60+ Traditional Greek Foods to Try (IMMEDIATELY)

Classic dishes from Greece you can try this week if you're craving something authentic.

A photo of a Greek food dessert. It shows a dessert plate and spoon, and a cut out square of a custard cake-like dessert on the plate.

I’ve tried plenty of Greek-style cooking in a lot of countries, and it has always been so satisfyingly good.

And as a full-time traveler (since in 2016), I’m more than a bit shocked that I haven’t been to Greece yet. I want to appreciate their culture, but also experience the amazing cuisine in the actual country itself. And especially the specific classic dishes from Greece that I’ve heard about so many times!

My husband and I will get distracted with countries like Turkey, Portugal, or Taiwan, and then we keep on missing this amazing place.

So until I make it there, I’m going to create a helpful guide (for you and myself) of homemade Greek meals to try.

And if you want to put these on yours as well for when you visit Greece, then go ahead! This guide to classic Greek cuisine is meant to be helpful for you too. 😊

Four different images of Greek dishes.

65 Greek Dishes to Try

I love helping you level up in so many parts of your life, and trying new foods is one of them.

You deserve to have amazing experiences with trying incredible food from all around the world and upping your cooking skills.

And those are just some of the reasons why I made this post on the genuine flavors of Greece. It’s an amazing cuisine, and I want to help you feel like a cooking genius. 💪

So let’s get started!

Soups and Sides

1. Tiropita

Tiropita stacked on each other on a pink plate.
PHOTO: ZAHRA22/SHUTTERSTOCK

I absolutely love flakey pastries, and especially if they’re savory. There’s just something so nice about sinking your teeth into a creamy, flaky, hand held pie.

Oh, and this Greek family recipe has three cheeses in it; cottage, feta, and Parmesan. Now I’m not personally gonna complain about anything that has Parmesan in it, but if you’re wondering whether that makes this a traditional recipe, it does!

While Parmesan is an Italian cheese, it’s used by Greek people to make this dish.


2. Gyro Bread

A hand holding a Greek Gyro.
PHOTO: NINA FIRSOVA/SHUTTERSTOCK

There’s just something so nice about having traditional flat bread coming fresh off the skillet for your dinner.

But I’m also going to assume that the pita bread in Greece, whether homemade or in a restaurant, probably beats out our personal recipes.

But until you and I go to Greece, here’s a good pita bread recipe for you to try!

 

3. Spanakorizo

A plate full of Spanakorizo.
PHOTO: ALLEKO/GETTY IMAGES

I love yummy rice side dishes, and this classic dish from Greece looks like a pretty, and tasty, recipe to place on your table!

Also, it doesn’t look very hard or intimidating to try, so if you want to make something that seems relatively simple this coming week, then it might be a fun dish to try. 🙂

4. Fasolakia

A plate of the Greek recipe, Fasolakia.
PHOTO: FROM MY POINT OF VIEW/SHUTTERSTOCK

Another good side dish whether you’re having a huge Greek dinner spread, or just want to try something new.

Greek family recipes really shine with these veggie-based dishes.

And even though I’m not a huge green bean lover, I would definitely try this recipe, which includes ingredients like potatoes, herbs, and olive oil, a try!

 

5. Avgolemono

Two bowls of the soup, Avgolemono.
PHOTO: CANDICE BELL/GETTY IMAGES

Greek egg lemon soup honestly sounds so elegant. Like the kind of recipe you’d have at a fancy restaurant.

It looks so creamy and rich, and I love that it incorporates rice (or orzo!).

And I know parmesan cheese is from Italy, but it could pair nicely with this But don’t quote me, I haven’t tried it yet!

6. Spanakopita

Sliced up Spanakopita.
PHOTO: FASCINADORA/CANVA

Oh my goodness! Can’t you just imagine sinking your teeth into this flaky yummy goodness?

With garlic, creamy feta, olive oil, and a lot more tasty spices and herbs, I think this one might be a winner when I compare it to the other Greek dishes.

