In Greece, eating and drinking like a local means you'll be eating some of the most amazing food. From its cheeses to its wines and delicious pies, Greece has incredibly tasty treats for every pallet.
Over 4,000 years in the making, Greek cuisine is among the most varied and influential in the world. While you explore beautiful Greece, treat yourself to these mouth-watering culinary delights.
Olives and Olive Oil
Let’s kick our list off with olives, which the Greeks have been cultivating for millennia. A staple of Greek food, olive oil is used to add flavour to countless dishes, from Greek salad to eggplant dip (olive oil goes well with just about anything). Head to a traditional taverna to feast on locally cultivated olives. Many establishments make their olive oil in-house.
Feta and Cheeses
At Greek markets, you can buy delicious feta from the barrel, which is much tastier than typical supermarket products kept in plastic tubs. Feta goes great with a range of meals, including the traditional Greek salad and Greek pie. Local bakeries sell delicious cheese pies, such as the classic tyropita. If you’d prefer the healthier option, head to a taverna to a for a mizithra-topped Cretan dakos salad.
Dolmades
Every Greek region has its own take on dolmades. If you’re a fan of vegetable dishes, try dolmades made from hollowed out tomatoes or peppers, stuffed with long-grain rice and a combination of thyme, oregano and dill. If you’re a meat eater, you might prefer vine leaf parcels with minced meat and a combination of seasonal herbs.
Moussaka
The Greeks have put a twist on many dishes from the Mediterranean diet, such as the oven-cooked Moussaka. Layers of minced lamb, sautéed aubergine, onions, fried puréed tomato, garlic and tomatoes are combined with spices like allspice and cinnamon. The final topping of cheese and béchamel sauce makes this meal an explosion of flavours.
Greek Pies
Walk around any town in Greece, and you’ll see clear signs that the locals love their pies. Picking a favourite is challenging, but we recommend the spinach pie, or spanakopita as it’s known in Greece. Crunchy filo pastry layers with feta cheese, spinach and dill is a savoury delight you don’t want to miss.
Honey and Baklava
We’ve covered staple ingredients, traditional mains and savoury delights, so now let’s talk about Greece’s sweet offering. Many desserts are a combination of olive oil, honey and flaky filo pastry, such as the classic baklava, which brings ground nuts into the mix. Feeling a little more sinful? Try the custard-packed galaktoboureko.
Wine
After a day of Greek dining, treat yourself to some local wine, such as the famous Assyrtiko or Vidiano. If you plan to visit Santorini, you can embark on a tour through the beautiful vineyards and learn about the grapes that grow in the island’s volcanic soil. After the history lesson, you’ll have the chance to sample some of the nation’s finest boozy beverages.
If reading this has got you hungry for some true Greek culture, make sure you check out our Greek Island Hopper. It's an easy way to experience the very best parts of the country!
