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Greek food is unique among Mediterranean cuisines because of the indigenous herbs, fruits, and vine varieties that are found on Greece’s mainland and islands.
The Greek word “meraki” doesn’t have a direct English translation, but it means doing something with great passion, experimental know-how, skills, and delight. Greek food isn’t just about eating a good meal. Greek food is about bringing people together and honoring the culinary traditions passed from generation to generation.
I hope you’ve worked up an appetite because here are the best foods to try in Greece!
Moussaka
Moussaka is a layered casserole-type dish that’s baked in the oven. Traditional moussaka is made with layers of eggplant slices, cheese, and a meat sauce, topped with a thick béchamel sauce (a white sauce). During your time in Greece, you’ll probably encounter the popular variations of this dish that substitute potatoes or zucchini for the eggplant.
Fasolada
Fasolada, also called fasoulada or fasolia, is often referred to as the “national food of the Greeks.” This dish is a bean soup made with dry white beans, olive oil, and vegetables. Portions of this soup are usually small, but that’s okay because it’s very filling.
Gemista
Gemista is stuffed peppers. Hollowed-out or halved peppers are filled with meat, vegetables, cheese, rice, and sauce. The peppers are stuffed and then baked to perfection. This is one of my favorite dishes on this list!
Spanakopita
Spanakopita
Spanakopita is a savory pie crust filled with spinach and feta cheese. You’ll usually find spanakopita at markets and cafes, and these warm, flaky treats are perfect for eating on-the-go.
Dolmades
Dolmades are cabbage or grape leaves stuffed with rice, herbs, and vegetables. The filled leaves are rolled, tied, then boiled. Most restaurants will have a version of dolmades that includes minced meat.
Tzatziki
You’ve probably had tzatziki before, but eating this staple dish while you’re in Greece is a must-do experience. Also called cacık or tarator, tzatziki is a sauce made of salted strained yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, salt, olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, and herbs such as dill, mint, parsley, and thyme. Tzatziki will usually come as a dipping sauce for gyros or pita bread.
Greek Salad
Most of us from the U.S. are used to having lettuce in salads. But a Greek salad is made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, feta cheese, olives, and a dressing made of salt, pepper, Greek oregano, and olive oil. You’ll also come across traditional Greek salads that add green bell pepper slices and caper berries.
Gyros
A gyro is made from meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie. In Greece, pork and chicken are the most common meats used, and the gyro usually includes lettuce, tomato, onion, fries, and tzatziki sauce. Gyros are great to eat on-the-go. But at a sit-down restaurant, my favorite way to eat this dish is to order a platter of gyros, which should be a tray of all the gyro components, and then you can build your own.
Loukoumades
Loukoumades
Loukoumades are little bites of heaven. These Greek fried doughnuts are usually soaked in hot honey syrup, sprinkled with cinnamon, and topped with chopped walnuts or toasted sesame seeds. These make the perfect breakfast or dessert!
Souvlaki
Souvlaki is the Greek version of a shish kabob. Small pieces of meat (and sometimes vegetables) are grilled on a skewer. Then you eat the meat straight off the skewer. This is the ultimate Greek street food for you to sample when you’re out exploring a new city or town.
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What do you think are the best foods to try in Greece? Tell us in the comments so we can “dish” about our favorite meals!
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This article on the best foods to try in Greece is not a sponsored post. And, as always, the thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own. Some of the links in this post about the best foods to try in Greece are affiliate links. And, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
