Typically when you think of Greek food, you think of gyros. But as I learned, there is huge variety in Greek food. The majority of Greek dishes I tried were simple and made use of what’s in season, but they were all done perfectly.
The Greek diet is full of seafood, grilled meats, cheese, fresh vegetables, olive oil and savory pastries. In fact, Greece is considered to have one of the healthiest diets in the world.
After spending nearly a month eating my way through Greece, I present to you the best Greek dishes:
Greek coffee
I’m not much of a coffee drinker, but the Greek are coffee fanatics! On nearly every corner, at all times of the day, you can find a coffee shop full of locals. The only other place where I can recall a comparable coffee culture is Albania.
Greek coffee very much reminded me of the Turkish coffee I tried on my walking food tour of Istanbul but don’t tell a Greek person that! They take their coffee very seriously, as they should: the Greeks actually invented the frappe!
Souvlaki
This is a simple dish that most of you are likely familiar with. Souvlaki is Greece’s favorite fast food and is nearly ubiquitous.
You can have your souvlaki skewered or in the gyro version that we’re most familiar with back in the states, where I’m from.
The pita bread is stuffed with your choice of grilled meat (my favorite is pork), onion, tomato and usually some type of sauce, typically tzatziki- a yogurt and cucumber sauce. Souvlaki also sometimes is filled with fries.
I’m not as used to having the fries on it but I can’t say I was mad! Also, be sure to ask for extra tzatziki– it’s messy but completely worth it!
Koulouri
Full disclosure- I didn’t actually care much for koulouri. But, because it’s so popular, I felt I should include it.
Koulouri is typically eaten as a Greek breakfast on the go. I thought it was a bit like a pretzel covered in sesame seeds, but drier. Try one for yourself for an authentic local dish!
Fennel pie (marathopites)
Fennel pie is a local speciality of Syros, one of the Greek islands.
These simple pies are full of flavor- aromatic fennel and onion in a buttery crust cooked to perfection. Definitely look for these when you visit the island!
Tiropita (Greek cheese pie)
For a pie you can find all over the country, be sure to look for tiropita, or Greek cheese pie.
This savory pie contains several types of cheesed wrapped in phyllo dough and brushed with either olive oil or butter. It’s not exactly a light snack, but it’s a delicious one!
Fava
Anyone who followed me on social media during my time in Greece is well aware of my obsession with fava.
I insisted on fava as one of the appetizers for nearly every meal, and my friends joked I was becoming a fava connoisseur.
Fava is a simple dish- a split pea puree covered in olive oil, a generous squeeze of lemon, and sprinkled with capers and onions. That’s it- so simple, but so full of flavor. Spread it over fresh bread and it’s the perfect snack or appetizer.
I would compare fava to hummus, but I might actually prefer the taste of fava. This is a must try Greek dish during your time in the country.
Tirokafteri- Greek spicy cheese dip
My second favorite Greek dip is this spicy cheese dip I saw on several menus before I decided to give it a try.
I don’t know why I waited so long- it’s amazing!
Feta cheese and yogurt are combined with spicy peppers to make a spread that’s perfect for crusty bread. This became another favorite with our group!
Lemon chicken & potatoes
This is another one of those Greek dishes that was so simple and straightforward, yet incredibly satisfying when done correctly.
Roasted chicken and potatoes covered in fresh lemon juice, olive oil and garlic. The intense lemon flavor permeates both the chicken and potatoes, making the dish surprisingly light.
Moussaka
Other than souvlaki, I would say moussaka is quite possibly the next most well-known Greek food.
If you’ve never had it, moussaka is a dish made with layers of eggplant or potatoes. It often has ground meat and is covered in a white cheese sauce before being baked off.
The recipe typically contains cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice, all combined to give the dish a complex flavor.
My favorite version contains ground lamb or beef and potatoes rather than eggplant.
