5 Must-Try Greek Foods You Shouldn’t Miss as a Tourist

There is no better way to get a feel for the culture of Greece than through its food when one is in the country.

The cuisine here has a reputation for being fresh and full of flavour, with strong ties to tradition. So whether you are making your way around Athens or have put in an appearance at a taverna by the sea on one of the islands, make sure to sample the following five staples. They are as much a part of Greek hospitality as they are of the local palate.

---

1. Moussaka

Moussaka is a substantial, layered affair of eggplant and ground beef or lamb with tomatoes, all bound by a creamy béchamel. In many ways it is the Greek equivalent of lasagna. The dish is put in the oven until golden and comes to the table warm.

There is good reason not to pass it up. As comfort food goes, this is hard to beat; it is rich and satisfying, with plenty of Mediterranean spice to be had. One will find that every taverna and family has a way of making it their own, which makes sampling it while in Greece an absolute necessity.

---

2. Souvlaki

Souvlaki is perhaps the best known of Greek street foods. In its most common form it is a skewer of grilled meat put before you with pita, tzatziki and some onions and tomatoes. There are plenty of variations to be had as well, from chicken or pork to lamb, and even for those who prefer a vegetarian option.

The reason for its iconic status is plain: it is a matter of good flavor at an affordable price and done in short order. Make of it what you will, a snack or your entire meal, but souvlaki is the kind of Greek food experience one is inclined to have again and again.

3. Greek Salad (Horiatiki)

A Greek table is not truly set without a horiatiki, the country’s classic salad. One will find it made up of tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, green peppers and olives, with a good slab of feta on top, finished off with a drizzle of olive oil and some oregano.

Tourists are drawn to it for good reason. The dish is healthy and refreshing, but then there is the feta; in Greece the cheese is something else entirely, with a fresh, creamy and salty quality that you do not get elsewhere.

---

4. Spanakopita

A good example of a savory pastry, this one is put together with layers of phyllo and a filling of spinach, feta, herbs and on occasion leeks. After being baked to a golden crisp it makes for a fine breakfast or lunch, or simply a snack. For the full experience, we would recommend picking up a warm one at the bakery in the morning; it is something of a local favorite.

5. Baklava

There is no dessert more quintessentially Greek than baklava. One finds in it a rich, sweet pastry of phyllo layers studded with chopped walnuts or pistachios and drenched in honey or syrup.

What makes it so memorable is the combination of spice from the cinnamon or clove, the sweetness and that characteristic crunch. A strong cup of Greek coffee is the perfect accompaniment.

Final Bite

One could say that Greek food is a celebration of life, family and good flavor as much as it is a meal. The five dishes here are only the start of what you will find in Greek cuisine. When out strolling through the ancient ruins or putting in some time on the beach, do yourself the favor of eating as the locals do; you will not regret it.

If one is in the mood to put in a little more effort, there are fine local wines to be had, as well as fresh seafood and a cheese pie or two (tyropita).

About The Author