33 Traditional Greek Dishes: Foods To Eat in Greece
Want to know what to eat in Greece? Then this list of must-try foods to eat in Greece is for you! You’ll have full descriptions of the top 33 best traditional Greek dishes at your fingertips.
Jump to the list of 33 traditional Greek dishes.
Traditional Greek Cuisine
Because of Greece’s geography and history, some Greek foods seem very similar to the foods of the Middle East, Italy, France, and other countries along the Mediterranean Sea.
The dishes may even share main ingredients or go by similar names. Most likely, wherever you are, the locals will tell you that the dish you are enjoying originated there.
But no matter where a food originates, if it is a long-time staple of the people who treasure it, it’s an authentic part of their culture.
Greek Cuisine vs Mediterranean Cuisine
Together, all of the cuisines from the different countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea can collectively be called Mediterranean cuisines. So, while Greek cuisine is distinct and refers only to the food in Greece, it is part of the broader category of food called Mediterranean cuisine.
Greek Food Culture
From northern Greece to the southern islands, traditional Greek food is made lovingly, with respect for the local cuisine and ingredients.
One of the first things I noticed about the cuisine of Greece was that most traditional Greek dishes are meant to be shared with loved ones. This is especially true of meze, or appetizers—my favorite part of a Greek meal where dips and pita bread rule.
Traditional Greek Dishes
Many equate the cuisine of Greece to a handful of famous Greek foods like feta cheese, Moussaka, Souvlaki, and Gyros. However, it is much, much more than that!
From soups and stews to dips and desserts, we hope this article will introduce you to some new mouthwatering dishes to try—that is, dishes that are new to you but which in Greece have withstood the test of time. And, of course, these include popular Greek street foods too!
Although today a number of great foods from Greece are totally at home here in the United States, the best Greek food will still be found in Greece. So, if you’re visiting this wonderful country, you’ll want to read the best Greek foods list below and be prepared to fully explore Greece’s gastronomy.
Traditional Greek dishes
33 Best Greek Foods to Eat in Greece
1. Moussaka
Not surprisingly, the national dish of Greece, Moussaka, is regarded as the most famous Greek food in the country.
The iconic dish oozes with Greek flavor. It combines layers of fried eggplant, potatoes, seasoned ground meat, and spiced tomato sauce, then is topped with a creamy béchamel sauce.
As one of the most popular traditional Greek dishes, Moussaka is not only available at most tavernas and restaurants in Greece, it also appears on Greek food menus around the world. It’s so famous, it doesn’t even have a translation!
Keeping up with the times, versions of vegetarian Moussaka are becoming increasingly popular, especially in Greece’s larger cities like Athens and Thessaloniki.
Moussaka, the national dish of Greece and the most famous Greek food
2. Pastitsio - Greek Lasagna
Often referred to as Greek lasagna, Pastitsio also shares many similarities with Moussaka. However, instead of layers of eggplant and potatoes, it has layers of pasta.
It also differs from the famous food from Bologna in that the pasta used in Pastitsio is tubular, like bucatini, not flat like the pasta sheets used in traditional Italian lasagna.
The sauce is also different from Italian marinaras and meaty Bolognese sauces. With spices such as nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon, your taste buds will know it’s unmistakably Greek. I find that the best Greek recipes for Pastitsio add feta cheese to the béchamel.
One of the most famous foods in Greece, this main dish graces the menus of most Greek restaurants inside and outside of its homeland.
Pastitsio, one of the most famous foods in Greece, is sometimes called Greek Lasagna.
3. Tzatziki sauce
Tzatziki, pronounced tah-zee-kee, may be intimidating to say your first time, but there’s nothing else scary about it. The traditional recipe calls for Greek yogurt as the main ingredient and adds cucumbers, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pretty tame, right?
The result is a refreshing, flavorful dip or sauce—your choice, as it’s used as both. As a delightful cucumber sauce, Tzatziki makes delicious Greek foods even better. But it is also served as a classic Greek dip with pita or vegetables as a meze (appetizer).
