Greek food spreads its culinary influence throughout Europe and beyond. It is known as one of the best foods in the world! It is based on the Mediterranean diet model. With an age-old tradition, Greek cuisine has been heavily influenced by both Eastern and Western cultures. Fresh vegetables, fish and seafood play an important role in the daily diet of Greeks. And meat is present in Greeks eating habits with a particular preference for lamb and goat meat, as these animals are extensively raised in the Greek area.
There is a great variety in Greek cuisine. This has to do in principle with the seasonality of the raw materials. The diversity is also found in the existence of many local creations that are cooked in different places in Greece. For example, pies are a creation that characterizes Epirus or snails are a delicacy that you will find almost exclusively in Crete.
Some famous traditional Greek foods that you should definitely try in Greece are:
Dolmadakia – Small wrapped delicacies made from stuffed vine leaves. Inside the wrapped vine leaves you will find a mixture of minced lamb or beef (sometimes even a combination of both) with rice and various herbs. They are also made with just rice and herbs and are just as delicious and mouth-watering.
Greek salad – A salad that is present on almost every Greek table, especially in the summer. The Greek salad, or Choriatiki, is made from tomato, onion, cucumber, olives and feta cheese and is served with salt, vinegar, genuine Greek virgin olive oil and grated oregano.
Moussaka – A legendary, traditional dish that is juicy and delicious. Moussaka is served in almost all taverns in Greece. In large family gatherings on Sundays or on holidays this dish is prepared by the Greek housewives. In moussaka, minced meat is cooked in a tomato sauce and herbs, then layered in a pan between sweet eggplants and potatoes, topped with a creamy béchamel sauce and grated cheese, and baked in the oven. Simply unique!
Tzatziki – A classic Greek recipe. It can be considered a salad or an appetizer or simply a perfect accompaniment to meat dishes and more. The method of preparation varies but the basic recipe calls for thick strained yogurt, grated garlic, pure Greek virgin olive oil and freshly chopped dill. Be sure to try it!
Taramosalata – a meze with a creamy texture that is usually eaten during fasting periods (mainly on Clean Monday), because it does not contain dairy or eggs. Its main ingredient is taramas, in other words fish eggs, which is mixed with pure virgin olive oil, stale bread (which we have soaked in water first), onion and lemon and is mixed well until it becomes creamy. In the past it was beaten patiently in a wooden mortar until it reached the desired consistency.
Meatballs – children’s, and not only, favorite delicacy (accompanied by fries). Small balls made of mixed minced meat with onion, garlic and various spices and herbs fried in plenty of hot oil.
These are just a few samples of the rich Greek cuisine, which is sure that if you taste it once, it will remain unforgettable and you will seek it wherever you go!