Olive oil
While most of us consider olive oil simply a basic ingredient, in Greece, it’s a staple of the diet.
In fact, Greeks consume more olive oil than anyone else in the world. So, it’s no surprise they also produce some of the best olive oils in the world.
During an olive oil tasting I attended, we were instructed in the various oils and their specific uses- this lighter one is for salad dressings, this one for baking, this one for frying, etc., etc.
I’ve tried olive oils all over the world, and Greece truly has some of the best I’ve tasted.
Seafood
I know this is a broad category not a specific dish, but Greeks do seafood so well it has to be mentioned.
With such amazing access to a plethora of seafood, the country has perfected its seafood dishes.
Seafood is a staple of Mediterranean cuisine and one of the primary reasons the diet is considered so healthy.
Koliva
I’ll end on a sweet note- koliva is a unique Greek dish that I’ve not had anything like before.
Koliva is a mixture of wheat berries, toasted nuts and dried fruits. This version even contained fresh pomegranate seeds.
This Greek food is traditionally served at funerals. The ingredients are sybolic- the wheat berries represent the promise of everlasting life, the fruits the sweetness of life, and the spices are symbols of plenty.
I always reiterate how I don’t have a sweet tooth. but I actually enjoyed koliva because it was similar to a granola dish with fresh fruits in it. I would gladly have this again.
Visiting other destinations in Greece? Or maybe traveling through Europe? Check out our other delicious guides:
- The 10 Best Chania Restaurants
- The 8 Best Restaurants in Athens, Greece
- The Best Walking Food Tour Of Athens
- 10 Amazing Things To Do In Greece
- The 10 Best Michelin Star Restaurants In Paris
Yum! I love Greek food. I have not had pureed favas, but I do love fresh grilled favas. And I have never heard of Greek coffee (for shame), more to add to my list for when I go.
Definitely give the fava a try– I’m still craving it now! I don’t drink much coffee but everyone who likes coffee loved it so it must be good!
I’ve never tried Greek food before but it really looks tempting.. Moussaka looks pretty tempting and I wouldn’t say no to a Souvlaki too! Oh and good to know about the origins of frappe.. 😉
Oh, you got me there. I love Greek food!
Souvlaki, of course (and my favorite is with pork meat too!), tiropita, tirokafteri, I adore moussaka and enjoy their stuffed vegetables. Don’t know what fava is though, would definitely have to try that one. 😛
Someone told me on Rhodes island last summer that Greek people are laid back, they often take “coffee breaks” during the day and that’s why their frappe-coffee is so long! 😀
I’m familiar with the Greek coffee, it’s similar to Turkish or Serbian, even the Arabic coffee, aside from the fact that Arab people like to add cardamon.
Lovely post, you’ve made want to go back to Greece as soon as possible. At least for a lunch! 😀
@Danijela,
Pastitso
I live in Naples, Italy and I believe we have a different concept of espresso! But it’s good to know that they have a good coffee in Greece! I’ve found something similar to Koulouri in Poland, but you’re right that there are more interesting things to try, especially Tiropita, oh gosh! That one looks to die for!
I absolutely adore greek food, it is one of my favourite cuisines – it just feels so hearty and warming, especially with a glass of wine! Souvlaki is definitely my top, but greek cheese pie is absolutely gorgeous so I’d have to have that too!
Most of the Greek foods you mentioned are very familiar in Romania, my home country. I have a Greek friend which always make fun of me that I really enjoy coliva more than I should, and he doesn’t really understand why I eat it even if it’s not a funeral.
Interesting to read about Greek coffee – I’m not a fan of coffee either, but if you’re not a big drinker but liked the Greek version I might just try it! Didn’t know they invented the frappe!
I’ve always wanted to visit Greece for their seafood – BIG seafood fanatic right here! Roasted octopus over chickpeas sounds divine!
I looooove Greek food especially the sauces!
However, I live in Berlin, and our second most popular food is Turkish. I sometimes find it hard to tell the difference, as the ingredients used are similar.
