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All about a very Greek breakfast is your guide to Greek mornings! There is a saying that goes: your breakfast should be like a king’s, your lunch should be like a duke’s, and your dinner like a peasant’s. Greek breakfast is a mixture of fresh elements, and different flavors, sometimes sweet, most times savory… But always delicious! The options are many, so let’s begin. We must warn you, though, you might feel a bit hungry after this article!
Read more about food in Greece on our blog
Is breakfast important in Greece?
Breakfast is Greece’s unique history. Traditionally, it was in villages throughout the country that these were mainly the most nutritious meals and also the most filling meals. Greeks prefer dairy products for their breakfast, a tradition that came from their ancestors who needed protein for their daily work in the fields.
Nowadays, breakfasts aren’t big meals in Greece, and a few locals joke that breakfast in Greece was only coffee and cigars. During the last century, it was filled with people who grew up as farmers. Many of these folks live in the city and have an easy snack there.
What is a typical Greek breakfast?
Traditional Greek breakfast consists of bread, cakes, fruit, and yogurt with various ingredients. This is an excellent way to begin the Greek Food adventure!
Eggs have been a favorite breakfast option since the ancient ages, so unsurprisingly, they remain trendy today.
On the other hand, porridge is not a traditional Greek restaurant dish, but you might know about trahana. It is a dish served in many Greek restaurants, and it may be argued that trahana is a prevalent Greek dish, deriving from one first consumed by Greeks in the early.
The Greek breakfast tradition
Breakfast in Greece is a tradition and a culinary experience that reflects the rich cultural heritage and love for fresh, local ingredients. Greek breakfast, or “proino” as it is known in Greek, is a time-honored ritual that sets the tone for the rest of the day. It is a moment for family and friends to come together, share stories, and indulge in a delightful spread of traditional delicacies.
At the heart of breakfast in Greece are bread and pastries. One cannot resist the temptation of biting into a “koulouri,” a circular sesame seed bread ring. Those crispy, golden treats are often enjoyed with a cup of strong Greek coffee, creating the perfect start to the day. Another popular pastry is the “bougatsa,” a flaky filo pastry filled with either sweet semolina cream or savory cheese and spinach. The buttery layers and rich fillings make it a beloved breakfast choice across Greece.
Dairy products also play a prominent role in the Greek breakfast tradition. Greek yogurt, known for its thick and creamy texture, takes center stage. It is often served with a drizzle of golden honey and a sprinkle of crunchy walnuts, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Greek cheeses, such as feta cheese and halloumi, add a delightful tanginess to breakfast dishes. Whether crumbled on top of scrambled eggs or incorporated into pastries, these cheeses elevate the taste and add a distinct Mediterranean touch.
Greek Breakfast in Athens
Welcome to our Greek breakfast in Athens! This Greek Breakfast Tour will start in the middle of non-touristy Athens, on the interesting and alternative Athinas Street.
Fresh fruits, nuts, and honey complete the Greek breakfast experience. Greeks take pride in the abundant variety of fruits available throughout the year. From juicy oranges to plump figs, these vibrant fruits add a burst of natural sweetness to the morning meal. Nuts like almonds and walnuts are enjoyed alongside yogurt or incorporated into pastries, providing a satisfying crunch. And, of course, no breakfast is complete without a drizzle of golden honey. Known for its rich aroma and smooth sweetness, honey is a staple ingredient that enhances the flavors of various dishes, creating a symphony of tastes on the breakfast table.
The Greek breakfast tradition is a celebration of simplicity, quality ingredients, and the joy of gathering with loved ones. From the aroma of freshly baked bread to the rich flavors of yogurt and Greek honey, every element is meticulously chosen to create a breakfast experience that is both satisfying and nourishing. So, whether you find yourself in a cozy Greek village or at a bustling café in Athens, take the time to indulge in the Greek breakfast tradition and savor the deliciousness it has to offer.
10 Traditional Greek Breakfasts To Fuel Your Day
Get started on a good morning in this easy, Greek-style recipe! These simple meals give you a true Greek flavor.
Yogurt with Honey
A combo made from heaven: Greek yogurt with honey. Creamy texture, top quality and flavor, and healthy probiotic qualities. What better way to kick off a long day? Add a spoonful of honey to your yogurt and maybe almonds or fresh fruit. This will provide you with the energy you need for the rest of the day.
Eliopsomo: Greek Olive Bread
Once you visit a traditional Greek bakery, you will encounter many choices for breakfast. Eliopsomo is a bread dough mixed with greek olive oil, olives, or, even better, Kalamata olives. You can add your favorite Greek cheese and serve it with your cup of coffee.
“Koulouri” for a very Greek morning
Start your day with a Koulouri Thessalonikis! It is the most famous Greek morning snack. It is a round-shaped Greek flatbread sprinkled with sesame seeds. You can find koulouri Thessalonikis everywhere. It is typically served plain, but you can also fill it with cream cheese, chocolate, spoon sweets, or anything else.
