Papoutsakia
Papoutsakia (Greek for little shoe) is essentially stuffed eggplant cooked in tomato sauce and topped with a traditional béchamel sauce.
Pastitsio
Pastitsio is a dish that has many similarities with the Italian Lasagne, made from the main ingredient of pasta, seasoned according to the cook's preference. There are many layers in a portion of Pastitsio such as beef, lamb, béchamel sauce, nutmeg, cinnamon and other Greek herbs, cheese. All are skillfully arranged and then baked in the oven until golden. When cooked, it will create a seductive aroma, stimulating the taste buds of the person enjoying it.
Taramosalata
Made from fish roe, taramasalata is a dish mixed with olive oil, potatoes or bread. This is the most famous appetizer in Greece and is rich in protein and omega-3.
Avgolemono soup
This special soup is made from chicken broth with rice, eggs and lemon, especially suitable to enjoy on cold winter days.
Halloumi
Halloumi cheese is the most typical and famous cheese of Cyprus, present in the daily meals of the islanders such as in salads, sandwiches, and even mixed with fruits.
Kleftiko
This slow-cooked lamb dish is usually marinated with garlic, onions and oregano, and served with potatoes and vegetables.
Koulouri
A popular Greek breakfast dish is Koulouri, a round bread sprinkled with sesame seeds, very soft and sold in many street carts and small eateries in every corner of the street.
Koulourakia
Koulourakia are small, buttery cakes shaped like snakes. They are a traditional Greek treat, often eaten at Easter.
Galaktoboureko
Each small and square cake on the tray with the fragrant cinnamon scent, makes it hard for diners to refuse. The soft, moist cake layer with a caramel color on top will satisfy diners, especially when the cakes are fresh from the oven and still warm in the hand.
Spanakopita
The thin, crispy and multi-layered dough is the highlight of Spanakopita. The fillings of Spanakopita are quite diverse depending on the idea of the cook. For example, eggplant, meat, vegetables and cheese. The most popular filling is feta cheese with spinach with a little dill and salty cheese rim.
Keftedes
Keftedes fried meatballs are typically made with pork, beef, oregano, onion, garlic, and cinnamon.
Tzatziki
Made from olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic,... and unsweetened yogurt, tzatziki sauce is often served with toasted bread as an appetizer.
Sheftalia
This sausage made from lamb and pork is one of the popular specialties of Cyprus.
Kalo Prama
This is a fragrant, smooth, spongy dessert. Almonds are added on top to enhance the flavor of the cake.
Kritharaki
Made with orzo, tomatoes, and onions, this classic pasta dish is often topped with meats like lamb, pork, beef, or chicken, mixed with signature spices.
Gemista
Gemista is a dish of peppers and tomatoes stuffed with rice, vegetables or minced meat, depending on individual preference, and is one of the most popular Greek dishes.
Souvlakia
Souvlaki is a popular Greek kebab dish all over the world, made with yogurt and tzatziki sauce, cucumbers and mint leaves. The pork pieces are skewered, marinated and grilled to a crisp then eaten with Souvlaki is enough to make anyone swoon.
Dolmades
Usually eaten as a main meal, Dolmades are small pencil-shaped rolls filled with rice, meat and vegetables. What is special is the type of leaves used to wrap Dolmades - grape leaves, the leaves after being washed are blanched in water to make them softer and chewier, then wrapped in the filling and steamed.
Loukoumades
This dessert is very popular among Greeks, especially children, because they look like golden fried donuts soaked in honey and topped with cinnamon powder and crushed walnuts. Just looking at it is enough to make people crave, so you should try some Loukhoumades when you have the chance to visit the land of the gods.
Afelia
This is a red wine marinated pork dish from the island of Cyprus.
Kourabiedes
During the holidays, most Greeks eat a sugar cookie with a walnut inside, flavored with orange or vanilla depending on your preference. Try this signature cookie with a cup of unsweetened coffee to balance out the sweetness.
Mavromatika
This is a very healthy dish of black beans simmered in tomato sauce, add a little pork if you like.
Moussaka
One of the most famous dishes in Greece is Moussaka. Sliced eggplant, mashed potatoes, minced meat and a creamy béchamel sauce are the essential ingredients in this dish. Once everything is ready on a tray, it is baked in the oven to a beautiful golden brown.
Loukaniko
Loukaniko is a smoked sausage with fennel and orange mixed in for a spicy flavour. It can be eaten alone or with halloumi in a sandwich.
Baklava
Baklava is a type of pastry that can be found in Greece, Türkiye and the Middle East. It is served in small portions with lots of honey and crushed walnuts or almonds. In central Greece, it is usually made with almonds, while in the east it is walnuts and in the south it is pistachios.
Selina Nguyen (According to BI)