Any ideas Nathan?
These are some really exotic Greek dishes. Greek cuisine has not been much in the limelight as compared to say Italian cuisine, but it definitely stands out . My favourite among these dishes would be Fava and of course good old Greek Coffee.
I love Lemon chicken & potatoes. It is always amazing and I love when I get a chance to have it at a greek place.
I bet the olive oil is amazing in Greece. I love when I can get high quality olive oil to cook with.
@Jennifer Melroy,
@Jennifer Melroy,
French fries made in Greek olive oil are delicious.
Yum…Greek food does look very nice and I am sure it tastes great too! Being a vegetarian, my options are limited…I do love the look of Koulouri! But what about the desserts? Do share some more about the desserts of Greece too 🙂
Souvlaki! Omg, I ate that stuff almost 2x a day. Perfect backpacker food haha!
I love how you introduce Greek Food to your readers I have never tried one actually, but your photos was too tempting not to be curious about it.
There is a simple reason of similarity between Greek or Romanian,.. foods.Food culture isn’t a thing happen instantly.It is a long process.When we looked to old times We can se they all were part of a Ottoman Empire so these foods real owners actually Ottoman Empire.Turkey has more foods like that except these foods too.Unfortuanetly If Ottoman Empire’s representetive country is Turkey now so their real owners are actually Turks.
Edit:I learnt ı am able to be turk. took back word unfortuanetly
What is the best Greek Olive Oli to buy? Can it be purchased here in the USA? If not can you share where it can be ordered from. Love your article. Makes me want to go to Greece now!
Shortric
Hey Rachel- I don’t have a lot of knowledge about that but I found this article that may helpful: https://nymag.com/strategist/article/best-olive-oils-according-to-chefs.html
I hope it helps!
Where are the recipes? I love Greek food and any recIpes Would be much appreciated.
Being of Cypriot descent, our food is outrageous.
Lemon Chicken!!!
Did you try spinach cheese pie?
Yes! I love the spinach pie. and the cheese pie also!
Everyone should have an authentic Greek meal.I was pleased to hear that we Greeks have really fine oil and we use it more than anyone..
I love Greek food, it’s actually my favorite type of food, I eat it at least once a week. My favorite, which wasn’t mentioned here is pastitsio, it’s such a flavorful Greek dish. All the Greek food looked delish, except for the seafood, of which I’m not a fan of.
For those of you who can’t travel abroad. Stay downtown Chicago and walk 2 miles to Athena in greektown (we did). The Spanakopita is to die for. Freshly baked, and the appetizers are varied and Super Tummy.
1 enjoyed your article, my husband is Greek and I have have been making Greek food for many years!!! You, forgot, one of our favorites, spinach pie. Greeks, would, love hearing, how you enjoyed the country!
Thank you! I love Greek spinach pie! Also, the cheese pie was delicious also. I miss Greek food!
There is only 1 dish I dont eat that octopus 10 stars for all the rest magnificent
Worth mentioning there are countless vegan/vegetarian Greek meals (like horta etc) that are not main stream. It is amusing listening to vegans culturally appropriate Greek cuisine and have absolutely no idea that hundreds of vegetarian Greek meals exist because they visited Greece one summer and did not see vegan meals on the menu. Most Greeks do not go out to consume horta or even eat meat during lent. Therefore meat is enjoyed with loved ones outside of the lent period when you go out.
Traditionally Greeks fast for 40 days at a time for religious reasons throughout the year and most meals are consumed at home. Most Greeks do not go out to eat vegan meals or celebrate during lent. Nothing compares to a homemade bowl of lentil soup. Simply Heaven!! Also,Koliva are made for funerals and as rememberance of beloved ancestors (souls) who have passed away. Usually bowls of koliva are respectfully and dutifully made by the matriarch of each family. Taken to church and blessed. This is not a meal offered in the local tavern.
