What to Eat and Drink in Greece: A Culinary Journey Through Authentic Flavors
Greece is a food lover’s paradise, known for its fresh ingredients, rich flavors, and vibrant dining culture. The Greek diet is one of the healthiest and tastiest in the world, focusing on simple ingredients cooked to perfection.
If you’re planning a trip to Greece, get ready to savor every moment with this guide to the best foods and drinks the country has to offer.
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1. Savor Traditional Greek Starters
Greek meals often start with a spread of small dishes called “mezedes.” These appetizers are an introduction to Greece’s bright, fresh flavors. Here are a few must-try starters:
- Tzatziki: A creamy, tangy dip made from yogurt, cucumbers, and garlic. It’s served with pita bread or veggies and is refreshingly cool.
- Saganaki: Fried cheese, often made with kasseri or kefalotyri cheese, that’s crispy outside and gooey inside. It’s a salty, savory delight.
- Dolmades: Grape leaves stuffed with rice, herbs, and sometimes ground meat. These bites are slightly tangy and perfect with a squeeze of lemon.
- Fava: A delicious yellow split pea puree often topped with onions and capers.
Quick Tip: Pair your mezedes with ouzo or tsipouro, traditional Greek spirits, for the full experience.
2. Indulge in Souvlaki and Gyros
No trip to Greece is complete without tasting souvlaki and gyros. These beloved street foods are as tasty as they are iconic.
- Souvlaki: Skewers of grilled meat (usually pork or chicken) seasoned with herbs. Served with pita, tomatoes, onions, and a dollop of tzatziki, it’s satisfying and affordable.
- Gyros: Similar to souvlaki but served in pita wraps with seasoned meat, fries, tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki. It’s filling and perfect for eating on the go.
Quick Tip: Some places offer gyros with lamb, adding a unique, rich flavor to the dish.
3. Try the Classic Moussaka
Moussaka is a quintessential Greek dish you won’t want to miss. This hearty casserole layers eggplant, ground meat (typically lamb or beef), and a creamy béchamel sauce. Baked to golden perfection, moussaka is both comforting and flavorful.
Quick Tip: Many restaurants offer vegetarian moussaka with zucchini or potatoes instead of meat.
4. Sample Fresh Greek Seafood
Surrounded by the Aegean, Ionian, and Mediterranean Seas, Greece boasts some of the freshest seafood around. In coastal villages, seafood is prepared simply, often grilled with olive oil, lemon, and herbs to highlight its freshness.
- Grilled Octopus: Tender, smoky, and perfectly charred, grilled octopus is a Mediterranean favorite.
- Kalamarakia Tiganita (Fried Calamari): Lightly battered and fried, it’s crispy outside and tender inside, usually served with a lemon wedge.
- Barbounia (Red Mullet): A popular fish served grilled, with a light, flaky texture and mild taste.
Quick Tip: Pair seafood with a crisp white wine like Assyrtiko or Moschofilero.
5. Enjoy Greek Salads and Fresh Vegetables
The Greek salad, or “horiatiki,” is a simple yet refreshing dish packed with juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, and feta cheese. Topped with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of oregano, it’s a fantastic side or light meal.
- Horta: A mix of wild greens lightly boiled and served with olive oil and lemon. It’s a nutritious and earthy side dish.
- Briam: A baked vegetable medley of zucchini, eggplant, potatoes, and tomatoes. This dish highlights Greece’s seasonal veggies and is deliciously wholesome.
Quick Tip: Greek salads are often served without lettuce—focusing on fresh, seasonal produce instead.
6. Relish Greek Pastries and Sweets
Greek desserts often incorporate honey, nuts, and spices, creating treats that are sweet yet satisfying. Perfect to pair with a Greek coffee, these sweets are a must-try:
- Baklava: Layers of flaky phyllo dough, crushed nuts, and honey syrup. It’s rich and sticky, with a perfect crunch.
- Loukoumades: Greek doughnuts drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, they’re perfect for sharing.
- Galaktoboureko: A custard-filled phyllo pastry with a hint of citrus, topped with syrup for extra sweetness.
Quick Tip: Enjoy these sweets with a traditional Greek coffee, which is strong, rich, and served with grounds in the bottom of the cup.
7. Sip Greek Wines
Greek wines have a rich history, and the country produces a variety of unique, flavorful wines. Greece’s distinct terroirs contribute to exceptional wines you won’t find anywhere else.
- Assyrtiko: A white wine from Santorini known for its crisp, mineral notes. It pairs well with seafood.
- Xinomavro: A bold red wine with flavors of dark fruit and spice, often compared to Nebbiolo. Ideal for pairing with red meats.
- Moschofilero: An aromatic white wine with floral and citrus notes, making it perfect for lighter fare.
Quick Tip: Wine tastings are available in wine regions like Nemea, Crete, and Santorini, providing a deeper dive into Greek wine culture.
8. Enjoy Greek Spirits and Cocktails
Greece has a vibrant cocktail scene, but local spirits like ouzo and tsipouro remain popular.
- Ouzo: A potent, anise-flavored spirit typically enjoyed with ice and water. It turns milky white when mixed with water and is a perfect accompaniment to mezedes.
- Tsipouro: Similar to Italian grappa, this distilled spirit is made from grape pomace. It’s potent and best enjoyed slowly.
- Metaxa: A unique spirit blending brandy with herbs and spices, often enjoyed neat or with a splash of water.
Quick Tip: For a refreshing cocktail, try a “Greek Mojito,” which uses mastiha, a resin-flavored liqueur from the island of Chios.
9. Try Yogurt and Honey
Greek yogurt is thick, creamy, and less sweet than American-style yogurt. It’s often served with a drizzle of local honey and walnuts. This simple dish is nutritious and flavorful, a perfect breakfast or dessert option.
Quick Tip: Look for yogurt made from sheep’s or goat’s milk for an authentic taste.
10. End with Greek Coffee and Frappe
Coffee is essential in Greek culture. Here are two favorites:
- Greek Coffee: Served in a small cup, Greek coffee is thick and unfiltered. It’s brewed with grounds at the bottom and enjoyed slowly.
- Frappe: A cold coffee drink made with instant coffee, water, sugar, and ice. Perfect for warm afternoons by the beach.
Quick Tip: Greek coffee can be ordered as “sketos” (unsweetened), “metrios” (medium sweet), or “glykos” (sweet), depending on your preference.
Final Thoughts
From street food to sweet treats, Greece offers a wealth of culinary treasures that highlight its cultural heritage and fresh ingredients. Each dish is prepared with love and showcases a flavor of the Mediterranean. As you explore Greece, indulge in the local food and drinks to experience the heart of Greek culture and hospitality.