What to eat in Greece: 10 typical dishes you have to try

If you are planning a trip to Greece, you are in for one of the most delicious dining experiences in the Mediterranean. Greek cuisine is known for its fresh flavors, local ingredients and a rich culinary tradition that dates back thousands of years. In this article we tell you which are the 10 typical Greek dishes that you can't miss during your stay in Greece.

1. Moussaka

One of the most emblematic dishes of Greece is the moussaka. This is a type of Greek lasagna made with layers of eggplant minced meat (usually lamb), potatoes, and a top layer of bechamel gratin. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that is served hot in almost every tavern in the country. Although there are different variations, the traditional recipe is based on the mixture of tender eggplant with spiced meat and creamy béchamel sauce.

2. Souvlaki

The souvlaki is one of the most popular fast food dishes in Greece, similar to kebab. It consists of meat skewers (usually pork, although chicken or lamb can also be found) marinated and grilled. The souvlaki is usually served on a plate with fried potatoes and salad, or wrapped in pita bread with tomato, onion, and the famous salsa tzatziki.

3. Gyro

The gyro is an option similar to the souvlaki but the meat in this case is cooked on a vertical spit and cut into thin strips, like kebab. It is served wrapped in pita bread with fresh vegetables and tzatziki. It is a perfect dish to eat while exploring Greek cities, as it is quick, tasty and inexpensive.

4. Tzatziki

The tzatziki is an essential sauce in Greek cuisine. It is made of Greek yogurt, grated cucumber It is served as an appetizer or as an accompaniment to dishes such as dill, garlic, olive oil, and sometimes a little dill or lemon. It is served as an appetizer or as an accompaniment to dishes such as the souvlaki and the gyro It is also a delight when spread on pita bread or served with fresh vegetables.

5. Dolmades

The dolmades are vine leaves stuffed with a mixture of rice, herbs and sometimes minced meat. This dish is very popular as a starter or side dish. Dolmades are simmered until the rice is perfectly tender and the vine leaves absorb the flavors of the spices and lemon. They are a light but flavorful dish that you can't miss.

6. Spanakopita

The spanakopita is a delicious savory pie made of spinach y feta cheese wrapped in crispy layers of filo dough. It is a traditional dish served both as an appetizer and as a main course. Each layer of the thin filo dough is baked until golden brown and crispy, and the filling is creamy and flavorful, with the slightly acidic touch of feta. It's a classic Greek dish that you'll find in any bakery or taverna.

7. Horiatiki (Greek salad)

The Greek salad known locally as horiatiki is a fresh and healthy dish that is served at almost every meal in Greece. Typical ingredients include ripe tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, cheese feta y olive oil. It is usually accompanied with a pinch of oregano. It is a simple salad but with intense flavors, perfect to enjoy along with the most hearty dishes.

8. Fasolada

The fasolada is a traditional bean soup, which many consider the national dish of Greece. It is made with white beans, carrots, celery onion and a generous splash of olive oil. This soup is a comforting dish that stands out for its simplicity and flavor. Although it is a humble dish, the quality of the ingredients and the olive oil give it an incredible flavor.

9. Kleftiko

The kleftiko is a traditional Greek dish of slow-cooked lamb. It is marinated in garlic, lemon, and herbs such as oregano, and then cooked in a wood-fired oven or in sealed aluminum foil so that it retains all its flavor and juiciness. It is typically served with potatoes and vegetables. The meat is so tender that it melts in the mouth, making it a highly prized dish in Greece.

10. Pastitsio

The pastitsio is the Greek version of lasagna, but with a unique twist. It is prepared with layers of thick macaroni The pastitsio, minced meat (usually veal), a rich tomato sauce, spices and a top layer of béchamel sauce, similar to moussaka. The pastitsio is baked until the top is golden brown and crispy. It is a hearty dish and perfect for pasta lovers.

Typical Greek desserts

Greek gastronomy would not be complete without its delicious desserts. Here are some of the sweets you can't miss:

Baklava

The baklava is perhaps the most famous dessert in Greece. It is made with layers of filo dough stuffed with a mixture of crushed walnuts, dipped in a mixture of honey or syrup. Each bite is crunchy and sweet, with a rich blend of flavors.

