When you think of Greece, philosophy, democracy, and the Olympic Games likely come to mind. Yet, Greece is also home to some delicious dishes that are often overlooked.
While the cuisine of Greece might not be as widely known as food from other countries, there are certain foods that you must try when visiting this stunning country.
If you love sweet treats, you will adore bougatsa. This delicate pastry dish is often consumed at breakfast time in Greece. As a result, it’s the perfect way to start the day!
It consists of layers of light filo pastry, which is commonly seasoned with cinnamon or custard. Bougatsa is served in most Greek bakeries, so you can easily get your hands on this dish when visiting the country.
There are also savory versions of this dish if you prefer this flavor palette.
Moussaka
Moussaka is a scrumptious dish that consists of tender spiced beef or lamb and topped with eggplant and a creamy béchamel sauce. There are loads of different types of moussakas, as Greece is not the only country that claims this delicious dish.
This food is considered a traditional dish in Greece. When served with a side of bread or salad, this is an excellent dinner-time food.
Dolmades
Dolmades come in a variety of different variations. Different households have different interpretations of this food. This mezze dish is made by stuffing grape leaves to make small parcels.
These dolmades are stuffed with foods, including rice, meat, and herbs. They are ideal for sharing with friends alongside sizzling conversation.
Pastitsio
Pastitsio is essentially a Greek lasagna. This hearty pasta dish is made with ground meat, primarily beef. It is then topped with a rich béchamel sauce. This dish is particularly irresistible when topped with cheese, giving the dish a tangy taste.
You can easily find this food served in restaurants. It’s usually served with salad, which is usually seasoned with a salad dressing. This is the perfect fresh accompaniment to this mouth-watering dish.
Melomakarona
Melomakarona is a type of Greek cookie. They tend to be oval-shaped, giving them an egg-like appearance. Melomakarona tends to be magnificently flavored with orange, cinnamon, and honey.
So if you are looking for a quick snack, melomakarona is an outstanding option. They are particularly popular during the Christmas season, so they’re sure to get you into the festive mood.
Yemista
Up next, yemistas are stuffed tomatoes or peppers that originate from Greece. This classic dish is filled with fantastic foods such as rice, vegetables, and cheese. As a result, yemista is essentially an entire meal contained in a single tomato!
One of the benefits of this popular food is that it is usually vegetarian. So if you don’t eat meat, why not try this appetizing Greek dish?
Tzatziki
Tzatziki is a Greek sauce or dip. It pairs phenomenally with meat skewers, fries, bread, and buffalo wings. Not to mention, tzatziki can be added to sandwiches for a tasty twist.
The main component of this dish is Greek yogurt, which is traditionally seasoned with garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, mint, cucumber, and dill. The result is a tangy taste that perfectly encapsulates the bold flavors of Greece.
Greek Salad
If you’re looking for something healthy to eat in Greece, Greek salad is an awesome option. Traditionally, this salad consists of tomatoes, red onions, bell peppers, cucumber, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and olive oil.
Perfect for lunch or as a side dish, Greek salad is bursting with a diverse range of flavors.
Plus, Greek salad is super straightforward to make yourself. Plus, you can experiment by adding different ingredients to this widely-consumed Greek food.
Spanakopita
Spinach may not be everyone’s favorite flavor, but it tastes delicious when used to make spanakopita.
This dish is made with layers of crispy filo pastry. In between these layers of pastry is a scrumptious spinach filling. Feta cheese is also frequently added to this savory dish, which pairs perfectly with the sensational spinach.
Saganaki
If you love cheese, saganaki is an excellent dish for you. This popular Greek dish is essentially fried cheese. This appetizer is simply made by frying a large chunk of cheese in a frying pan.
Saganaki is super simple to make yourself. You only need two ingredients and it will be ready in a matter of minutes. So if you want a taste of Greece, saganaki is a fantastic food to try.
Souvlaki
As a fast food dish, souvlaki is a sensational savory treat. A souvlaki is a form of grilled meat, though it can also be made with grilled vegetables.
These grilled skewers are regularly served in a rolled pita, though you can also eat them on their own. If you want fast and tasty food, souvlaki is an outstanding option.
Tirokroketes
Do you crave a Greek appetizer? If so, you are sure to enjoy tirokroketes. This food is a fried cheese ball, commonly made with feta cheese and gouda.
These balls of cheese have been coated in crispy breadcrumbs. As a result, the inside of these balls is gooey while the outside is golden and crispy.
Octopus
Octopus is one of the most desirable foods in Greece. It has been eaten in the country for centuries. It is still widely eaten today and is commonly found on Greek menus. If you are feeling a little adventurous, why not try octopus?
It has a smoky and salty taste with a hint of sweetness.
Fanouropita
Last but not least, fanouropita is ideal for people who love desserts. It’s a fluffy and aromatic cake.
This food is commonly eaten on the memorial day of the Greek St. Fanourios, which occurs annually on the 27th of August. So if you happen to be in Greece during this time, this is the perfect time to taste fanouropita.
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