Now don’t get me wrong, they all look good, but there’s something about having a savory flaky creamy dish, and then having the panicked feeling of, “Will I be able to stop eating these?”

 

7. Choriatiki (Greek Salad)

A blue bowl full of Choriatiki.
PHOTO: IMARZI/SHUTTERSTOCK

I know we see Greek salads at restaurants, but they actually do eat Greek salads in Greece. This isn’t just some “Greek-inspired” recipe. Nope, it’s a tasty concoction of yummy veggies, cheese, and a nice olive oil and wine vinegar mixture. 

I honestly do find these salads super refreshing, and they’re a great burst of flavor when made right!

8. Kolokithokeftedes

A wooden platter with four Greek Kolokithokeftedes on them.
PHOTO: 22IMAGES STUDIO/SHUTTERSTOCK

This is a recipe you’re going to find in most of the islands in Greece.

Translating out to ‘zucchini meatballs,’ you’re getting fritters that are filled with veggies, feta cheese, and good herbs and spices.

Also, I’ve read that they go really great tzatziki sauce, and you can have them as a meze platter.

Oh, and if you’re curious about meze plates, they’re just small plates with different delicious foods you can try. So similar to tapas from Spain.

 9. Fasolada

A bowl full of Greek Fasolada soup, with feta cheese on top.
PHOTO: PRONINA MARINA/GETTY IMAGES

A white bean soup that’s a staple in Greek homes, Fasolada has many different variations, depending on the family making it.

But the great thing about this dish is that you can use any vegetables you like, and garnish it in the way that you want.

Fun Fact: It’s been called by some as the “national food of the Greeks.” Can’t wait to try it myself!

 

10. Fried Saganaki

A plate with saganaki on it.
PHOTO: ANNASTORIES/CANVA

Fried cheese.

Do I really need to say more than that? I mean I will, but it already sounds so amazing.

I’ve had fried cheese in different countries, and I can’t wait to try the Greek version of it.

Being named after the frying pan that it’s cooked in, Saganaki is fried until melty, and has a nice golden crispiness. Sounds amazing!

11. Horta

A white plate with Horta and lemon on it.
PHOTO: OLGAORLY/GETTY IMAGES

Horta translates out to ‘wild greens’ in Greek, and is a staple in their diet.

It’s a simple dish of boiled wild leafy greens, and sounds like a great side to have with your dinner.

And if you want to try it at home, then here are some of the greens you can look for:

  • Amaranth greens
  • Swiss chard
  • Dandelion greens
  • Sorrel greens

12. Tirokroketes

Cheese balls on parchment paper, representing Tirokroketes.
PHOTO: VM2002/CANVA

Tirokroketes are fried cheeseballs, and are something you’ll apparently find in many taverns in Greece.

It sounds like an easy Greek dish to say yes to, since they’re golden crispy fried balls filled with melty cheese. I don’t know how you go wrong.

 

13. Tapenade

Greek Tapenade on a crostini.
PHOTO: KATARZYNA HUROVA/SHUTTERSTOCK

Made up of Kalamata olives, tapenade (or Greek olive paste) looks like it would go great with freshly baked bread!

Apparently, it’s recommended to buy olives with the pit in them, and then pit them yourself since the flavor is a lot better.

Also, you can serve it as a spread on a sandwich, add to pasta, or use as a dip.

14. Koulouri

Koulouri being served on the street.
PHOTO: RUBEN RAMOS/GETTY IMAGES

If you want to try a bit of Greek street food, then Koulouri might be the best recipe to try!

They’re bread rings that are covered in sesame seeds, and have a slightly chewy center.

Apparently, it’s something you’ll find on the streets of Athens or Thessaloniki, and in many Greek bakeries. Sounds like a fun snack to grab!

 

15. Bouyiourdi

A white baking dish with Bouyiourdi.
PHOTO: ALLEKO/GETTY IMAGES

It’s a baked feta dish, and it only has four ingredients!

For this traditional Greek recipe, you’ll get feta cheese, onions, tomatoes, and peppers.

