey
Whereas cheese and honey could sound like an unlikely mixture, it’s vital when visiting Greece. Also referred to 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 widespread 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 elements. 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 endlessly affiliate along with your journey to Greece.
Completely different areas use completely different nuts for this dessert. Baklava can also be widespread 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 finest types of espresso in Greece. This type of espresso is served in a briki, the normal long-handled copper espresso pot. You may order ellinikos in three other ways, relying on how candy you want your espresso:
- Vari glyko could be very candy, virtually like honey.
- Metrios has a medium sweetness.
- Sketos has no sugar.
Editor’s Be aware: Take a look at all of Windstar’s itineraries in Greece right here.