Try my easy recipe for a fat free version of this delicious Greek staple: Fat Free Tzatziki.
4. Gyro - Doner Kebab
This is a famous food of Greece that you can find in many other countries! And there’s more than one good reason Gyros are a popular choice for any meal: They’re yummy, affordable, and filling!
The word “Gyro” comes from the ancient Greek for “turn,” which refers to the way that the pressed cone-shaped meat (beef, pork, chicken, lamb, or a combination) is cooked on a rotating vertical spit. The meat is cut to order from the large skewer into thin slices.
Gyros can be served on a plate over rice or salad. However, most often it will be a wrap sandwich with toppings like tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, and tzatziki sauce. In Greece, you’re also likely to have french fries on the inside—just like in a California Burrito!
Since Gyros are a popular Greek street food, you’ll find that Gyro stalls are everywhere in Athens, and these tasty handhelds are one of the best things to grab as a fast-food lunch. In fact, whenever you’re hungry in Greece, a Gyro is usually a quick, satisfying solution. It’s no wonder that the delicious, ubiquitous Gyro is officially recognized as a national food of Greece.
Gyros, a popular Greek street food
5. Souvlaki - Skewered Meat
The two meat dishes Souvlaki and Gyro can both be served as pita sandwiches or on top of rice. Both are famous Greek foods found in large cities worldwide, each is officially designated as a Greek national food, yet the two are often confused for each other.
The name “Souvlaki” comes from the Greek word for “skewer,” which also means “little spit.”
The traditional recipe for Souvlaki is among the simplest of my favorite Greek dishes. Grill small pieces of marinated meat—usually beef, pork, chicken, or lamb—on a skewer. Serve on a skewer.
On the other hand, Gyro is pressed meat sliced from a skewer. A skewer so large you could never serve it to an individual—no matter how hungry he or she claims to be.
Both Gyros and Souvlaki are among the most popular foods in Greece. And both are proof that some of the best food in Greece need not be exceptionally elaborate to be wonderfully delicious. However, I do hope that trying these excellent examples of amazing Greek food for beginners give you the confidence to explore classic Greek dishes of greater complexity.
The famous Greek food Souvlaki is served on skewers.
6. Tiropita - Greek Cheese Pie
Cheese pies—that’s all I needed to know to try them and love them. If you need more, here you go . . .
Tiropita is one of the classic dishes of Greek cooking made with layers of phyllo pastry (sometimes transliterated as “filo” pastry). The phyllo dough sheets are filled with a mixture of feta cheese and eggs wrapped into triangles, basted in butter, and baked until golden brown.
References to ancient Greeks eating Tiropita can be found as early as the 5th century B.C. In those days, this Mediterranean dish was served with honey as a dessert. Today, Greeks mainly eat this simple treat for breakfast or as a snack.
Tiropita is a delicious traditional food in Greece that is most easily found throughout the country in its neighborhood bakeries.
Tiropita, one of the traditional Greek dishes made with phyllo dough
7. Spanikopita - GREEK Spinach Pie
The word “Spanikopita” means “spinach pie” in Greek, and that’s exactly what it is.
The traditional Greek recipe for the filling of Spanikopita combines sautéed spinach, onions, garlic, various herbs and spices, as well as feta cheese. These ingredients are all wrapped up in delicate layers of buttery phyllo dough before being baked to perfection.
Originally, these Greek spinach pies were made into triangles so fieldworkers could put them in their pockets and eat them while working. Today, many chefs make a family-sized pie and cut it into squares or triangular pieces.
No matter what the shape, Spanikopita is one of the most popular Greek foods in Greece and one of the most famous Greek dishes beyond Greece’s borders.
One of the most popular Greek foods, Spanikopita
8. Kreatopita - Greek Meat Pie
Kreatopita is another classic Greek dish that’s a phyllo pie. In this case, it’s a meat pie filled with minced lamb or ground beef (or both), onions, and various local common herbs and spices.
