What to Eat in Greece and Where

A culinary history that dates back 4000 years, Greek cuisine is made up of a delightful combination of meat, fish, wide-variety of vegetables, olive oil, grains, cheese, lemon juice, yoghurt and bread. Not to mention the sweet dishes filled with nuts, honey, fruits, filo pastry. There is so much on the platter! Here are five dishes you definitely must sample on your Greek holiday.

Moussaka

Creamy and juicy, it consists of meat (lamb or beef) cooked in tomato sauce and layered with egg plants, béchamel sauce, and usually covered with yummy cheese. It is like a pasta-free lasagne. There are many local and regional variations of this dish, and all of them are best enjoyed with garlic bread.

Where to try it?

Klimataria in Athens. It may not offer you a five-star ambience, but you will get authentic Moussaka, served to you amid live Greek music. A warm, friendly staff only adds to the joy.

Location: Pl. Theatrou 2, Athina 105 52, Greece

Read more: 7 Places to Visit in Greece That Will Blow Your Mind!

Lamb Kleftiko

Kleftiko is a rustic, traditional Greek dish consisting of melt-in-the-mouth slow-cooked lamb that has been marinated in lemon juice, garlic and olive oil, and dressed with herbs and seasonal vegetables. The meat is either baked in grease-proof paper packs or braised in earthen pots. Lamb Kleftiko actually means ‘stolen’ lamb and dates back to the time of the Klephts (or highway robbers) who used to steal lambs and cook them in hidden underground earthen pots to conceal the flavour and aroma. The method still continues, and today this dish comes in numerous variations, but what remains common is the irresistible taste it offers!   

Where to try it?

Tucked away in Metsovo, amid the Pindos mountains, stands To Koutouki tou Nikola, which is known to serve excellent lamb Kleftiko. The owner prepares the dish herself and the herbs and vegetables come from her own kitchen garden. Need we say more?

Location: Under the Post Office, Main Street, Metsovo 442 00, Greece

Greek Salad

Fresh, crunchy cucumber, ripe, juicy tomatoes, red onions and olives, topped with a generous helping of feta cheese is what makes up Greek salad or Horiatiki. A must-have with every Greek meal, the dressing is often left to individual preferences. So, when you order a Greek salad, don’t be surprised if they serve you vinegar, salt, pepper and olive oil separately.

Where to try it?

Funky Gourmet serves one of the best Greek salads in town. It is their signature dish, and is served in the form of a scoop of white snow. At first, you may be taken aback at the sight of it, but then the waiter drizzles a few drops of olive oil and you proceed to take a bite of it and lo! You will find the flavours of tomatoes, olives, cucumber and feta cheese bursting into your mouth. The veggies are so fresh that the taste lingers on for a long time. 

Location: 13 Paramithias Street, Salaminos, Kerameikos, Athens

Bougatsa

Usually a breakfast dish, the classic Bougatsa is a phyllo pastry consisting of semolina custard sprinkled with powdered sugar and cinnamon. The savoury version is filled with delicious minced meat, cheese and, at times, spinach. The best bit about this dish is the wafer-thin layers over which the filling is spread out. Whichever variety you choose, you are making a good start to the day with Bougatsa, which is traditionally cut into many pieces and served with cool café frappe. 

Where to try it?

The best Bougatsa is supposed to be found at To Anoteron in Thessaloniki. Run by two brothers and their father, this restaurant serves only Bougatsa—and in different varieties. They have been serving this delicacy for about half a century now, and are known for their fresh food and excellent quality. Reach early in the morning to get the best of the lot!  

Location: Close to Saint Demetrius Church, Thessaloniki

Read more: These Hotels in Greece Promise Window-Views to Die For!

Taramasalata

A dip, but not just any dip. Smooth and creamy, Taramasalata is made out of smoked fish roe (eggs) mixed in olive oil and lemon, with a starchy base of either potato or bread. This dish is a beautiful pink in colour and depending on the roe that is used, the intensity of the pink colour varies. Although it may come across as high in calories, it is rich in Omega 3 and protein. It is usually served with pita bread. Always opt for homemade Taramasalata over the ones being sold in shops.

Where to try it?

The best place in Greece to eat Taramasalata is Kiki’s Tavern. There is usually a wait of about one to two hours, but people don’t mind it as they are offered free wine and a refreshing dip in the nearby cove. Your dish would be ready by the time you are back from a quick swim! Dig into those pita breads and dip them into heavenly Taramasalata. An ethereal experience indeed!   

Location: Agios Sostis Beach, 846 00, Greece

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