It also sounds like a fun appetizer, or side, to have along with the main meal. And if you’re a cheese lover, then I’d say go for it!

Main Dishes

16. Moussaka

A piece of Greek Moussaka being served.
PHOTO: NINA FIRSOVA/SHUTTERSTOCK

Essentially, moussaka is a classic Greek recipe that’s makes for really good comfort food.

It’s an eggplant, meat, and veggie bake with a tomato sauce. Then it’s topped with potatoes, and a creamy Bechamel sauce.

It’s the kind of Greek family recipe you eat when you’re wanting something hearty, and don’t really care about the calories.


17. Dolmades

A bowl of the recipe Dolmades  with walnuts.
PHOTO: JOAT/SHUTTERSTOCK

Dolmades are what you have when you want to a ton of flavor, and yummy ingredients all in one bite.

They’re grape leaves wrapped around minced meat, rice, and tasty herbs like rosemary, dill, and mint.

Also, you’ll find them being served as Greek meze dish!

18. Prawn Saganaki

Greek Prawn Saganaki in a cooking pan.
PHOTO: VLADIMIR MIRONOV/GETTY IMAGES

Ever since I was a little kid, I LOVED getting prawns at a restaurant. Now traditionally, that would be at a Chinese restaurant; you know the kind where they’re huge, dipped in batter, and then deep fried. Yeah, those are SO good.

But, now that I know that they have their own prawn recipe (with cheese no less!) in Greece, I can’t wait to try it!

19. Soutzoukakia 

A plate of Soutzoukakia with rice.
PHOTO: AS FOODSTUDIO/SHUTTERSTOCK

I really love yummy bakes, and this traditional Greek recipe, Soutzoukakia, sounds amazing!

Also, this dish is common in other countries such as Turkey, but that makes complete sense since Turkey and Greece are practically neighbors. 🤷‍♀️ 

You bake lightly fried meatballs, potatoes, pepper, spices, and tomatoes in a dish, pair it with a side of your choice, and you’re all set!

 

20. Pastitsada

A white plate with Pastitsada on it.
PHOTO: ARTURNYK/GETTY IMAGES

Coming from the island of Corfu, Pastitsada is a Greek dish that’s made with braised beef, and a yummy sauce. Then it’s served on thick bucatini pasta.

Apparently, it’s believed to have come from Venice, and it can either be made with beef or rooster. But for simplicity’s sake, I’m just going to share the beef version of the recipe. It looks great!

21. Chicken Souvlaki

Chicken Souvlaki on a white plate.
PHOTO: NINAFIRSOVA/CANVA

The next three recipes are gonna be some of their barbecue dishes.

This chicken souvlaki recipe is marinated in garlic, olive oil, lemon, and herbs, so I can imagine this being a nice burst of flavor!

Also, if you want a new alternative to the normal American BBQ, then this tasty Greek recipe is probably a great option!

22. Lamb Souvlaki

Souvlaki on skewers and some on flat bread.
PHOTO: RAWF8/SHUTTERSTOCK

This lamb souvlaki recipe is marinated for 4 hours, but it’s also recommended to let it sit overnight.

The marinade consists of a lot of spices and herbs, olive oil, and garlic and honestly, that sounds so good.

 

23. Pork Souvlaki

Greek Pork Souvlaki on a plate, and a wooden cutting board.
PHOTO BY: LISEGAGNE/GETTY IMAGES

This pork souvlaki recipe is marinated in tasty herbs, olive oil, and lemon juice.

And once it’s done soaking up the tasty flavors, you can grill it on a high heat.

Also, I imagine it going great with some nice fluffy fresh pita bread, and tzatziki sauce!

24. Gyros

Two Gyros side by side on a wood cutting board.
PHOTO: RAWF8/GETTY IMAGES

I feel like gyros are one of the true Greek flavors that a lot of us want to try. And it’s hard to go wrong! Flavorful meat and veggies, wrapped in a soft and fluffy flat bread. Oh, and then it’s smothered in a creamy Tzatziki sauce.

