Culinary traditions
Greek dishes
Souvlaki – a type of Greek kebab, it consists of pieces of meat (often pork or chicken) marinated in spices, skewered, and grilled, typically served in pita bread with vegetables and tzatziki sauce.
Gyros – a popular Greek fast food, gyro meat (usually pork or chicken) is cooked on a vertical rotisserie and served in pita bread with vegetables and various sauces.
Tzatziki – a sauce or dip made from Greek yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, fresh mint, and olive oil. It is often served as an appetizer or accompaniment to other dishes.
Spanakopita – A pastry made with layers of phyllo dough filled with a mixture of spinach, feta cheese, onions, and herbs. It is often served as an appetizer or snack.
Feta Psiti – baked feta cheese served with olive oil, herbs, and roasted tomatoes. It’s a simple and delicious cheese dish.
Greek desserts
Baklava – Baklava is probably one of the most recognizable Greek desserts worldwide. It consists of thin layers of phyllo dough filled with nuts (often almonds or walnuts) and drizzled with honey or sugar syrup.
Loukoumades – These are small deep-fried doughnuts dipped in honey or syrup, then sprinkled with cinnamon and chopped nuts.
Galaktoboureko – A dessert made with layers of phyllo pastry filled with a milk-based custard (usually semolina) and drizzled with sugar syrup.
Ekmek Kataifi – this dessert is made from layers of kataifi (thin pastry) filled with a milk-based custard, topped with toasted nuts, and drenched in sugar syrup.
Greek drinks
Ouzo – This is an anise-flavored alcoholic beverage, popular throughout Greece. Ouzo has a distinctive flavor and is often consumed as an aperitif. It is typically served with water and ice.
Retsina – A Greek white or red wine characterized by its unique flavor of pine resin. Traditionally, resin was added to wine barrels for sealing and flavoring. Retsina wine is still popular in Greece today.
Frappé – A popular Greek coffee-based beverage made from instant coffee, sugar, and water, often served with ice and milk.
Greek coffee – a traditional coffee preparation method using finely ground coffee beans, cold water, and sugar (optional) brewed in a small pot called a “briki.” It’s known for its strong flavor and thick foam. Grounds settle at the bottom, and it’s served hot in small cups, often accompanied by cold water.
Other Greek ingredients
Feta Cheese – Feta is a globally recognized cheese originating from Greece. It is a soft cheese typically made from sheep’s milk or goat’s milk. Feta is often used in salads, baked dishes, and as an appetizer.
Olives – Greece is one of the world’s leading producers of olives. Greek olives are popular as a snack and are also used in salads and many dishes.
Eggplant – Eggplants are frequently used in traditional Greek dishes such as moussaka (an eggplant casserole) and papoutsakia (stuffed eggplants).
Types of greek restaurants
Taverna – Tavernas are traditional Greek restaurants that often serve authentic Greek dishes in a rustic atmosphere. In tavernas, you can try traditional dishes such as souvlaki, moussaka, kleftiko, and more.
Psarotaverna – Psarotavernas are restaurants specializing in seafood and fish dishes. Greece offers fresh and delicious seafood, commonly served in these establishments.
Souvladiko – These restaurants focus on meat dishes, particularly lamb, minced meat, and other meat delicacies.
