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Dolmadaki
It may look simple, but Dolmadaki is truly a dish you should try when you visit Greece. Dolmadaki is made by chopping rice, mixing it with various meats and herbs (mint, parsley), and then wrapping the whole thing in a grape leaf. It's served with lime to enhance the sweetness of the rice and meat, the sourness of the lime and grape leaf, and the spiciness of the mint. This is a dish that Greeks often eat as a main course.
Stifado
Dubbed one of Greece's finest dishes, Stifado's main ingredients are meat mixed with red wine, onions, cinnamon, vinegar, and honey. You can choose from almost any type of meat, including pork, rabbit, beef, and even octopus. Stifado is best enjoyed with rice, fresh bread, or mashed potatoes.
Spanakopita
The Greeks love baked goods and created Spanakopita. The pastry shell, like thin layers of paper stacked on top of each other, combined with spinach and feta cheese, makes for a delicious treat. Spanakopita is essentially a sweet pastry, but its filling consists of spinach, cheese, onions, and other spices. This sweet-savory combination makes for a fantastic breakfast. You can also enjoy it as a snack.
Mousaka
This famous Greek dish, at first glance, resembles Italian lasagna due to its layered structure and the use of minced beef and cheese as the main ingredients. However, many studies suggest that the idea for this dish originated in Greece. Mousaka is one of the most popular dishes in Greece and a must-try if you visit. Mousaka is a blend of various meats, eggplant, and plenty of cheese, and in coastal and island regions, it often includes a lot of vegetables. Notably, the dish will have many variations in flavor or slight changes in ingredients depending on where you enjoy it.
Loukoumades
Loukoumades, resembling doughnuts, are a favorite among Greek children. Shaped into a round ball, coated in sugar or honey, and then deep-fried, some places even sprinkle cinnamon on top for added flavor. Loukoumades are excellent served with walnuts and honey, along with a cup of hot tea. Greeks often choose Loukoumades as a snack to enjoy with family and friends.
Souvlaki
On the world culinary map, Greece is famous for its Souvlaki grilled meats. Sliced pork or chicken is skewered and grilled over charcoal, quite similar to Vietnamese grilled skewers. However, the meat is only seasoned with salt and a little pepper and served with tzatziki sauce – made from yogurt, cucumber, and mint leaves. Souvlaki can be served with salad or bread (spread with olive oil and salt), both of which pair well.
Pastitsio
Similar to Italian Lasagne, Pastitsio is made with pasta and topped to individual taste. A typical Pastitsio dish consists of layers: a layer of beef or lamb, neatly arranged pasta, béchamel sauce with nutmeg, cinnamon, and Greek herbs. Sometimes, the chef will add a little grated cheese before baking. If you're looking for a hearty meal, don't forget Pastitsio. Plenty of pasta, plus beefsteak sauce, minced meat, and a side salad make for a truly satisfying meal.
Greek Salad
In Greece, summers can get quite hot, especially at midday when temperatures soar. A refreshing salad with plenty of fresh tomatoes, olives, onions, and large chunks of cheese will effectively quench your thirst. Greek salads can also be enhanced with a little salt, olive oil, and oregano for added flavor.
Honey yogurt
Greek yogurt is a thicker and creamier version of regular yogurt, made from goat's milk. Greeks typically eat it after a light breakfast. Greek yogurt isn't overly sweet, with a slightly tart flavor, and can be enjoyed on its own or paired with honey, black cherry jam, or fresh figs for a delightful experience.