Also, I think this is one of those genuine Greek recipes that needs to either be tried in Greece or at home as soon as possible!

25. Tomatokeftedes

A plate of Tomatokeftedes, and a small bowl of sauce.
PHOTO: DRONG/GETTY IMAGES

Coming from Santorini, this dish looks so good!

They’re essentially tomato fritters, and can be eaten as a part of a meze platter.

Basically, you make this Greek food by mixing chopped tomatoes in with flour, and different spices and herbs. Then it’s fried, and you can have it as a tasty appetizer.

I can’t wait to travel to try this food in Greece myself!

26. Pastitsio

A slice of the Greek recipe, Pastitsio, on a white plate.
PHOTO: JOHN VLAHIDIS/SHUTTERSTOCK

Being a baked pasta dish that has ground meat, and a tasty sounding béchamel sauce, it sounds amazing!

Also, this dish is a part of a larger family of baked savory pies, that can have different ingredients, and is found in many different countries.

It sounds like really good comfort food!

 

27. Keftethes

A white bowl with Keftethes and pasta.
PHOTO: EZUME IMAGES/SHUTTERSTOCK

Keftethes are simply delicious sounding Greek meatballs.

Apparently, it’s a famous appetizer, that’s commonly served as a part of a meze platter. But, you’ll also see it being eaten with tzatziki sauce, and pita bread.

28. Yemista

A plate of Yemista and a side of colorful rice.
PHOTO: BEPSIMAGE/GETTY IMAGES

Yemista are stuffed tomatoes and peppers, and sound like an incredible tasting traditional dish.

So what are they stuffed with? Rice, herbs, olive oil, minced meat, and other tasty ingredients!

Also, they’re baked until they get this really nice browning, and they look so juicy and tender.

29. Yiaourti Me Meli

A small bowl of Yiaourti Me Meli.
PHOTO: CHASING FOXES

It sounds like a dessert, since it has Greek yogurt, honey, and walnuts, but I’m going to count it as a main since it can be made for breakfast.

Also, I saw that it was suggested to use Thyme honey (a variety made in Greece). I don’t know what that tastes like, but I can’t wait to try it.

 

30. Greek Kebabs

A plate of Greek kebabs, fries, sauce, pita, and other veggies.
PHOTO: RIDEROLGA/GETTY IMAGES

Apparently, Greek-style cooking is all about simplicity and amazing flavor, and kebabs are a very tasty and easy-to-find food when traveling in the country.

You can get them as street food, or at restaurants, and they come on skewers with different types of meat (like lamb or beef), and veggies.

Sounds like an easy, on the go, meal to have!

31. Papoutsakia

A white baking platter holding five Papoutsakias.
PHOTO: FROM MY POINT OF VIEW/GETTY IMAGES

Papoutsakia are stuffed eggplant, and that sounds so good.

I love eggplant dishes since the texture, and the flavors, are always amazing!

Also, this recipe has eggplant that’s stuffed with delicious spices, beef, and mashed potatoes. Then it’s topped with a delicious Béchamel sauce and cheese. I can’t wait to try it!

32. Seafood

A busy seafood market in Greece.
PHOTO: DANFLCREATIVO/CANVA

Seafood is of course going to be a widespread food in Greece. 

The country is surrounded by water, and has plenty of islands. And that means you’re going to be seeing different dishes made with octopus, prawns, squid, oysters, barbouni, and other types of fish.

So if you like seafood, then I think Greece is going to be a great place to visit!

Here’s a tasty looking Greek seafood dish that you might want to try!

33. Stifado

A large pan filled up with Stifado, and a wooden spoon resting inside it.
PHOTO: FROM MY POINT OF VIEW/GETTY IMAGES

Stifado is a slowly cooked beef stew that looks, and sounds, very hearty and tasty.

Traditionally stifado is served with orzo pasta, fries, or rice. All of which sound like a great side!

And lastly, being made with red wine, cognac, nutmeg, olive oil, and other tasty ingredients, I can’t wait to try it this dish!

