Greece is a culinary wonderland with vibrant flavours and traditions that reflect its beautiful landscapes and storied history. And luckily for us, it’s also simply one of the best holiday destinations basically at our doorstep. If you’re looking for a foodie getaway, you couldn’t pick a better place – and here’s why.
The taste of Greece
Greek cuisine is celebrated for its simplicity and focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. Olive oil, the backbone of the Mediterranean diet, features prominently in everything you can find here – be it salads or hearty main courses. You might be spared from it in deserts – but not all of them.
You’ll also encounter lots of juicy tomatoes, briny olives, aromatic herbs like oregano and thyme – and the creamy goodness of feta cheese, of course.
The flavours of the country are as diverse as its many islands, so it’s worth looking at island hopping when booking your Greece holiday, to get as many delicacies in as you can. Nothing better than switching between the bold tastes of the mainland and the lighter cares of the Cyclades.
Must-try dishes
No visit to Greece would be complete without trying some classic dishes. But what are they? Moussaka is a comforting blend of eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce is a good start. Souvlakis are succulent, marinated meat grilled on skewers and a very popular street food. Oh, and don’t leave without sampling spanakopita, a flaky pastry filled with spinach and feta.
But that’s just the well-known ones. We also recommend you dive into more local specialities like stifado (a hearty stew with onions and spices), kleftiko (slow-roasted lamb), and grilled octopus.
The country is also fantastic at creating salads. There is, of course, the classic Greek salad, but also some more robust with grains and cheese.
Wine and spirits
Even though the Greek drink considerably less alcohol than the average European, its wine scene is thriving – with a variety of exceptional wines to explore. Santorini Assyrtiko, with its crisp notes, is perfect for seafood. For meats, try a wonderful Agiorkitiko.
In addition, no meal is complete without a digestif. Ouzo, with its distinctive anise flavour, is probably the most traditional choice. But if you are in the mood for something stronger, ask for tsipouro, a smoky grape brandy!
Where to eat
When it comes to locations, you have a wide array of dining experiences available to you. For the most authentic taste of Greek life, always look for family-run tavernas serving traditional home-cooked dishes. You won’t find anything better than that. These often feature set menus with a selection of meze, small plates ideal for sharing.
For something more modern, there are also quite a lot of innovative restaurants worth exploring – especially in bigger places. Many of them bring fresh perspectives to local ingredients and traditional recipes, blending old and new flavours. They might be especially fun if you’re familiar with the cuisine to begin with!
Have a look at food festivals, too. The Athens Food Festival (with an Octoberfest variant coming up!), for example, is almost a must-visit.