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Papoutsakia
Papoutsakia (which means "little shoes" in Greek) is essentially eggplant stuffed with meat, cooked in tomato sauce and topped with a traditional béchamel sauce.
Pastitsio
Pastitsio, a dish with many similarities to Italian Lasagne, is made primarily from pasta, seasoned to the cook's preference. A typical Pastitsio contains many layers such as beef, lamb, béchamel sauce, nutmeg, cinnamon, and other Greek herbs, as well as cheese. All are skillfully layered and baked until golden brown. When cooked, it produces an alluring aroma that stimulates the taste buds.
Taramosalata
Made from fish roe, taramasalata is a dish mixed with olive oil, potatoes, or bread. It is the most famous appetizer in Greece and is rich in protein and omega-3s.
Avgolemono soup
This special soup, made with chicken broth, rice, eggs, and lemon, is particularly suitable for enjoying on cold winter days.
Halloumi
Halloumi cheese is the most distinctive and famous cheese of Cyprus, present in the daily meals of the island's people, used in salads, sandwiches, and even mixed with fruits.
Kleftiko
This braised lamb dish is typically marinated with garlic, onions, and oregano, and served with potatoes and other vegetables.
Koulouri
A popular Greek breakfast food is Koulouri bread, a round loaf topped with lots of sesame seeds, very soft, and widely sold from street carts and small eateries in every corner of the city.
Koulourakia
Koulourakia are small, buttery pastries shaped like snakes. They are a traditional Greek treat, often eaten during Easter.
Galaktoboureko
Each small, square piece of cake sits on a tray, emitting a fragrant cinnamon aroma that's hard for diners to resist. The soft, moist cake with its golden caramel topping will satisfy your taste buds, especially when the cakes are still warm from the oven.
Spanakopita
The thin, crispy, and multi-layered dough is a notable feature of Spanakopita. The fillings are quite varied, depending on the cook's preference. For example, eggplant, meat and vegetable, and cheese fillings are common. The most popular choice is feta cheese with spinach, a touch of dill, and a salty cheese crust.
Keftedes
Keftedes meatballs are typically made with pork, beef, oregano, onions, garlic, and cinnamon.
Tzatziki
Made from olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and plain yogurt, tzatziki sauce is often served with crispy toast as an appetizer.
Sheftalia
These sausages, made from lamb and pork, are one of the popular specialties of the island of Cyprus.
Kalo Prama
This is a fragrant, smooth, and fluffy dessert cake. Almonds are sprinkled on top to enhance the flavor.
Kritharaki
Made with orzo, tomatoes, and onions, this classic pasta dish often includes meats such as lamb, pork, beef, or chicken, mixed with characteristic spices.
Jennifer
Gemista is a dish of peppers and tomatoes stuffed with rice, vegetables, or minced meat, depending on personal preference, and is one of the popular dishes of the Greeks.
Souvlakia
Souvlaki is a popular Greek grilled meat dish enjoyed worldwide, made with yogurt and tzatziki sauce, cucumber, and mint leaves. Skewered pork, marinated and grilled until crispy, is then served with souvlaki, a truly delightful culinary experience.
Dolmades
Often eaten as part of a main meal, Dolmades are small, pencil-shaped rolls filled with rice, meat, and vegetables. What's special is the type of leaf used to wrap Dolmades – grape leaves. After being washed, the leaves are blanched to soften and make them more pliable, then used to wrap the filling and steamed.
Loukoumades
This pastry is very popular with Greeks, especially children, because it resembles golden-brown fried donuts coated in honey and topped with cinnamon and crushed walnuts. Just looking at it is enough to make your mouth water, so be sure to try some Loukhoumades when you have the chance to visit the land of the gods.
Pamelia
This is a dish of pork marinated in red wine, a specialty of the people of Cyprus.
Kourabiedes
During holidays, most Greeks eat a type of flour-based cookie with a walnut inside, flavored with orange or vanilla depending on personal preference. Try this signature treat with a cup of unsweetened coffee to balance the sweetness.
Mavromatika
This is one of the very healthy dishes: black beans simmered in tomato sauce, with a little pork added if desired.
Moussaka
One of the most famous dishes in Greece is Moussaka. Sliced eggplant, mashed potatoes, ground meat, and a creamy béchamel sauce are essential components of this dish. Once everything is prepared on a baking tray, it is placed in the oven to achieve a beautiful golden brown color.
Loukaniko
Loukaniko is a smoked sausage dish that includes dill and orange slices mixed with a distinctive spicy flavor. This sausage can be eaten on its own or combined with halloumi in bread.
Baklava
Baklava is a type of cake that can easily be found in Greece, Türkiye, and the Middle East. It is served in small portions with plenty of honey and crushed walnuts or almonds. In central Greece, it often contains crushed almonds, while in the east it's walnuts and in the south pistachios.
Selina Nguyen (According to BI)