 

34. Giouvetsi

A fork holding some of the Giouvetsi.
PHOTO: BERNJUER/GETTY IMAGES

Giouvetsi is a Greek beef stew with orzo pasta, and it looks delicious.

It’s a very old dish that was traditionally served as a one pot meal. Back in the day, they would’ve used the village baker’s oven, since people didn’t have an oven at home.

But now it can be made more easily, and it’s great for a cold winters day.

35. Kleftiko

Two of the Greek dish, Kleftiko, on a wood table.
PHOTO: KOPACHINSKY/SHUTTERSTOCK

Kleftiko is Greek lamb cooked in parchment paper.

It’s a traditional recipe made with slow cooked lamb, that’s been marinated in garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice.

In the past, it would’ve been cooked in a pit in the ground, which was used to trap in the smoke. So I can only imagine that the flavors would taste amazing. 👌

36. Briam

A plate of briam, bread, feta cheese, and olives.
PHOTO: OLEKSANDR PROKOPENKO

Briam is a recipe that’s a bit similar to ratatouille. 

And this just means you’re going to be seeing slices of veggies like zucchini, eggplant, and potato, that are layered in a dish to bake.

It’s very simple, and sounds like a hearty and healthy dish to top with olive oil and pepper.

 

37. Gigantes

A bowl full of Gigantes, and the lid of the bowl resting on it.
PHOTO: ATHINA PSOMA/GETTY IMAGES

Gigantes are baked giant beans.

They’re baked until soft, and absorb all the delicious juices from the tomatoes and other seasonings.

It’s a classic recipe, and if you can’t find gigantes beans at an international food store, you can always try butter beans.

38. Skordostoumbi

Greek Skordostoumbi in a cooking pan and on a plate.
PHOTO: FROM MY POINT OF VIEW/SHUTTERSTOCK

Skordostoumbi is a garlicky Greek baked eggplant dish. 

It apparently has a bit of a sweet and sour flavor, because of the vinegar that’s added to the sauce, and that sounds so good. 👍

Also, with other ingredients like lots of garlic, feta, honey, and tomatoes, I think this is a great traditional Greek food to have for dinner.

Skordostoumbi Recipe

39. Imam Bayildi

A shallow wide bowl with two Imam Bayildi.
PHOTO: TRENDY ROWDY/SHUTTERSTOCK

Imam Bayildi is probably pure comfort food, and apparently it’s not too hard to make.

Being a classic of Ottoman cuisine, you’ll get some delicious herbs and spices, garlic, caramelized onions, and other tasty ingredients.

It sounds like a great baked recipe to make.

 

40. Makaronia Me Kima

A bowl of Greek Makaronia Me Kima.
PHOTO: GIORGOS KARAGIANNIS/SHUTTERSTOCK

If you like spaghetti, then you might like the Greek version called Makaronia Me Kima.

The direct translation of the recipe comes out to, ‘spaghetti with ground meat,’ and apparently it’s been compared to spaghetti Bolognese.

However, it’s supposed to be much thicker, and more similar to chili. Also you get tasty spices like cinnamon, which sounds incredible. 👌

41. Paidakia

Greek Paidakia in a pile.
PHOTO: VANGELIS_VASSALAKIS/SHUTTERSTOCK

If you like lamb, then these marinated lamb chops might be a great place to start.

They can be grilled or baked, and are traditionally marinated in olive oil, thyme, lemon, garlic, mustard, and other tasty ingredients.

Also, you should apparently add the potatoes into the same pan, so that they can take on the juices of the meat.

42. Kotopita

Cup up pieces of Kotopita.
PHOTO: ALEXANDER RUTZ/SHUTTERSTOCK

Looking like another tasty comfort food, Kotopita is a Greek chicken pie, and it’s wrapped in phyllo dough!

That sounds so much better than normal baked savory pies, and I can only imagine the amazing crunch you get from the layers.

Also, it’s apparently meant to be creamy, but not runny, so that the phyllo pastry won’t be ruined.

