Top 20 Foods you must eat in Greece

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Mr. Talent
Yummy 03/02/2017 0

Source: http://travelwithbender.com/

Image source: https://theshazworld.com/

 

Greek food rapidly moved into number one position for my husband and came close to my undeniable adoration of Mexican. What was it exactly that made us fall in love? Well massive apologies in advance, but this is going to make your mouth water. Big time!

There were a few foods in Greece that had strange names for our English tongues, but were so delicious we made a point to remember the name. I decided to compile a list for you so when you are relaxing by the sparkling waters of a Greek island your tummy won’t feel left out. Or if you can’t make it – at least cook it! 

1. Gyro

In Greece they have Gyros, Souvlaki and Kebab, which where I am from is pretty much the same thing so we asked our guide to explain the difference to us. A Gyro is when the meat is roasted vertically turning on the spit. Slices of it are then placed in pita with typical accessories – sauce (tzatziki), tomatoes, onions, lettuce and often french fries/chips. They are cheap and so yummy! But very messy for kids, try the alternative.

2. Souvlaki

Means a skewer, so this is anything grilled on a skewer (lamb, chicken, pork, etc). These are great for the kids (and adults too). Sometimes these can be served in a similar style to a gyro, wrapped in pita bread with sauce and garnish. Other times just the meat on a stick.

3. Kebab

A kebab is an elongated piece of meat, kind of like a burger patty. It’s meat all minced and squished together into a sausage-look-alike. These are great for the kids. A good kebab will pack a lot more flavour than you may expect.

4. Saganaki

Deep fried cheese. Need I say more?

5. Tirokroketes/Sfougata

Golden melt-in-your mouth fried cheese balls. I definitely don’t need to say more! (From the expert – Sfougata is made with local cheese, while Tirokroketes usually has mixed cheese.)

6. Revithokeftedes

Similar to a Middle Eastern falafel, this is a fried chickpea ball packed with a spice blend unique to Greece.

7. Feta Me Meli

Feta wrapped in filo pastry oven baked and then drizzled with honey. A dessert or an entrée, who knows? This is Josh’s favourite. The delicate balance between the salty feta and sweet honey makes for an unforgettable party in your mouth.

8. Mousakka

It’s like a pasta-free lasagne. Sautéed eggplant, minced meat, tomato, onion, garlic, potato, béchamel sauce and grilled cheese, layered and usually covered with cheese.

9. Tiropites

Triangle pastries made up of filo pasty and filled with a delicious mixture of Greek cheese. So simple, yet so delicious.

10. Tzatziki

This has been my favourite dip since I can remember and the Greek do it so well with their awesome Greek yoghurt. Basically it is yoghurt and cucumber seasoned with garlic. Goes great with meat, vegetables, pita, or just by itself with a spoon.

11. Greek Salad

Famous all over the world, but the Greeks still do it better. Crunchy cucumber, juicy ripe tomato, olives, red onion and a giant slab of feta on top. Dressed with olive oil, vinegar and lemon juice. It’s a staple with every meal.

12. Olives & Olive Oil

Most restaurants on the Greek islands make their own oil from their own olives. Greeks have been cultivating olives for millennia. Local olives accompany most Greek meals and most dishes drizzled with olive oil. Why wouldn’t you?

13. Dolmathakia

You saw these on the menu in Israel, stuffed grape leaves. Usually these are stuffed with rice, pine nuts and fresh herbs. I like them warm.

14. Taramosalata

This is often referred to as a salad, but is in fact a dip. One that, if I had known beforehand what it was, I wouldn’t have tried. But I absolutely loved it. A creamy blend of pink or white fish roe (fish eggs). If you don’t like things that taste fishy, then fear not – this tastes so good, you’ll be licking the plate. (It’s the plate on the right)

15. Spanakopita

We were offered these all over Greece. Filo pastry pies stuffed with spinach and feta cheese. Available in a variety of different shapes and sizes. A Greek favourite.

16. Loukoumades

For those who are waiting for the sweets, try these. Basically it’s a Greek fried donut balls soaked in honey or syrup and sprinkled with cinnamon. Josh crammed a fistful of these in his mouth. Irresistible.

17. Vanilla Submarine

The name describes this perfectly it’s a spoonful of vanilla fondant submerged in a glass of water. You lick it like a lollipop and then drink the sweetened water that’s left over. Way too much sweetness for me, but Josh and Mia had no trouble polishing theirs off.

18. Glyka Tou Koutaliou (spoon sweets)

Traditionally Greek restaurants often give complimentary dessert. We often got Greek yogurt (or crème fraiche) with fruit preserves. The strangest one we tasted was a carrot marmalade, which actually ended up being the sweetest and most delicious of them all.

19. Halvasi

Butter cake of semolina, raisins, almonds, served with alone or with vanilla ice cream and pomegranate syrup.

20: Pies of Kythnos

A delicious shortbread type pasty filled with a cheese and honey that almost takes like cheesecake combined with a quiche. My description is really not doing it justice. It’s just plain yum! This dish is unique to Kythnos and a must try.

 

 

 

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