The first thing I start planning when travelling is my must-eat list! There is so much food to choose from in Greece, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with all the choice.
But fear not, as I have compiled a list of all the best things to eat when in Greece and what they consist of!
Here are my 12 Must Eat Dishes When in Greece…
1.Moussaka
Moussaka is a beautifully layered oven baked dish, filled with aubergine, cheese, meat sauce and then topped with thick béchamel sauce. You just can’t get moussaka anywhere as good as you can in Greece…obviously!
2. Vine Leaves
These are tasty Grape leaves stuffed with a mixture of rice, meat, and spices, and then cooked by boiling or steaming. They taste savoury but are also mildly refreshing as you get a hint of mint with every bite!
3. Gyros
In Greece, Gyros is most commonly made from Chicken or Pork and most places let you choose which meat you would like. It’s pretty much the Greek version of a local donner kebab but a lot more fresh and arguably healthier.
It can be eaten as a main meal or a snack and most places do takeaway for around €3!
Tip: For an even healthier alternative, try ordering a Souvlaki. This consists of chunks of meat and veg grilled on a skewer, just like a Shish kebab.
4. Stifado
Greek Stifado is slow cooked Beef in a tomato-based sauce along with caramelised baby shallot onions and aromatic spices and herbs. It is the Greek version of a stew (us brits love a good stew) and is super tasty and heart-warming!
5. Keftiko
This is a perfectly slowly baked leg of lamb, marinated with lemon juice and herbs. Most places also crumble feta on tpo in the final stages of baking to make it extra tasty!
6. Greek Plate
The crowd’s favourite – the something-for-everyone dish!
One of the main things I struggle with when eating out is deciding what I want. I get major FOMO and want everything! So, when we discovered most restaurants actually offer a little bit of all the Greek favourites onto one dinner plate and name it the ‘Greek Plate’ I was in heaven!
It’s the perfect way to try a bit of everything and pick your favourite dish to commit to next time.
7. Grilled Whole Fish
You’ll find a lot of the restaurants in Greece serve whole grilled fish as a standard. While most of them don’t specify the actual type of fish you get, one of the most common local fish to eat is Sea Bream.
If you’re not one to be fussing with the little fish bones and the head, then I would steer clear and order a delicious Tuna fillet or Salmon! All of these are usually served with Greek salad, chips and rice.
8. Koupes
These originate from the Cypriot region but are widely available all over Greece! It is a deep fried croquette shaped snack made from bulgur wheat, which is stuffed with minced meat, onions, parsley and spices. It is just as delicious as it sounds, and if you come across these I would highly recommend giving them a try!
9. Spiced Hummus
Hummus is widely available where ever you are, but Greek hummus takes it to a whole new level of dip-perfection. The purest olive oil mixed with the perfectly combined herbs and spices make it a mouth watering dip which will add so much flavour to anything you accompany it with!
Pair it with a lightly toasted pitta to really experience hummus-heaven.
10. Baklava
Baklava is a sweet pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts, held together with syrup or honey. It is just as luxurious as it sounds and is the perfect way to end a meal. Wash it down with glass of chilled (yes chilled – the Greek way) red wine to finish off.
11. Spanakopita
Spanakopita is a delicious savory pie made of perfectly crispy pastry, spinach and feta. It can be eaten hot or cold, and as a snack or main meal depending on your portion size. They are a Greek Bakery staple so you won’t struggle to find them!
12. Orange Cake
We discovered this on a whim when the restaurant owners aunt made a whole match and gave it out for free at the end of our meal! We didn’t realise it is actually a Rhodes favourite and is widely available around Greece. It’s rich and syrupy just like a sticky toffee pudding, but sweet and tangy just like orange juice…yum!
The perfect side to accompany all of the above is by far the traditional greek salad! It includes peppers, cucumber, olives, lettuce and tomatoes which is finished off with a big old drizzle of real olive oil!
The tomatoes are also THE best tomatoes we have ever eaten – perfectly plump and sweet! Get them whilst you can, as I have no doubt when you return home you will be dreaming of them.
I hope you all enjoyed reading my list of must eats in Greece and it has got you that little bit more excited for your travels!
Now for the fun bit…happy eating!!
