Food in Greece: The Ultimate Greek Food Guide for first time travelers

Greece might be known for its history, monuments, great weather, and beautiful beaches, but it is also known for its food. Food in Greece follows the pattern of Mediterranean cuisine but also has a lot of unique food combinations, which will make your experience in the country even more remarkable.

The food is nutritious, flavorful, and frequently made with locally sourced ingredients. While there are many international food options in Greece, it is well worth exploring the local cuisine.

Check our ultimate Greek food guide for first travelers like you below!

What do we mean by traditional Greek food?

The “Mediterranean Triad” of olives, grains, and grapes influenced Greek cuisine. Traditional Greek cuisine was built on these pillar crops. While wheat is the staple grain, olives and wine are essential to the diet. Fresh mint, oregano, thyme, and fennel are used in several cuisines. Greek cuisine offers a wide variety of cheeses as well!

Which dining options are available for food in Greece?

• A restaurant is known as an estiatorio: In Greece, this can be difficult to distinguish from a taverna (see below). The only difference between the two is the type of table covering. Traditional Greek dishes are served in both of them.
• A furnos: is a savory pie shop that typically serves tiropita (cheese pies) and spanakopita (spinach pies).
• A kafeneion: is the original coffee shop and is one of Greece’s oldest types of establishments.
• Mezethopoleion: As the name implies, this is a general meze spot with a variety of mezéthes (Greek appetizers)
• Taverna: A taverna is much more casual than a restaurant, but it serves all the traditional Greek dishes you know.

What to eat as a tourist?

If you want to get the ultimate Greek food experience seriously, then you need to eat in a Greek taverna. These places are all around the country, and actually follow the same pattern in the food menu.

Order like a local! Everything made in the Greek taverns is fresh, rich, filling, and bursting with flavor. However, as with many other tourist destinations, navigating the tourist traps can be difficult, and even when you do, you may find yourself unsure of what to order. That’s why we’re going to propose you some Greek food options.

The appetizers vary depending on where you are in Greece. Still, you can always count on tzatziki, tirokafteri (spicy cheese spread), taramosalata (fish roe dip), melitzanosalata (aubergine spread), and, of course, Horiatiki Salata (Greek Salad). Horiatiki is a popular local dish that usually comes in a large bowl. Plenty for everyone!

Aside from the traditional Greek salad, there are a variety of salads to try. The Dakos salad from Crete.
Dolmadakia (rice-stuffed vine-leaf parcels), keftedes (meatballs), and cheese saganaki are some other delectable appetizers to try (fried cheese). The main dishes to include in your Greek feast vary depending on where you are in Greece.

Finally, a glass of local wine will skyrocket the dish’s taste in companion with your favorite meal!

How to Order Like a Local in a Greek Taverna?

If you think you went here for statues, a beach, and sparkling sunshine, think twice about it. Greece’s cuisine is an essential element of Greece’s culture. There’s a delight for everybody who comes to Greece, and it shouldn’t be missed. Every product in Greece has freshness and rich flavors. In some cases, it can seem like tourist traps are difficult to follow. Tell me the best way to place an order with the right people in your community!

The most traditional food in Greece!

Take some notes. The following, I would say, are the most traditional options in the food you can eat in Greece.

• Olives and Olive Oil: For millennia, Greeks have grown olives. According to legend, Athena won the favor of the city of Athens by giving it an olive tree. Locally grown olives are frequently served with Greek meals.
• Fresh Fish & Octopus: Visit a seaside taverna and eat as the locals have since ancient times.
• Feta: Fresh Greek cheese is a delight, unlike the plastic tubs found in markets outside of Greece.
• Honey: Honey has been sacred since ancient times and mythology. It is super nutritious, healthy, and tasty!
• Syrupy sweets: Almost everyone adores this kind of sweets there. Don’t miss the chance to get one after your main meals!

Are there any desserts in Greek cuisine?

You shouldn’t even ask yourself about that. The answer is a total yes! Greek cuisine has various range of sweets – desserts!

For a decadent dessert after their main course, locals frequently choose pasty establishments. The richest taste on your lips will be left by a slice of Ravani cake, which is typically provided as a complimentary dessert after your dinner.

Food in Greece is a very sacred thing for everyone. Flavored, tasteful, and healthy food combinations are all around the country. As you understood from the article, you can find all kinds of tastes and personal diet-based dishes. So, what are you waiting for? Make Greece your next food destination!