The Greeks enjoy this savory pastry as part of an afternoon or evening meal, or even as a mid-day snack. It’s not uncommon to find Kreatopita served alongside a salad and a side of yogurt—which helps to cut through the dish’s richness and add creaminess.
Kreatopita is a very popular food in Greece, especially on the Greek island of Kefallonia. You are much less likely to find meat pie than spinach pie on Greek menus outside of Greece, so try the real thing when you’re there!
However, if you don’t get to enjoy this particular Greek food in Greece, try it at home using my Kreatopita recipe: Greek Meat Pie.
Kreatopita, a classic Greek dish meaning “meat pie”
9. Horiatiki Salata - Traditional Greek Salad
Horiatiki Salata (or Choriatiki Salata), also known as “Greek salad” or “village salad," is filled with fresh vegetables and bursting with flavor.
The main components are tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, green peppers, Kalamata olives, and a big slab of feta cheese, the undisputed king of Greek cheeses. The dressing of oregano, lemon juice (or red wine vinegar), and extra virgin olive oil pairs perfectly. You may find different chefs prepare it different ways, but a traditional Greek salad will not have any additions.
Hands down one of the most popular Greek dishes, Horiatiki Salata is consumed at almost every lunch and dinner in Greece. Likewise, it appears on just about every Greek taverna menu in Greece.
It is probably the most famous food from Greece, and this perfect poster child for the Mediterranean diet can be found not only at Greek restaurants but on menus across the U.S. and even worldwide.
Traditional Greek Salad, one of the most popular Greek dishes
10. Soutzoukakia - Greek Meatballs
No matter what the culture, if there are meatballs involved, it’s a popular dish! What makes the Greek version different from Italian meatballs? The shape and the particular Mediterranean spices used!
Soutzoukakia are made with ground beef, eggs, onion, garlic, and spices like cumin, cinnamon, oregano, and parsley. The mixture is then formed into small oval-shaped balls that are then baked in a rich tomato sauce.
The name comes from the Greek word “souzou,” meaning “chain”—a reference to how the cooked meatballs join together in a row during cooking!
As for what to eat them with: Soutzoukakia are usually served as an appetizer platter, or as a main course with Greek salad. It is one of the traditional Greek foods eaten at dinner time, although you can also find it in some Greek restaurants that serve it at lunch too.
No best Greek dishes list should exclude Soutzoukakia, and no trip to Greece would be complete without trying these magnificent Greek meatballs!
Soutzoukakia, one of the traditional Greek meat dishes
11. Dolmades - Stuffed Grape Leaves
When discussing things to eat in Greece, Dolmades are one of the first authentic Greek foods to pop into my head. I remember my first trip to Greece with my parents and being amazed that I was eating a grape leaf.
The name “dolmas” comes from the Turkish term “dolma,” which means “filled.” In this case, grape leaves are filled with a variety of ingredients, including rice, herbs, and ground beef or lamb.
For first timers, the tangy, unique flavor of the leaf combines with the soft sweetness of the rice and meat and tastes like nothing you’ve eaten before. This extraordinary mix of ingredients is one of the things that makes this common Greek food uncommonly delicious!
Dolmades are usually served cold or at room temperature and are often accompanied by other traditional Greek dishes such as tzatziki, salad, feta cheese, grilled eggplant, olives, and pita bread.
Dolmades, or stuffed grape leaves, are a must-eat food in Greece.
12. Baklava
No Greek food list would be complete without the immensely popular Greek dessert, Baklava.
Baklava originates from the region of Byzantium (modern-day Istanbul) where it was created by different cultures over many years. Thus, you will also find it in many Middle Eastern countries.
The traditional recipe calls for a mixture of finely chopped walnuts and pistachios. The dough is layered in sheets with the nut filling between them before being cut into diamond shapes and baked until golden brown. The key is finishing this delicious dessert with a high-quality honey.
Baklava may be considered the tastiest way to satisfy a sweet tooth in Greece, but I’m happy we can find it here at local restaurants in North America too.
