10 Must Try Greek Foods! 🤤

Visualize the following scenario: You’re sitting on a wooden chair in a quaint little restaurant near the beach gazing into the Mediterranean Sea, as the 6 pm sun gently caresses your face. On the table in front of you is a chilled glass of wine (or perhaps ouzo or raki, we'll touch on those in future posts) and some mezedes (similar to tapas, small plates of food typically served as appetizers or snacks).

Now you look down at that table, what food do you see? Is it any of the following?

Souvlaki, Tzatziki, Moussaka, Spanakopita & Gyros.

We guess that you named at least 3 out of 5 of these and that’s ok, we just had a gyro with tzatziki for lunch, we’re not judging you, it’s delicious!

However, if you go to Greece, and don’t try some of the more popular local dishes that are mostly unknown to foreigners, you are doing yourself a disservice.

In Greece, food isn’t just food. Food is deeply significant for Greeks, intricately woven into their history, culture, and heritage. The flavors, ingredients, and recipes are deeply rooted in tradition, passed down through generations, and often tied to specific regions and family histories. From the ancient symposiums to modern-day gatherings, food in Greece is much more than sustenance; it is a celebration of life, a testament to the land's fertility, and a symbol of hospitality and community.

So put on your flip-flops, and a white button-down shirt, loosen that belt by one notch, and let’s explore 11 foods you have to try next time youre in Greece:

Koulouri (pronounced Kou-loúr-i - 🇬🇷 Κουλούρη)

Bread lovers rejoice. Koulouri is a traditional Greek bread ring, typically coated with sesame seeds and known for its crispy crust and soft, chewy interior. It is commonly enjoyed as a quick snack or breakfast food, often paired with coffee or cheese. Eating carbs on vacation doesn’t add calories. Hey, that’s just science, bring on the carbs!

Dolmadakia (pronounced Dol-maa-dak-ia - 🇬🇷 Ντολμαδάκια)

Dolmadakia is grape leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes ground meat, then rolled into small, bite-sized portions. They are often served as a meze (appetizer) with a squeeze of lemon juice. It’s a delicious traditional Greek (and Mediterranean) dish.

Fakes (pronounced Fa-kes– 🇬🇷 Φακές)

Calling all lentil lovers. This traditional lentil soup made with brown or green lentils, onions, garlic, and carrots is a must-try soup. It's a hearty and nutritious dish, typically enjoyed with a drizzle of vinegar and served with crusty bread.

Fasolada (pronounced Fa-sol-a-da - 🇬🇷 Φασολάδα)

A yummy and hearty bean soup made with white beans, olive oil, tomatoes, and vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions. Add some bread & olives on the side and you are in for a treat.

Saganaki (pronounced Sa-ga-na-ki - 🇬🇷 Σαγανάκη)

Cheese! We got your attention now. If you leave Greece without trying saganaki they don’t stamp your passport on the way out. This incredible Greek appetizer is made by frying a firm cheese, like kefalotyri or graviera, until it's golden and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and gooey on the inside. Yes, it’s as good as it sounds.

Paidakia (pronounced Pai-da-ki-a- 🇬🇷 παϊδάκια)

Paidakia consists of marinated and grilled lamb chops, typically seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and garlic. It's known for its tender, flavorful meat and is often served with a side of potatoes or vegetables.

Stifado (pronounced Sti-fa-do - 🇬🇷 Στίφαδο)

Stifado is a traditional Greek stew made with tender chunks of meat, typically beef or rabbit, slow-cooked with onions, tomatoes, red wine, and aromatic spices like cinnamon and cloves. This hearty dish is known for its rich, sweet, and savory flavors, often enjoyed with crusty bread or over pasta.

Galaktoboureko (pronounced Ga-lak-to-bour-ek-o - 🇬🇷 Γαλακτομπούρεκο)

Ok, let’s move on to the desert portion (our favorite). Galaktoboureko is a traditional Greek dessert made with layers of crispy phyllo dough filled with a creamy semolina custard, baked to golden perfection, and soaked in sweet, aromatic syrup. Stop drooling.

Loukoumades (pronounced Luke-um-ades - 🇬🇷 Λουκουμάδες)

Loukoumades are heavenly Greek doughnuts, small and round, deep-fried until golden and crispy, then soaked in honey syrup and sprinkled with cinnamon and walnuts. These are very popular and are usually enjoyed with a drizzle of chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar. Remember, when youre on vacation, carbs don’t count.

Bougatsa (pronounced Bu-gat-sa - 🇬🇷 Μπουγάτσα)

And finally, meet Bougatsa. This traditional Greek pastry is a flaky, buttery phyllo dough filled with a sweet or savory filling. The sweet version typically contains custard or cheese, while the savory variant is filled with minced meat or spinach and feta.

Honorable mentions: These small bites are equally good but did not make the cut:

• Taramasalata

• Kolokithokeftedes

• Keftedes

• Pastourmadopitakia

• Watermelon and Feta

Happy Travels! 🗺️

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