Mediterranean food is my favorite type of cuisine and one that has become extremely popular over the last few years. The Mediterranean diet consists of fish, grains, vegetables, and good fats such as olive oil. It is not only very healthy but absolutely delicious.
The dishes served depends largely on the geography and seasons as everything in Greece is made with fresh, local ingredients. I’ve put together some of the top Greek foods to try on your next trip to Greece.
12 Delicous Greek Foods
Dolmadakia
Dolmadakia, or dolmas, are grape leaves stuffed with lemon rice. It is generally served as either a side dish or appetizer. The leaves are folded over the rice and then steamed. The dish can also be stuffed with some sort of meat, but traditional dolmas are vegetarian. These are a delicious and healthy start to any Greek meal!
Baklava
Baklava is a well-known greek dessert. The pastry is filled with a sugar, butter, and nut filling and topped with a flaky phyllo dough which is used a lot in traditional Greek pastries. The Baklava is then garnished with a sweet syrup and served.
Feta Me Meli
Feta me Melia is a deliciously sweet appetizer. This dish originated on the island of Crete, however, you can find it in other places in Greece. Feta is wrapped in a pastry dough called phyllo, then deep-fried. The dish is then served with a drizzle of honey on top.
Choriatiki
Choriatiki is a traditional Greek salad. This salad does not include lettuce but consists mainly of cucumbers and tomatoes. Ingredients such as onions, olives, and feta cheese are then added.
Greek salads always use olive oil as the dressing with salt and pepper to taste. Many people order Horiatiki as a side or main course for a light summer meal.
Tomatokeftedes
Tomatokeftedes are seen a lot on the Greek Cyclades, a group of Islands on the Aegean Sea. You will see this dish a lot in places like Santorini. The cherry tomatoes used for this dish are special to the island due to the volcano soil they grow from.
Tomatokeftedes are fried tomato balls that are first drained of water and mixed with parsley, onions, and other ingredients before being fried.
Gyros
Most people are familiar with the gyro. The traditional gyro is made with lamb, but you can also have them with chicken, pork, or beef. The pita is also stuffed with onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, and tzatziki sauce. Gyros are great for a quick bite as well as a sit-down meal!
Tzatziki
Tzatziki sauce is a Greek sauce that many people have tried. It is made from cucumbers, yogurt, dill, and other spices for a light and creamy addition to meals. Many people add tzatziki to their gyros, but it is also a great addition to kabobs.
Moussaka
Moussaka is a traditional Greek dish that you can find almost anywhere. It is almost like a lasagna made with layers of eggplant, minced beef, and tomato sauce.
The best part is the béchamel sauce that is added between the layers. The dish is then baked until the top is golden brown and served as an entree.
Spanakopita
Spanakopita is a cheese and spinach pie in a flaky phyllo pastry crust. The pie is filled with the main mixture of feta cheese, spinach, olive oil, and dill.
Kataifi
One of the most popular desserts is Kataifi. This pastry is made with a dough that is shredded into little strands and then filled with a nutty center. The rolled dough is then baked and soaked in a sweet syrup. This dessert can get a little messy, but it is worth it!
Amygdalota
These almond cookies are found throughout Greece and are enjoyed as a dessert or with a cup of coffee. The traditional cookies have been a Greek staple for centuries and consist mostly of flour, sugar, and almonds.
Gemista
Gemista is a delicious vegetarian dish. They are tomatoes and peppers that are filled with a vegetable and rice mixture. The stuffed vegetables are then baked until soft and juicy. This is a wonderfully healthy dish you must try.
Popular Food Tours
Conclusion
Greece is home to some of the best Mediterranean dishes and fresh seafood. I hope you enjoyed my list of the best foods to try in Greece. When visiting Greece, I encourage you to try some of the dishes that are specific to the region. It is the best way to discover a new culture!
Enjoyed this post? Here are some other Greek destinations!
Milos
- The Ultimate Milos, Greece Travel Guide
- The Top 10 Best Beaches in Milos
- 10 Best Restaurants in Milos, Greece
- Where to Stay in Milos, Greece
Santorini
Mykonos
Rhodes
Other Greek Destinations
Travel Planning Resources
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT
Skyscanner is one of the top search engines for finding and booking flights. They price check over 1,200 travel sites to help you find the best prices.
BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION
Booking.com is one of the best sites to book hotels and vacation rentals. They offer some of the cheapest rates and different payment options.
BOOK TRANSPORTATION
RentalCars.com is my go-to site when booking rentals. They work with 900 companies worldwide to help you find the best car for your needs and budget.
SCHEDULE YOUR TOURS
Get Your Guide is one of the top sites for tours, excursions, and activities. Viator is another terrific website for all types of experiences.
GET YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
World Nomads is one of the top travel insurance companies. It will cover you if you must cancel your trip or if something unexpected happens.
Check out the resource page for additional travel planning resources.
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