Sauces and Dips

43. Taramasalata

A bowl of Taramasalata.
PHOTO: ALEX BAYEV/BAYEVSKITCHEN.COM

There’s something so comforting about having freshly baked pita bread, and dipping it into a tangy, creamy, savory dip. And taramasalata sounds like a great one to try!

Made with cod roe, olive oil, soaked bread, lemon, and more, I would enjoy making this for a get together.


Related: 51 Foods from Japan to Try: Your (Traditional) Food Guide


44. Tirokafteri

A bowl full of the dip, Tirokafteri.
PHOTO: STEPHANIEFREY/GETTY IMAGES

After having gone to different European countries, and tasting some incredible eggplant dishes, I can’t wait to try this dip.

Eggplant can take on a lot of the flavor of whatever you spice them with, so I’m all for trying this Greek feta dip recipe! 🙂

 

45. Greek Fava

A bowl of Greek Fava.
PHOTO: GORCHITTZA2012/GETTY IMAGES

I really love good veggie dips, and this Fava made up of yellow split-peas, garlic, and olive oil, sounds like a great one to make.

I personally see myself eating a bucketload of this when I travel to Greece. Or just making it at home, and storing some in the fridge to eat all week long!

46. Tzatziki Sauce

A wood bowl full of Tzatziki Sauce.
PHOTO: 9DREAM STUDIO: SHUTTERSTOCK

I feel like this is the sauce EVERYONE knows when it comes to classic Greek cuisine.

It’s the one people probably search for the most, and it’s kind of essential. It goes with a lot of recipes, and adds a nice creaminess that enhances true Greek flavors.

Made up of ingredients like Greek yogurt, dill, garlic, cucumber, pepper, and olive oil, it’s so simple, but also a very tasty sounding.

47. Melitzanosalata

Melitzanosalata in a white bowl.
PHOTO: TSVETOMIRA/SHUTTERSTOCK

Oh my goodness, more eggplant, and I am not complaining!

This honestly looks so good, and I could imagine this being a dip where I sink my pita bread in deep, and get an oversized amount dripping onto my plate.

And I would have no shame about it. 

 

48. Tahini Sauce

Tahini sauce in a glass container and a spoon sticking out of it. Other dressings and toppings are around it too.
PHOTO: PINKYBIRD/GETTY IMAGES

Many of us like to use tahini in different sauces and salads dressings, but the Greeks will put it in a different variety of dishes.

So for instance, you’ll see it commonly used in lagana bread, or accompanying honey or jam on some bread.

Fun Fact: When you visit Greece, you’ll see ready-made jars of tahini that are mixed with honey, or cocoa, in the breakfast isles of different Greek supermarkets. I would love to try that!

Desserts

49. Halva

Greek Halva cake that's been cut into, with a piece gone.
PHOTO: PASTRY WISHES

This Greek cake looks so moist, and the ingredients for it sound incredible!

With olive oil, honey, walnuts, semolina (a type of flour), cinnamon, and more, this would be a cake I would try instantly.

This is the type of genuine Greek recipe that would be great with a hot cup of creamy coffee. ☕️


50. Baklava

The Greek dessert, baklava, shaped into small rolls. There are two of them stacked on each other.
PHOTO: PASTRY WISHES

More flakey yummy goodness! I absolutely ADORE baklava! 

It’s soaked in delicious syrups, which kind of just fill your entire mouth with each bite. I’ve personally had baklava syrups with rose in them, and it’s incredible.

But, for this recipe, the syrup consists of honey, lemon peel, cloves, and cinnamon, which I’m sure makes this dessert taste so good!

 

51. Galaktoboureko

Galaktoboureko in a baking tray, with one of the pieces on a plate.
PHOTO: PASTRY WISHES

Galaktoboureko is a popular Greek dessert dish, and for a good reason. 

Made with flaky phyllo dough and custard, I would probably eat an entire batch of this and gain 30 pounds.

But here’s what sold me on this dessert: The custard is made up of heavy cream, vanilla bean powder, sugar, egg yolks and more. It sounds so incredibly rich and good!