Good to know: This Greek cuisine recipe comes from our beloved city of Thessaloniki, as the name indicates.
Greek pies: phyllo pites
Pites are delicious savory Greek pies made with phyllo dough and filled with cheese, spinach, and sometimes even meat or vegetables. You can find them in a Greek bakery; they are a must-try taste for a proper breakfast in Greece.
Don’t forget to try the “king” of pites, the sweet bougatsa, and the Greek milk pie. Bougatsa is a sweet pleasure that is filled with sweet semolina cream. Sprinkle it with ground cinnamon and powdered sugar for the whole experience.
Our favorite pies are the cheese pie and the spinach pie. The crispy crust is an excellent combination with local cheese, such as feta or local myzithra cheese.
Read more: A whole new world: The Greek Pie
The “very Grandma’s” breakfast
The Greek grandma’s breakfast is simple yet very nutritious. A slice of bread with butter and honey and a boiled egg. They always pair it with freshly squeezed orange juice, which we all must drink very quickly, or it loses its vitamins. The last missing piece of the traditional Greek breakfast puzzle is always Greek coffee. Make sure you try it.
Whether sweet or savory, it gives us the energy to kick-start our day. That’s why we love and can’t leave the house without having breakfast in the morning. Sometimes, though, you need something new, fresh, and different. That’s when we are all about a very Greek breakfast.
Read more about Greek Cuisine!
“Halva“
For those with a sweet tooth, breakfast in Greece also offers delightful options. One such treat is “halva.” Made from semolina, sugar, and fragrant spices such as cinnamon and cloves, halva is a dessert-like dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast. It has a unique crumbly texture and a nutty, sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with a cup of Greek coffee or tea. Often garnished with chopped nuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon, halva is a delightful indulgence to start your day on a sweet note.
“Tsoureki”
No exploration of traditional Greek breakfast would be complete without mentioning “tsoureki.” This sweet bread is traditionally enjoyed during special occasions such as Easter but is also a popular breakfast choice. Tsoureki is a soft, fluffy bread flavored with aromatic ingredients like orange zest, vanilla, and mastic. It is typically braided and adorned with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or almond slivers. Served with a cup of Greek coffee or a glass of cold milk, tsoureki adds a touch of celebration to the breakfast table.
Greek Breakfast and Food tours
- Cretan Breakfast in Heraklion: Would you ever want to wake up on a Greek island and taste unique flavors? This is your chance to book our Cretan breakfast in Heraklion!
- Greek Breakfast in Athens: Experience a delectable Greek breakfast in Athens! Explore local food markets, savor traditional dishes like Greek yogurt and Spanakopita, and learn about the rich culture of Greek coffee. Join us for an unforgettable breakfast experience, starting from 40€/ person!
- Rhodes food tour: Explore the delicious flavors of Rhodes. Book your seat today at Rhodes food tour for a unique culinary experience starting from 70€/ person!!
Greek coffee – the drink of choice for breakfast in Greece
Greece coffee is made with coffee beans ground in fine powder and then cooked with water. It is unique as it often has foam over it and is typically flavored with sugar. Greek coffee has been in use for centuries since being introduced to Greece by the Ottomans in the 18th century. Since its introduction, Greek coffee has remained an essential drink in all parts of Greece and has become one of the traditions of Greek culture for centuries. It’s an easy but powerful way for a quick start.
Feta Cheese Salad
This cheese-topped salad is a popular Greek breakfast meal serving as an appetizer or a lunchtime snack in the summer months. This salad contains fresh greens like lettuce, arugula, diced tomatoes, cucumber, red and green onions. A small slice of feta cheese is added before serving chilled. It is easy to prepare salads beforehand, making them great travel companions during your holiday in Greece. It’s a wonderful way to start your day with Greek salads and the excellent taste of cheese.
The iconic “Strapatsada” – The Greek Omelet
One iconic breakfast in Greece dish is “strapatsada.” This delectable creation features scrambled eggs cooked with ripe tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese. The combination of creamy eggs, juicy tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is comforting and refreshing. Often seasoned with herbs like oregano or basil, strapatsada is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or with a side of crusty bread, allowing you to soak up every last bit of its deliciousness.
The secret to this delicious treat is the fresh ingredients, the hearty tomato sauce, and the Greek olive oil. It is typically served hot on top of a Greek bread slice.
Greek breakfast in a nutshell
Whether sweet or savory, it gives us the energy to kick-start our day. That’s why we love and can’t leave the house without having breakfast in the morning. Sometimes, though, you need something new, fresh, and different. That’s when we are all about a very Greek breakfast.
Armed with a steaming cup of coffee and an infectious love for teamwork, I brew up brilliant product designs and digital marketing strategies that will leave you buzzing with excitement.
