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10 Greek Foods Every First Time Traveler To Greece Should Try

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Are you going on holiday to Greece? Is sampling Greek cuisine one of the things you plan to do as you explore the country to learn about its long history and marvel at the gorgeous scenery? Eating Greek food should definitely be one of your goals during your trip because Greece has a wide range of delicious dishes you’ll enjoy eating.

The number of mouth-watering food choices on a Greek menu can be overwhelming. So, to get you started on your culinary journey here is a helpful guide on the best foods to try in Greece.

Pro Tip: To travel to Greece you might need to apply for a visa. Check online to see if citizens from your country are eligible for an ETIAS Travel Authorization for Greece.

 

What to Eat In Greece – 10 Best Dishes To Try in Greece

1. Souvlaki

Souvlaki - What to Eat in Greece

Souvlaki – What to Eat in Greece

You cannot go to Greece and not have a Souvlaki, which in English means meat-on-a-skewer. To prepare this meal pieces of meat mostly lamb, chicken or pork are grilled in large fire pits before they are put on skewers. Souvlaki is sold all over Greece and you can order yourself one or several at street food stalls or at a restaurant. Try it with fried potatoes, pita bread and tzatziki sauce, you’ll love it.

If you’re vegetarian, at some street food stalls you may be able to order souvlaki made without meat. The ingredients used instead of meat include mushrooms, eggplant, and peppers.

2. Grilled Octopus

Grilled Octopus - What to Eat in Greece

Grilled Octopus – What to Eat in Greece

If you go to any of the Greek Islands be sure to try grilled octopus at one of the seaside restaurants. I know you may have eaten grilled octopus in other places during your travels, but trust me the Greek version is tastier.

The octopus grilled at psarotavernes, Greek fish taverns, is captured by fishermen in the morning then grilled later in the day, making this a sea to table meal. Enjoy the meal with some white Greek Wine.

3. Dolmades

Dolmades - what to eat in Greece

Dolmades – what to eat in Greece

This is an appetizer made from grape leaves. The leaves are stuffed with long grain rice and herbs then rolled up before being boiled. If you want something meaty you can substitute the rice with minced meat.

Dolmades are a favorite among the locals and can be found across Greece. They are best enjoyed with some tzatziki sauce, which is a Greek condiment made from yogurt, olive oil, salt, garlic, chopped cucumbers, herbs, and vinegar.

4. Gyros

gyros - what to eat in Greece

Gyros – what to eat in Greece

This is a cheap meal that you can quickly take away if you decide to take a short stop as you sightsee. Depending on your choice, the meat used to make it can be chicken, lamb, beef or pork. The roasted meat is placed on pita bread then accessories like onions, tomatoes, lettuce, french fries, and tzatziki sauce are added. The gyros is then rolled up and served. Be careful when eating gyros as it can get messy.

5. Saganaki

Saganaki - what to eat in greece

Saganaki – what to eat in Greece

If you love cheese then you must order this starter before every meal you have. Saganaki is basically fried cheese that is named after the small pan used to make it. In Greece, various types of cheese are used to make this meal with the most popular being kefalotiri, feta, graviera, and halloumi. At some restaurants, shrimp, mussels, and tomatoes are added to make saganaki, but having the dish as plain fried cheese tastes good by itself.

6. Baklava

Baklava - What to Eat in Greece

Baklava – What to Eat in Greece

For people with a sweet tooth, this is one of the best Greek desserts you can have. Baklava is made from over 30 layers of phyllo dough, honey or rose water syrup, cinnamon, and nuts to make a very sweet dessert which if you’re not careful you may have too much off.

7. Horiatiki

The Greeks love their meat, so you will find a lot of their best foods have meat as the main ingredient. If you’re a vegetarian trying these meals is definitely a no, that’s why you horiatiki is the perfect meal from you.

This is a Greek salad whose main ingredients include, onions, green pepper, cucumber, tomatoes, salt, olive oil, kalamata olives, and oregano. This salad is amazing and you can order it at most restaurants around Greece.

8. Moussaka

Moussaka - What to eat in greece

Moussaka – What to eat in Greece

This is probably the most popular Greek food outside of Greece. Moussaka is a casserole made from sautéed eggplant, tomato, onion, cinnamon, and minced lamb meat. Depending on which part of Greece you visit you will find different versions of Moussaka all of which are very tasty and filling.

9. Loukoumades

Loukoumades - what to eat in Greece

Loukoumades – what to eat in Greece

These are delicious Greek donuts that have been made in Greece since the first Olympics in 776BC. They’re crispy on the outside and soft in the middle. The cinnamon, powdered sugar or honey added to the Loukoumades also makes them sweet. These are often taken for breakfast together with a cup of coffee or tea.

10. Stifado

Stifado - what to eat in Greece

Stifado – what to eat in Greece

This is a Greek stew made from meat, mostly rabbit, lots of onions, tomatoes, cinnamon, cloves, and a little wine. It is believed that the dish was first prepared in Greece in the 13th century. really enjoy stifado ask for it to be served while hot. It goes down well with egg noodles, rice, mashed potatoes or crusty bread. The stew will leave you warm and full.

There so many other Greek foods you can try. I will quickly mention some more you can add to your list of must-try foods when in Greece.

  • Greek Bouyourdi
  • Soutzoukakia me Hilopitakia (Greek’s version of spaghetti and meatballs)
  • Keftethes (Meatballs)
  • Fava
  • Tiropita (Feta Cheese Pie)
  • Spanakopita(Spinach Pie)
  • Lamb Kleftiko
  • Gemista (Stuffed Vegetables)
Best Restaurants Mykonos - Mykonos Restaurant Guide

Best Restaurants Mykonos – Mykonos Restaurant Guide

Conclusion

Apart from visiting the ancient ruins and sandy beaches in Greece, feasting on the best Greek cuisine while on your holiday will make your trip more memorable. So as you sightsee be sure to try Greek cuisine everywhere you go. You can get back to your pizza, chicken wings, burgers or whatever you like eating once you get back home.