52. Koulourakia

The Greek Easter cookie, Koulourakia, shaped into a bunny.
PHOTO: PASTRY WISHES

I love seeing how other countries celebrate certain holidays, and one of them is Easter. There are so many fun baking traditions around this holiday, and I think these Greek Easter cookies look so cute and tasty!

Also, with orange, vanilla, and cognac, I could see these cookies having a very rich flavor!

53. Portokalopita

Portokalopita on a glass plate.
PHOTO: PASTRY WISHES

More phyllo, but I’m not complaining!

This cake is soaked in syrup, which means it’s gonna be extra moist, and a burst of flavor with each bite.

And on top of that, it has orange, brandy, and cinnamon, which means this is gonna be one decadent dessert!

 

54. Ekmek Kataifi

Ekmek Kataifi cake on a white plate, with a spoon.
PHOTO: PASTRY WISHES

Originating in Turkey, Greek style Ekmek Kataifi, has a base layer of syrup soaked shredded phyllo, and is topped with a custard-like cream.

Oh, and of course, it’s finished with some whipped cream and nuts! 

55. Loukoumades

A plate full of Loukoumades, and honey being drizzled on top.
PHOTO: MPESSARIS/GETTY IMAGES

I need this. Right now.

I am seriously weak for deep fried doughy goodness, and these honey doused donuts look absolutely perfect!

Fun Fact: These are also popular in Cyprus and Egypt. I really think it’s so cool how recipes get around, and get adopted by different cultures. 😊 

 

56. Kormos

Kormos that's been sliced up.
PHOTO: PASTRY WISHES

Unless you don’t like chocolate, I don’t see how this traditional Greek dessert is a problem.

I also think that this is the kind of sweet you’d see cut up on a dessert charcuterie board, for a fun get-together! 😊 

57. Kourabiedes

A plate of Kourabiedes, that's been stacked on each other.
PHOTO: PASTRY WISHES

Greek butter cookies… let just how good that sounds, sink in for a moment.

And if you want a yummy new dessert recipe to try for the holidays (or just because), then I think these might be worth a try. 

 

58. Melomakarona

A hand holding the Greek cookie, Melomakarona.
PHOTO: PASTRY WISHES

Another Christmas cookie recipe! Sorry, but I couldn’t resist, these looked SO good!

Made with honey, spices, and walnuts, I could eat a whole batch by myself. Ok, I probably couldn’t do that since my stomach isn’t that big, but I would at least try. 🤷‍♀️ 

59. Amygdalota

A tray of Amygdalota.
PHOTO: COINUP/SHUTTERSTOCK

Amygdalota are almond cookies, and are a very much loved traditional dessert.

Think of it like the Greek version of a macaroon, except they sound like they’re a lot easier to make, since they only have four ingredients.

Also, they can come in different shapes like pears or balls, and can be flavored with things like orange flower water, or rosewater.

60. Bougatsa

A plate full of the Greek food, Bougatsa, with powdered sugar.
PHOTO: Изображения пользователя VLADIMIR MIRONOV

Bougatsa is a custard pie, that’s made with phyllo and cinnamon.

It’s creamy and flaky, and topped with some delicious cinnamon and powdered sugar.

The traditional Greek way of making this dessert is to use good quality butter on the phyllo sheets, which gives it a much more rich flavor.

I honestly can’t wait to try this one!

 

61. Feta Me Mel

A white plate of Feta Me Mel, that's been sprinkled in sesame seeds.
PHOTO: FOTOHELIN/FOTOHELIN IMAGES

Feta me mel is an amazing Greek food that has phyllo pastry stuffed with feta cheese, and then is drizzled in a honey sauce.

I love sweet and salty, so this one sounds like an amazing dessert. 👌

Traditionally however, this dish is shallow fried, but baking will work as well if you want it to be a little healthier.

62. Pasteli

Four different Pasteli resting on each other.
PHOTO: MANGOLOVEMOM/CANVA

Pasteli is a Greek sesame honey bar, and it sounds like a very tasty snack!