The popular Greek dessert, Baklava
13. Fasolada - Bean Soup
One of the meatless traditional dishes, Fasolada is another of the Greek national dishes. “Fasolada” translates simply to “bean soup.” It's full of protein and fiber, making it a great healthy option.
The ingredients vary from region to region, but the traditional version calls for white beans (known as “gigantes”), tomatoes, onions, and carrots all simmered gently in a generous amount of good-quality extra-virgin olive oil. It is sometimes flavored with herbs such as oregano or bay leaves.
Fasolada is a popular dish to serve during Lent and other religious holidays with certain dietary restrictions, as it has no meat components. It's also a great everyday meal, enjoyed year-round by Greeks all over the world as one of the most humble but delicious and healthy Greek dishes for dinner or lunch.
One of the meatless traditional Greek dishes, Fasolada
14. Saganaki Cheese - Greek Fried Cheese
The name “Saganaki” comes from the small frying pan used to make it. At Greek restaurants in the States, sometimes you’ll see this dish called Flaming Saganaki since the cook splashes the cheese with liquor and the dish is set on fire table-side to amp up the wow factor.
The origins of this Greek famous food are hotly contested. Some claim that it has Turkish roots since the Turkish word for “pan” is similar. Others contend that it originated on the Greek islands. And some have even called it a creation from Chicago.
The bottom line: Who doesn’t love fried cheese? With a slice of bread, it’s one of those satisfying simple dishes with hundreds of original recipes to choose from.
15. Garides Saganaki - Sautéed Greek Prawns
Now that you know the word “saganaki,” you may be guessing that this is another typical Greek food made in a frying pan. Correct!
One of the most popular Greek seafood dishes, Garides Saganaki, or Shrimp Saganaki, features prawns sautéed with fresh garlic, tomatoes, onions, oregano, and parsley. A splash of ouzo or white wine may be added to give the dish more depth. And as with so many Greek specialties, it may also be sprinkled with a little feta cheese.
It can be served as a starter accompanied by crusty bread, or it can be served as a main course with sides of Greek salad and potatoes.
One of the most popular Greek seafood dishes, Garides Saganaki
16. Fava - Split Pea Dip
The most famous region for Fava is the island of Santorini, where they, not coincidentally, grow Santorini Fava. Despite the name, fava are not fava beans but a particular type of yellow Greek peas.
Similar to the transformation of chickpeas into hummus, in the preparation of Fava dip, yellow split peas are cooked until soft, then mashed together and seasoned with olive oil, herbs, garlic, onions, and spices. Fava dip can also be served with a variety of accompaniments such as feta cheese, capers, olives, tomatoes, and cucumber.
One of the popular Greek dishes to eat with traditional Greek breads such as pita or flatbread, Fava is most often served as an appetizer.
The traditional Greek dish Fava, or Split Pea Dip
17. Grilled Fish
Grilled fish may not sound like something special, but it is one of the most popular Greek main dishes. Especially on the islands and along the coast, the fresh fish is outstanding.
Greek cuisine offers a myriad of preparations for grilled fish, but the simplest is the most common—extra virgin olive oil, lemon, and garlic. Chefs often incorporate fresh herbs like oregano, mint, and thyme to punch up the flavor, but the delicious freshness of the fish is the most important element.
18. Glyka Tou Koutaliou - Spoon Sweets
Spoon Sweets are a traditional Greek dessert that is often served with coffee and a glass of cold water. These Greek delicacies are made from fruit suspended in thick syrup and usually have a jam-like consistency.
The most common fruits used for Spoon Sweets are quince, cherries, figs, prickly pears, and apricots, but any kind of fruit can be used. The name "spoon sweets" comes from the fact that they are served with a small spoon, as they are too sticky to pick up with your fingers.
Traditionally, when guests arrived, the host would show their hospitality by offering a spoon sweet. In Greece, you may also see the cousin of this Greek sweet, a Vanilla Submarine, where a spoonful of mastic resin is dropped into cold water.