I love the Greek food I have had. This is why I always wanted to go there to taste the real thing!
Nice article. I’ve been to Greece 10 times but I am not Greek. I am a Hellenophile.
Regarding the food there is significant overlap with many Mediterranean foods. I lived in Saudi, have traveled all over the Mediterranean /middle east and went to cooking school in Spain. The best part of Greek food is the hospitality and congeniality of the people (haritomeni is what they say). I have made many of the foods on the list or had them on my travels.
The dip with cheese I found to be called xtipi-tyri (beaten cheese) and you can get it in my friends’ restaurants.
You also missed taramasalata (caviar salad) which is more of a dip. I also really love village salad (salata xioriatiki). I’m also very fond of gouvetsi or lamb stew…
It’s all great!
Thanks for the article.
Maria
Gemista is one of my favorite greek dishes, stuffed vegetables, mainly tomatoes and peppers. I make mine with Arborio rice, grated onion, olive oil, some raisins, parsley. Sublime. Also, dolmades should be on any list of the best greek dishes.
Spanakopita and tyropita for breakfast
When I’m in Greece I enjoy everything mentioned except mousaka because it sinks way too hard because of the oil and eggplant. Worth mentioning though, is breakfast. I love bougatsa for breakfast. It is a rich, cream filled pastry wrapped in phyllo dough that is then sprinkled with cinnamon and powdered sugar than cut up into bite size pieces turning it into messy finger food. More signicantly, the source is usually a hole in the wall little coffee shop or mini bakery that has a mind boggling number of pastry, sweets and items covered in phyllo then stuffed with cheeses, ham, creams, savory cooked greens and all kinds of goodies that may be regional. You never cared less of something being healthy when you are salivating on the other side of that glass case and trying to decide what the different items might taste like.
Also worth mentioning is the quality of salads. The only time I have ever had a bad salad in Greece is when someone puts it together than thinks they can improve on simplicity. Simple, fresh, tomatoes, sliced onion and cucumbers and fresh bread. The golden elixer that is Greek olive oil pooling on the bottom waits for the fresh bread. The tomatoes are inexpicably the best you have ever tasted as well as the tastiest cukes. It has something to do with the soil and amount and quality of sunshine or it could be magic. One of those three make salads my most memorable part of the Greek cuisine. The olive oil btw, is different than anything else out there. I’d like to describe it but it defies description. It has something to do with olive trees that may be over a hundred years old.
Everything else you eat at a taverna on the shore will blow your mind. The reason for that is the magic. Hearing the whispering waves lazily lapping the sand or the soft gurgling of the waves over a rocky part of the beach, makes your focus so intense on nothing other than that infamous NOW that your presence automatically grounds you. Perfect balance of food and environment causing all the muscles in your neck and shoulders to turn to jello. Yeah, I miss it.
Having grown up with a French grandmother who married a Greek man, and learned to outcook most of the elderly Greek ladies in the community, you haven’t lived till you’ve had Chicken Kapama, tender chicken breasts and/or thighs, braised with lemon juice & cinnamon, then slow-cooked with tangy tomato sauce with potatoes, or, that great Greek dish of roasted lamb & lemon potatoes in a roaster, or eaten Greek cookies like Finikia, Karoumbiades, or Colouria, which are buttery Greek shortbread, rolled into a tube, twisted like a small braid, given an egg wash & sprinkled thickly with sesame seeds. They are light golden-brown, rich but not greasy, terrific for dipping in coffee or hot chocolate. They’re like Lorna Doones but much better. Colouria ARE Greece!
Oh wow, that does sound delicious and I’ve never had that! I need to try this. Thank you!
Lamb chop potates spanakopita galatobouko revani koulorakia
I love your page here. Do you gave a website?? I love Greek food
Thank you, Paula. This is actually my website!
Love Greek food
I love Greek food. My family is Greek. One of my favorite dishes is Pastitsio.