It has just two ingredients, honey and sesame seeds, and it takes around 10 minutes to make.

But how do you get the honey to take on the form of a bar? You caramelize it, and let it cool down. Pretty simple!

63. Revani

A table with a plate of Revani and Greek coffee.
PHOTO: TOLISMA/GETTY IMAGES

Revani is a Greek sponge cake.

It’s buttery, golden, and has this amazing sounding orange and cinnamon sugar syrup.

There are different variations of this traditional dessert. So for instance, you’ll find a coconut based revani, and a semolina revani from the region of Veroia.

But with whatever version you try, I’m sure it’s going to taste amazing!

Drinks

64. Frappe

Two tall Greek frappes placed side by side.
PHOTO: BARMALINI/GETTY IMAGES

Frappes are a popular coffee drinks that are made from instant coffee, and started in Greece.

With instant coffee, water, sugar, and milk, it was invented by Dimitris Vakondios, who was a Nescafe representative in 1957.

He had made it at an international fare, and apparently, he couldn’t find any hot water to mix with his instant coffee during a break.

So he ended up using his employer’s shaker to shake it up with some cold water and ice cubes. And that’s how this tasty drink began!

 

65. Ellinikos

Ellinikos being poured into a small white cup.
PHOTO: POIKE/GETTY IMAGES

When I see ellinikos, it reminds me a bit of Turkish coffee with how it’s made.

It’s a strong coffee that has some foam at the top, and grounds sitting at the bottom of the cup.

It’s not filtered, and is made with a special pot, called a briki, which is a copper coffee pot with a long handle.

Also, there are four different types:

Sketos: Plain, no sugar.
Metrios: Medium sweet.
Glykos: Normal sweet.
Vary glykos: An extra strong and sweet coffee.


What Are the Traditional Foods from Greece?

If you’re curious about what classic Greek cuisine typically consists of, then here’s a simple general guide.

Typical Foods from Greece:

  • Grilled meats like goat, pork, or lamb
  • Fresh fish, octopus, and calamari
  • Cheeses such as feta, graviera, or mizithra
  • Baklava
    Honey
  • Kolokythokeftedes (grilled veggie fritters)
  • Moussaka (creamy meat, veggie, and potato bake)
  • Dolmades (stuffed vine leaves)
  • Olives
  • Olive oil
  • Dips and sauces such as taramasalata, tzatziki, fava, and melitzanosalata

Greek Cuisine FAQ

What are some traditional Greek foods?

Some great traditional recipes to try would be feta me mel, souvlaki, gyros, and dolmades. All of these dishes look very simple and are probably very delicious.

What is a common Greek dish?

Dolmades would be a very good example of a common Greek dish. They’re grape leaves filled with spiced minced meat, and rice. And when visiting Greece, you can have them be a part of a meze platter which is a great way to experience the local cuisine!

What is the tastiest Greek dish?

Moussaka sounds like it might be the tastiest Greek dish. It has ingredients like eggplant, meat, and veggies. Then it’s baked with a tomato sauce, and topped with potatoes, and a creamy Béchamel sauce. It really does sound like a rich and comforting Greek recipe.

What’s a typical Greek snack?

A good example of a typical Greek snack would be Koulouri, which is a bread ring with sesame seeds. You’ll see it being sold as a street food in many parts of Greece!


I’m starting to think that maybe going to Greece is a dangerous idea with how much of their food I’d be eating every single day.

It honestly looks so good though, and I really can’t wait to try all of these original Greek flavors!

And if you’re feeling the same way, then I think you need to build your list now, get a ticket, head over, and start enjoying those incredible Greek restaurants.

PS – So what would you like to try when you travel to Greece? I’d love to know!

 

Chasing Foxes was started in 2016 as a way for Grace and her husband, Silas, to start traveling. However, they started to realize that they had a passion for improving themselves, and wanted to help others level up their lives as well. So whether it's with cooking, travel, or staying healthy, they want to help you better your life bit by bit, as they do the same.

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