Traditional Greek Spoon Sweets are a token of hospitality.
19. Soupa Avgolemono - Egg-Lemon Soup
Although many consider Avgolemono soup one of the traditional Greek food recipes, food historians trace its roots to Sephardic Jews. A descendant of the Sephardic sauce “Agristada,” Avgolemono can also be used as a sauce.
In fact, this creamy, lemony goodness can be used on almost anything! If you’re wondering about the egg in the name, it refers to the egg yolks and whites used as a thickener in the recipe. You will not find chunks of scrambled egg in the sauce or soup.
The soup version is most often served before the main course. The base is chicken stock. If the version contains pieces of chicken, the lemony chicken soup is then called Kotopoulo Soupa Avgolemono, or Kotosoupa Avgolemono.
A list of top Greece foods would be incomplete without Soupa Avgolemono, a highly popular soup in Greece
20. Bougatsa - Custard Pastry
Bougatsa is a traditional Greek pastry made with layers of phyllo dough and a smooth semolina custard filling. Custard and phyllo—yup, it’s a winner!
Perhaps the best thing about Bougatsa is that it can be a breakfast or dessert. I’m usually too full for dessert after dinner, but I’m always hungry for breakfast! Bring on the Bougatsa!
Bougatsa is served warm and is usually sprinkled with ground cinnamon, crushed walnuts, and sesame seeds. If you think you see Bougatsa smothered in syrup, that’s Galaktoboureko, and it’s also a Greek traditional food that is worth a try.
Galaktoboureko, the syrupy cousin of Bougatsa, a traditional Greek pastry filled with semolina custard
21. Taramasalata - Fish Roe Dip
Recipes vary for almost every ingredient for Taramasalata, but I’ve never had one I didn’t like.
The main ingredient, fish roe, can come from cod, carp, or mullet. The creamy texture is produced by blending the fish eggs with either potato or bread, oil (sometimes olive oil, sometimes anything but), and occasionally milk or lemon juice.
I admit, that may not sound appetizing, but it’s always one of my favorite meze dips. And as a very popular Greek food and one of the stars of many a meze platter, others agree with me! Go ahead, give it a try!
Taramasalata, a very popular Greek food at meze time
22. Melitzanosalata - Greek Eggplant Dip
One of the best Greek dishes ever for eggplant lovers like me! Seriously, it’s one of my favorite things to eat in Greece!
Melitzanosalata (pronounced meh-lee-tza-no-sah-LAH-ta) literally means eggplant salad, but it is actually a traditional Greek dip. It is a popular appetizer or snack in Greece, served with other vegetables and spreads during meze.
Made of roasted eggplant, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice, it tastes similar to baba ganoush, but the two eggplant dips are not the same. The biggest difference between the two? Baba ganoush gets an added tang from tahini.
23. Bakaliaros Skordalia - Fried Cod with Garlic Potato Puree
I think of Bakaliaros Skordalia as Greek fish and chips since it pairs up fried salt cod (bakaliaros) with a potato element. In this case, the potatoes are pureed into a dip (skordalia). The combination of the two ingredients creates a flavorful and unique dish that can be served as an entrée or starter.
Greek food names often reveal the dish’s key ingredient. For instance, “Bakaliaros” refers to dried salt cod. However, for this particular cod preparation, the fish must be soaked, rinsed, and then fried. Don’t worry, the Greeks keep this all straight and know exactly what to serve you.
The seafood centerpiece of one of the top Greek dishes, the cod can be kept whole, cut into pieces, or mashed and made into patties or balls.
The traditional Greek dish, Bakaliaros Skordalia
24. Chtapodi Sti Schara - Grilled Octopus
It may be an acquired taste, but Chtapodi sti Schara is one of the most famous dishes in Greece food culture. It literally translates to “octopus on the grill,” and it is most popular on the islands and along the coast of the mainland.
The octopus is marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper for several hours before being grilled over an open flame until it is cooked through and slightly charred on the outside. The result is an incredibly flavorful dish that has been enjoyed by many, many generations of Greeks.