Halvas

The halvas is a traditional dessert based on semolina sugar, water and oil. It has a slightly grainy texture and is often flavored with cinnamon, nuts or raisins. It is a simple but delicious dessert found in many variations throughout Greece.

Loukoumades

The loukoumades are small balls of fried dough that are dipped in honey and sprinkled with cinnamon or crushed nuts. They are a sweet and crunchy treat that is usually enjoyed as a snack or dessert.

Galaktoboureko

The galaktoboureko is a dessert made of phyllo dough and filled with a rich cream of semolina. This sweet is bathed in a lemon or orange syrup, which gives it a fresh and sweet flavor at the same time. It is perfect for those who enjoy creamy desserts.

Kouluri

The kouluri is one of the most popular snacks in Greece, especially in the mornings. It is a ring of bread covered with sesame seeds which has a crunchy texture on the outside and soft on the inside. You'll see it on practically every street corner, sold by street vendors or in bakeries. Although not a dessert per se, it's a must-have to accompany your coffee or as a quick snack while exploring Greek cities.

Bougatsa

The bougatsa is a delicious Greek cake that can have different fillings, but the most typical is the one of cream of semolina sugared and sprinkled with cinnamon y powdered sugar. There are also savory versions, such as those filled with cheese or meat. It is a very popular breakfast in Greece and you will find it in many bakeries and cafés. The combination of the crispy filo dough and the creamy sweet filling is absolutely irresistible.

Typical Greek drinks to accompany your meals

The dining experience in Greece would not be complete without sampling some of the country's most traditional beverages. Whether you prefer a refreshing beer, a good local wine or a strong liquor, Greece has something for every palate. Here are some of the most popular drinks you can enjoy with typical Greek dishes.

Greek beer

Greece has a growing variety of local beers perfect to accompany the heartiest dishes or to refresh you during the hot days. Some of the most popular brands are:

• Mythos Probably the best known Greek beer. It is a smooth and refreshing lager, ideal to accompany a light meal such as a Greek salad o souvlaki.
• Fix Another popular lager beer in Greece, with a slightly more bitter taste than Mythos. It is perfect to accompany fish or seafood dishes.
• Alpha This lager beer has a milder, maltier taste. It is found in almost all taverns and is an excellent choice to combine with a variety of traditional Greek dishes.

Greek wines

Greece has a long winemaking tradition that dates back thousands of years, and its wine is wines are known for their quality and diversity. Here are some of the most representative types of wine that you can taste during your trip:

• Retsina A white or rosé wine with a unique flavor, derived from the use of pine resin during fermentation. It is a wine with a very particular flavor that combines well with dishes such as dolmades o grilled fish.
• Assyrtiko This is one of the most famous white wines of Greece, originating from Santorini. It has a fresh taste, with citrus and mineral notes, and is ideal to accompany seafood and light dishes.
• Moschofilero Aromatic white wine from the Peloponnese, with floral and fruity touches. It is an excellent choice to accompany salads and appetizers as the spanakopita.
• Xinomavro: If you prefer red wines, the xinomavro is a variety native to northern Greece, known for its powerful and fruity flavor, perfect to accompany meat dishes such as kleftiko.

Ouzo

The ouzo is the most famous liqueur in Greece and is known for its strong flavor of aniseed. It is usually served as an aperitif or digestif, and is often enjoyed with small snacks called meze It is usually served cold or on the rocks and can be diluted with water, which gives it a characteristic milky color. It is usually served cold or on the rocks and can be diluted with water, which gives it a characteristic milky color. It is a strong drink, so take it easy!

Tsipouro

The tsipouro is a strong liqueur similar to ouzo, but without the aniseed flavor. It is made from grape pomace, and in some regions honey is also added, creating the version called "ouzo" raki. It is another typical option that is generally drunk at meals or after meals, accompanied by appetizers.

Metaxa

The Metaxa is a well-known Greek brandy that has a smooth and slightly sweet taste. It is aged in oak barrels and has notes of raisins, spices and wood. It is an excellent choice to enjoy after dinner, either neat or on the rocks.

Greek coffee

The Greek coffee is a tradition in itself. Similar to Turkish coffee, it is prepared in a small bronze or copper coffee pot called a briki. The coffee is served strong and with the grounds at the bottom of the cup. It is perfect to enjoy after a meal, accompanied by a dessert such as the baklava or the loukoumades.

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