Your guide to Greek Food & Drink

We pop the cork on Greek wines and answer some of your most important culinary questions about Greece: What do the locals order in tavernas and (once the sunshine has sunk in and you’re truly relaxed) why does ouzo turn cloudy when you add ice?

The Art of Greek Appetizers

Greek meals often kick off with a selection of mezedes, small appetizers that showcase the country’s love for communal dining. Taramasalata, a creamy fish roe dip, and Dolmades, grape leaves stuffed with rice and herbs, are just the beginning. These appetizers are perfect for sharing and set the stage for the delicious courses to follow.

Souvlaki & Gyro: Grilled Perfection

No exploration of Greek cuisine is complete without savoring the iconic souvlaki and gyro. Souvlaki, skewered and grilled meat often served with pita and vegetables, is a staple street food. Meanwhile, the gyro, a delicious combination of meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, offers a mouthwatering experience, especially when paired with fresh tomatoes, onions, and a dollop of tzatziki.

To truly embrace the Greek dining experience, indulge in their traditional beverages. Ouzo, an anise-flavored spirit, is a popular choice for aperitifs and is often enjoyed with mezedes. Did you know that Ouzo turns white when water is added to it? Why that happens? This phenomenon is known as the “ouzo effect” or “ouzo louching.” The transformation occurs due to the essential oils and compounds present in ouzo, particularly anethole, which is responsible for the licorice-like flavor. Additionally, explore the world of Greek wines, with varieties like Assyrtiko and Agiorgitiko, which complement the flavors of Greek cuisine and showcase the country’s rich viticulture.

Greek Salads

Greek salads are renowned for their simplicity and freshness. Crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese come together with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of oregano, creating a delightful medley of flavors.

Baklava & Galaktoboureko

Greeks have a sweet tooth, and their desserts are nothing short of divine. Baklava, a pastry made of layers of filo dough, nuts, and honey, is a heavenly treat enjoyed around the world. Galaktoboureko is a delicious and iconic Greek dessert with a combination of crispy phyllo, creamy custard and sweet syrup.

Tzatziki: A refreshing yogurt and cucumber dip, often served with warm pita bread.
Melitzanosalata: A smoky eggplant dip, perfect for spreading on bread or enjoying with vegetables.
Spanakopita: Flaky pastry filled with spinach and feta cheese, a delightful meze option.

Main Courses

Moussaka: A layered casserole of eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce, offering a hearty and flavorful meal.
Souvlaki: Skewered and grilled meat, usually served with pita, tomatoes, onions, and a side of tzatziki.
Gemista: Vegetables stuffed with a mixture of rice, pine nuts, and herbs, baked to perfection.

Seafood Delights

Grilled Octopus: A tender and flavorful dish, often marinated and char-grilled to perfection.
Psari Plaki: Baked fish with tomatoes, onions, and herbs, showcasing the Mediterranean’s bounty.

Classic Greek Salad

Horiatiki Salad: The famous Greek salad featuring tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with oregano.

Local Drinks

Ouzo: An anise-flavored spirit often enjoyed as an aperitif or paired with mezedes
Retsina: A unique Greek wine with a distinct pine resin flavor, a popular choice to accompany

Sweets and Desserts

Baklava: Layers of filo pastry, nuts, and honey create a sweet and sticky treat that’s a favorite among locals.
Galaktoboureko: a delicious and iconic Greek dessert that consists of layers of crispy phyllo pastry filled with a creamy custard and sweetened with a flavorful syrup.