Chtapodi sti Schara can be found in most restaurants in Greece—from small family-run tavernas to upscale restaurants. It is usually served as a shared meze, but the dish also pairs well with salads as part of a larger meal.
A famous dish of the Greek islands, Chtapodi sti Schara, or grilled octopus
25. Papoutsakia - Stuffed Eggplant
The name “Papoutsakia” translates to “little shoes,” which refers to the shape of the eggplant sliced in half lengthwise in this traditional Greek dish.
For little shoes, this preparation results in a hearty main course that stuffs each half of an eggplant with minced meat, onions, garlic, tomatoes, herbs, and spices. The stuffed eggplants get topped with creamy béchamel sauce and then baked. The next thing to get stuffed are the lucky diners who order this dish.
Papoutsakia are called “little shoes” because of their shape.
26. Kleftiko Lamb - Roasted Lamb and Potatoes
This famous food in Greece is the best Greek dish for lamb lovers! Kleftiko is a slow-cooked lamb dish that combines a marinated lamb shank with potato wedges, onions, and herbs. It is typically cooked in a sealed clay pot on an open fire, or in parchment in the oven. The lengthy cooking time allows the meat to slowly roast and become melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Kleftiko is a main dish often prepared as part of traditional Greek meals served at family gatherings and special occasions.
The name “Kleftiko” comes from the Greek word “klephtiko” which means “thief-style.” This refers to the practice of the Klephts—Greek rebels who lived in the mountains during Ottoman times to avoid the rule of Turkish overlords. The Klephts would occasionally steal sheep and then return home to cook the meat over an open fire.
Kleftiko Lamb, a famous food in Greece
27. Gemista - Stuffed Vegetables
Gemista on its own translates to “stuffed,” and in terms of this Greek food, it is understood that vegetables are what is being stuffed. A mixture of rice, herbs, and spices fill the centers of veggies such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants.
Gemista is believed to have originated in the Ottoman Empire, and it became popular after WWI when Greeks fled Turkey. But other Mediterranean cultures also have a history of stuffing vegetables, like the petit farçis of the ancient Cuisine Nissarde.
Gemista, Greek stuffed vegetables
28. Horta Vrasta - Boiled Greens
The Greeks have been eating Horta Vrasta since ancient times. It’s even mentioned in Pythagoras’ scripts.
“Horta” means wild greens. So, Horta Vrasta, or boiled greens, are one of the healthiest traditional Greek dishes, and one of the most simplistic.
Fresh greens like dandelions, arugula, spinach, and kale are boiled in water with olive oil and lemon juice.
Horta Vrasta, a Greek dish that can be traced back to ancient times
29. Giouvetsi - Greek Stew
You may never have heard of Giouvetsi, but it’s one of the most famous dishes in Greece. It is basically a meat and pasta stew baked in a clay pot. There are lots of variations on the particulars.
Most traditional Greek recipes use lamb, but beef and chicken may also substitute. Orzo, or “kritharaki” in Greek, is the most common pasta for this dish, but you may see a small square pasta called “hilopites” too. A rich tomato sauce flavored with Mediterranean spices coats it all.
The top layer is crispy, almost like the bottom layer of the famous dish from Valencia, Spain, paella.
Giouvetsi, a classic Greek food
30. Kalamarakia Tiganita - Greek Fried Squid
Kalamarakia Tiganita, or fried calamari, is a staple food of the Greek islands and coastal areas.
The best Greek fried squid are tender, not chewy, with just a light breading and a hint of seasoning. In traditional Greek cuisine, Kalamarakia Tiganita are served with a generous squeeze of lemon juice to bring out the fresh flavors.
You will usually find this famous Greek dish as an appetizer. Nowadays, at some of the more modern restaurants in Greece, it may also come on top of pasta dishes or salads.
31. Tirokroketes - Cheese Croquettes
The history of Tirokroketes traces back to ancient Greece. In the past, these fried cheese balls were often served during special occasions such as weddings or feasts. Nowadays, these tasty nuggets can be found in almost every Greek tavern.
