{"id":46,"date":"2018-10-26T14:38:31","date_gmt":"2018-10-26T13:38:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.broadwaytravel.com\/blog\/?p=46"},"modified":"2020-02-07T10:41:10","modified_gmt":"2020-02-07T10:41:10","slug":"25-of-the-tastiest-foods-to-eat-in-greece","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.broadwaytravel.com\/blog\/25-of-the-tastiest-foods-to-eat-in-greece\/","title":{"rendered":"25 of the Tastiest Foods to Eat in Greece"},"content":{"rendered":"

You\u2019re no doubt familiar with Greek cuisine. You\u2019ve probably dipped pita bread in taramasalata, completed a meal with a side of Greek salad or enjoyed a kebab on a Saturday night. But, to truly experience the explosion of flavour that comes with every mouthful, you need to head to where these dishes originate from.<\/p>\n

Cooking traditions date back thousands of years in Greece, this is a country that really loves its food and drink \u2013 making it the ideal destination for foodies.<\/p>\n

Meals here are full of fresh, local ingredients. You\u2019ll find cheeses and filo pastry in many traditional dishes. Seafood is popular due to the extensive coastline, as is meat \u2013 which forms the core of many dishes. A sprinkle of spices and drizzle of olive oil often provide the finishing touch.<\/p>\n

Intrigued? To further tickle your tastebuds, here are 25 of the tastiest foods to eat in Greece:<\/p>\n

1. Souvlaki\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Both grilled and spit-roasted meat is popular in Greece and this particular dish is definitely a firm favourite. This street food is relatively cheap and among the best in the country. It\u2019s grilled to order and can be served with chips.<\/p>\n

What is it?<\/em><\/strong> Grilled meat (usually pork) served with tzatziki \u2013 a sauce made from yoghurt cucumber and mint –\u00a0 in pita bread with salad and rice.<\/p>\n

\"Greece<\/a><\/h2>\n

Best place to try it: <\/em><\/strong>There are Souvlaki shops across Athens \u2013 you\u2019ll find the street souvlaki sandwiches often have chips inside the pita too. Head to Kalamaki Bar for the most tender meat sourced from local farms.<\/p>\n

2. Moussaka<\/h2>\n

\"Resembling<\/p>\n

This iconic dish is one of the most famous in Greece, although you\u2019ll find variations of it throughout the Mediterranean.<\/p>\n

What is it?<\/em><\/strong> Layers of fried aubergine, minced meats (often lamb) and potatoes, creamy b\u00e9chamel sauce with fried pur\u00e9ed tomato, onion, garlic, spices and cheese. This dish is also available without meat.<\/p>\n

Best place to try it: <\/em><\/strong>For a typical dish head to Klimataria or God\u2019s Restaurant in Athens. However, if you fancy trying it with a modern twist head to Koukoumavlos in Santorini<\/a><\/u> which is known for white aubergines.<\/p>\n

3. Dolmades\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

These are the perfect accompaniment to a main meal and often part of a meze plate.<\/p>\n

What is it?<\/em><\/strong> Vine or grape leaves stuffed with herby, lemon rice. This is then folded over to create a small parcel, which is steamed. They\u2019re often filled with meat or vegetables. It\u2019s then finished off with thyme, dill, fennel, oregano and sometimes, pine nuts.<\/p>\n

Best place to try it: <\/em><\/strong>Each region in Greece has its own variation of dolmades, however Anafiotika Caf\u00e9 in Athens is among the best places to try it.<\/p>\n

4. Gyro<\/h2>\n

If you like kebabs then you should enjoy this Greek sandwich, they\u2019re very similar.<\/p>\n

What is it?<\/em> <\/strong>Meat cooked on a rotating rotisserie \u2013 usually chicken, pork, lamb or beef. This is wrapped in a flatbread or pita with salad, onions and sauces. If you\u2019re a vegetarian or don\u2019t fancy meat, this can be swapped for halloumi or feta.<\/p>\n

Best place to try it: <\/em><\/strong>Bairaktaris Taverna in Athens which can be found in Monastiraki Square and has been serving Greek cuisine since the 19th<\/sup> century.<\/p>\n

5. Baklava\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

If you have a sweet tooth then you\u2019ll love this first-class Greek pastry and one of the most beloved desserts in the country.<\/p>\n

What is it? <\/em><\/strong>Filo pastry made with butter and sugar, soaked in honey syrup and layered with crushed nuts.<\/p>\n

Best place to try it:<\/strong> <\/em>It depends which nuts you fancy. In central Greece<\/a><\/u> these come with almonds, in the east these are with walnuts and in the north with pistachios.<\/p>\n

6. Fasolada<\/h2>\n

This simple Greek bean soup has its roots in ancient Greece and is often referred to as the traditional dish of the country.<\/p>\n

What is it?<\/em><\/strong> Beans, crushed tomatoes and vegetables such as onions, carrots and celery. This is then flavoured with thyme, parsley and bay leaves.<\/p>\n

Best place to try it: <\/em><\/strong>Make your way to Florina in Macedonia for this delicious, warming soup.<\/p>\n

7. Spanakopita<\/h2>\n

Pies are popular in Greece and you\u2019ll find many different types but Spanakopita is a classic.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

What is it?<\/em> <\/strong>Filo pastry layered with feta cheese and spinach, flavoured with dill.<\/p>\n

Best place to try it:<\/em><\/strong> Creme Royale, a small cafe on Athinas Street in Athens is the ideal place to enjoy Spanakopita alongside an espresso.<\/p>\n

8. Koulouri<\/h2>\n

\"Served<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll find koulouri sold out of yellow street carts, they\u2019re often eaten alongside a steaming hot cup of strong coffee.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

What is it?<\/em><\/strong> A large soft bread ring covered in sesame seeds.<\/p>\n

Best place to try it:<\/em> <\/strong>The larger cities such as Athens and Thessaloniki. Make sure you visit Oven Sesame in Athens if you fancy trying this with a tasty filling.<\/p>\n

9. Pastitsio<\/h2>\n

If you like lasagne, you\u2019ll love this. It is very similar but made with macaroni instead of pasta sheets.<\/p>\n

What is it? <\/em><\/strong>Macaroni is layered with ground beef and b\u00e9chamel sauce then flavoured with cinnamon, nutmeg and herbs, before being topped with grated cheese.<\/p>\n

Best place to try it: <\/em><\/strong>Stani Tavern in Fira, Santorini offers a beautiful backdrop of the ocean alongside a mouth-watering menu.<\/p>\n

10. Loukoumades<\/h2>\n

These sweet, sticky treats are perfect for sharing, although you won\u2019t be able to eat just one.<\/p>\n

What is it?<\/em><\/strong> Small deep-fried doughnut balls covered in honey and sprinkled with cinnamon or crushed walnuts. These can also be served with melted chocolate and ice cream.<\/p>\n

Best place to try it: <\/em><\/strong>Krinos \u2013 a dessert shop in Athens which has been serving these small doughnuts since 1922. You\u2019ll find it near Omonoia Square.<\/p>\n

11. Galaktoboureko\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n

These sweet slices are best eaten straight out of the oven while they are still warm.<\/p>\n

What is it? <\/em><\/strong>Custard slices, made with filo pastry and sprinkled with cinnamon. \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Best place to try it: <\/em><\/strong>Kosmikon in Athens has become synonymous with this dessert making it the ideal destination to try your first bite of this sweet treat.<\/p>\n

Where to stay in Greece<\/b><\/p>\n