Everyone is familiar with Greece, where the Aegean Sea meets a rugged coastline and ancient ruins whisper tales of a mythical past. But a view shared by many is that the best part of Greece is its delicious culinary offering. With timeless recipes, inviting aromas and fabulous flavours, there are so many Greek foods to try on your next visit.
Aside from the locally produced olives, which form the basis of most Mediterranean flavours, there are also fruits and vegetables so fresh you can virtually taste the sunshine in them. Likewise, visitors can sample unusual local cheeses and deliciously fragrant herbs that make a welcome addition to their meals in Greece. That’s not even to mention the juicy meats and decadent desserts on offer.
So, if you’re planning a villa holiday in Greece, what you’ll eat is probably on your mind! That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best Greek foods to try on your next visit. We include the best appetisers, meals, snacks and desserts that are a must for any trip to Greece. From the most famous Greek foods to traditional Greek dishes, we showcase the best things to eat in Greece that will tickle your taste buds.
The Best Greek Appetisers
We’ll start our list of Greek foods like beginning a meal, with the appetisers. Known as ‘mezedes’ in Greek, these appetisers celebrate the country’s flavourful ingredients and perfectly capture the spirit of Mediterranean cuisine. Picture a table adorned with an array of small plates, each offering a tantalising glimpse into Greece’s gastronomic heritage.
Avgolemono
Chicken soup thickened with eggs and spiked with lemon might not sound appealing on paper, but stick with us! Avgolemono is made by combining chicken broth with eggs, lemon juice and rice or orzo. The lemon adds a refreshing tang, making it a comforting and invigorating Greek dish that you have to try.
Avgolemono is a classic Greek dish known for its creamy texture and zingy flavour. It is often served as a starter or smaller dinner, which is ideal if you’ve indulged in a big lunch while relaxing on Greece’s stunning beaches. Silky smooth and always made with minimal ingredients, it’s typically served with lahanodolmades (cabbage rolls) or dolmades (stuffed grape leaves).
Dolmades
Stuffed grape leaves, we hear you say? Yes, it’s one of the most traditional Greek dishes and a great start to any meal! These leafy parcels helped farmers make the most use of their vineyards and are stuffed with rice, pine nuts, cheese and ground meats. They are typically seasoned with aromatic herbs like dill, mint, and parsley which add a hit of delicious flavour.
The extremely versatile appetiser can be served hot or cold and is best accompanied by tzatziki or a squeeze of lemon. We’re sure that once you try them, you’ll be keen to recreate your own at home. They’re a little fiddly at first, but practice makes perfect!
Greek salad
One of the best foods to try in Greece is the humble Greek Salad. Light, zingy and as fresh as they come, this fuss-free mix of cucumber, olives, tomatoes and feta will be a permanent feature on your plate in Greece. This colourful combination of fresh vegetables is finished with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of dried oregano, giving you a real taste of Mediterranean cuisine.
It’s known to locals as ‘horiatiki’ and is the perfect light dish to enjoy when visiting Greece. It’s kept purposefully simple to let the ingredients do all the talking, making the most of locally-grown produce. For this reason, it’s typically enjoyed from early spring into the autumn season.
The Most Famous Greek Foods
With the starters out of the way, we wanted to share some of our favourite Greek foods that are perfect for lunch or dinner. You’ve likely heard of these famous Greek foods already, but there’s nothing quite like the real thing. These authentic Greek dishes are the perfect way to immerse yourself in the country’s culinary offerings and should be your go-to order when dining in Greece.
Moussaka
Perhaps the most famous Greek food, this lasagne-like comfort dish is made by layering aubergines with béchamel sauce and seasoned lamb. However, there are vegetarian versions available in many Greek restaurants. Once assembled, the layers are baked until they are bubbling and golden, resulting in a colourful dish that will please any palette.
Moussaka is a beloved comfort food in Greece thanks to its rich and satisfying flavours, so much so that you’ll often find it served on special occasions and family gatherings. The warming spices of nutmeg and cinnamon come through with every mouthful, resulting in a hearty dish that’s best enjoyed at the end of a long day spent exploring. If you’re looking for foods to eat in Greece, this delightful dish is an absolute must for any intrepid foodie.
Souvlaki
The ultimate grab-and-go Greek food, these juicy kebabs come in many forms – all of them delicious, but our favourite is in a warm wrap. The meat is seasoned with a mixture of garlic, lemon juice, olive oil and Mediterranean herbs before being skewered and grilled to perfection. It’s one of the most popular street foods in Greece and a great option for casual dining.
Whether you choose to have your pita filled with lamb, chicken or perhaps pork, the lunchtime staple is only complete when you add in a generous dollop of hummus, a drizzle of tzatziki and a sprinkling of salad. That said, stuff your Souvlaki with some crispy fries and you’ve got one of the best foods to try in Greece.
Pastitsio
Sometimes referred to as ‘the Greek version of lasagne’, Pastitsio is one of the best traditional Greek dishes to try on your visit. This hearty staple features layers of tubular pasta, seasoned ground meat, spice-infused tomato sauce, and a creamy béchamel topping not dissimilar to Moussaka. After assembly, the dish is baked to perfection and served warm for the most welcoming Greek meal.
Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or as an indulgent treat, Pastitsio provides a sense of culinary comfort that’s hard to resist. It allows you to experience a taste of Greece’s culinary heritage and meaningfully connect with local traditions while you relish the robust flavour profile.
Gyros
One of the most well-known Greek foods, Gyros is a popular dish served throughout Greece. This beloved street food is made with spiced meat that is roasted on a vertical rotisserie. It is then thinly sliced and served in a warm pita wrap with tomatoes, onions, lettuce and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce.
Gyros is one of the best foods to try in Greece because it’s so convenient. You can enjoy freshly made Gyros on the go whilst exploring the beautiful towns and beaches in Greece for the ultimate culinary journey. What’s more, you’ll find Gyros at most restaurants in Greece and we highly recommend stopping
The Best Greek Snacks
It’s not just about the mains though, some of the best foods to try in Greece come in the form of snacks and light bites which can be enjoyed throughout the day. These Greek foods are ideal for beachside refreshments and mid-afternoon meals. While they aren’t the most filling of Greek foods, you’ll be enamoured by the flavoursome tastes of these foodie experiences.
Saganaki
Every dairy lover’s dream, Saganaki is essentially fried cheese. Intended to be served as one of several meze small plates, it’s typically made with hard Greek cheeses like graviera or kefalotyri, which boast an intense, salty flavour that stands up to the frying process. The cheese is coated in flour and then flambéed with ouzo or brandy for more depth of flavour.
The result is crispy on the outside but ooey-gooey soft in the middle, what could be more delightfully decadent? Saganaki is one of the best foods to eat in Greece with its irresistible combination of crispy cheese and bold flavours, which makes it a perfect meze dish to share with friends.
Spanakopita
If you want to try one of the most traditional Greek foods, then make sure you order Spanakopita. This crowd-pleasing classic sees crisp filo parcel pastry filled with an unbeatable cheese and spinach combination. This mouthwatering filling is seasoned with dill and nutmeg which lends the dish a truly unique flavour.
This famous Greek food is adored for its crispy exterior and delightful balance of textures, making it one of the best things to eat in Greece. Whether it’s served warm or cold, for breakfast, lunch or dinner, or even as an on-the-go snack, one thing’s for sure: you’ll be wanting more than just a single slice of this pie!
Tzatziki
You’ve likely tried the kind that’s sold in supermarkets, but just wait until you’ve tried the real thing! Made using Greek yoghurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice and mint, tzatziki is the perfect accompaniment to most meals in Greece. The tanginess of the yoghurt is balanced by the refreshing cucumber and pungent garlic, making this sauce a showstopper when it comes to foods to try in Greece.
It typically arrives with the meze plates, but will then stay on the table to enjoy with roasted veggies and other main meats. If you’re after a light snack, it’s great for dipping fresh vegetables and pitas, adding a burst of vibrant flavour to any dish.
The Best Greek Desserts
We’ll wrap up this list of Greek foods with a special treat for all the sweet-toothed travellers. Greek desserts are some of the most unique and flavourful in Europe, offering a culinary adventure unlike any other. With sweet syrup, flaky phyllo pastry and sensational spices, desserts are certainly some of the best food to eat in Greece.
Baklava
Of course, you’ve got to top off any fantastic day of eating in Greece with something sweet. That’s where baklava comes in: a layered, filo pastry dessert oozing with honey, spices, walnuts, pistachios, and scented with rose. The layers of phyllo dough are brushed with butter to create a crispy texture, while the syrup adds sweetness and moisture to the dish.
Baklava is one of the best foods to try in Greece due to its aromatic flavours and crunchy texture. This foodie experience unveils the traditions of Greek pastry-making and is a great way to round out a meal in Greece. But be warned, this decadent dessert is served in bite-sized pieces so you may just find yourself reaching for one after the other.
Loukoumades
These Greek doughnuts are the best Greek food to try if you love all things deep-fried. These golden morsels are topped with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon or crushed nuts for added texture. Light and airy on the inside but crispy on the outside, these balls of joy are often served as a dessert or sweet snack in Greece.
Loukoumades are a popular food in Greece and tantalise the senses with their indulgent flavour. While you can find these sweet treats all over Greece, they are a common festival food and street food vendors will be serving them at any major function. Even if you aren’t big on desserts, Loukoumades are undoubtedly one of the top foods to eat in Greece.
Galaktoboureko
Another traditional Greek dish that makes for a sumptuous pudding is Galaktoboureko. Like other desserts in Greece, this dish is made from layers of crispy phyllo dough and a creamy custard filling. The creamy custard is cooked until thickened before being poured generously into the pastry layers.
While that sounds delicious on its own, Galaktoboureko is then finished with a sweet syrup of honey, sugar and lemon juice. This luscious treat is an ideal accompaniment to any meal in Greece and will be a popular choice for any children visiting. It’s a hallmark of Greece’s culinary heritage and is a favourite dessert for festive occasions as it symbolises joy, abundance and hospitality.
Now that you’ve read about some of the best Greek foods to try, your stomach may be betraying your desire for a trip to this Mediterranean foodie capital! We’ve got a full collection of villas in Greece to help you find your ideal holiday home, and if you need a little extra help, our concierge team are always on hand to help answer your questions.
Leave a Reply