A combination of three cheeses make the gooey center: feta, graviera, and gouda. Each croquette is dipped in bread crumbs and fried to make the outside crispy. The delicious combination of flavors and textures makes Tirokroketes one of the most popular Greece foods.
Tirokroketes, a popular food at Greek taverns
32. Briam - Roasted Vegetables
The vegetarian dish Briam reminds me of the Provencal specialty, ratatouille. Slices of potatoes, zucchini, eggplants, and tomatoes are layered and baked with onions, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs such as oregano, mint, or parsley.
A popular item on Greek restaurant menus, Briam is a versatile dish that can be served in many different ways. It can be eaten as an appetizer, side dish, or main course.
Briam, a popular item on Greek restaurant menus
33. Loukoumades - Greek Donuts
Loukoumades are a beloved Greek treat not to be missed! They will be easy to find—they are a very popular food in Athens and throughout the country.
The dough is typically made of flour, yeast, and a liquid such as water or milk. Essentially deep-fried dough balls coated in honey, Loukoumades may also have a sprinkle of cinnamon, sesame seeds, nuts, or dried fruit.
They are often served as a dessert and can be eaten plain, with ice cream, or with syrup. Loukoumades can be found all over Greece but are especially popular in Athens.
These decadently delicious dough balls are all the proof you need that a list of merely the top 10 Greek dishes is nowhere near long enough to cover all the best traditional Greek food awaiting you on your trip to Greece!
Loukoumades, a popular Greek treat
What to Drink with Greek Foods
Where traditional Greek food is served, it is only natural that traditional Greek drinks be in the mix as well. So, to cap off this Greek food guide, I’ll raise a toast to some popular Greek beverages.
Probably the best known among Greek alcoholic drinks is Ouzo. This distilled spirit is a clear liquid with a taste reminiscent of black licorice, since its key flavoring ingredient is anise. Other herbs that round out the flavor profile can include fennel, coriander, and cinnamon, to name the most popular options.
Greek people most often add ice and/or iced water to their Ouzo, turning it into a bracing milky cloud of a drink that is sipped out of tall glasses and enjoyed with mezes.
Since viticulture has been practiced in Greece for over 6,500 years, it will be no surprise that the country boasts a wide variety of both red and white wine. The best rule to follow while travelling in Greece is to drink the wines native to the area you’re visiting. These are the wines most imbedded in the local culture and best paired with the local foods.
One wine that almost every visitor to Greece is likely to come across is Retsina, a white wine that is infused with the resin of Aleppo pine trees. It is said that adding resin comes from the ancient practice of sealing ceramic wine vessels—known as amphorae—with resin.
The pine resin imparts to Retsina a very distinct flavor that I can only compare to turpentine—so it’s not a favorite of mine. In fact, Retsina is actually not highly popular in Greece, but as something unique to the country, it is often recommended to tourists as a local specialty. Drink at your own discretion.
Mythos is by far the most popular beer in Greece. It is a refreshing lager that is found not only all over Greece but in many Greek restaurants here at home.
And no list of popular Greek drinks would be complete without Greek coffee. This thick, strong brew is made by adding boiling water to tiny-grained ground coffee that is unfiltered, leaving the grounds to sink to the bottom of your cup as you slowly enjoy each sip.
Coffee is a key part of Greek culture, with the locals savoring the opportunity to take the time to catch up with friends or family over a leisurely enjoyed cup of coffee and conversation.
No matter which drinks you choose to try with the traditional Greek dishes you’ll have a chance to enjoy on your visit to Greece, I know your taste buds are in for a treat!
With a drink in hand, a gorgeous view in sight, and some of the best food Greece has to offer set before you, any Greek meal can be a feast for the senses!
Let me know in the “Comments” section below what some of your favorite Greek food experiences have been during your travels or what you’re most looking forward to trying on an upcoming trip. Bon voyage and bon appétit!
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