Greece: Food

Greek food has historical influences of other countries from its long cultural past. The food is typically Mediterranean cuisine using olive oil, vegetables, herbs, grains and breads, wine, fish and meats.

Typical ingredients include lamb, pork, olives, cheeses, eggplant, zucchini and yogurt (tzatziki). Feta cheese in particular is what most people think of when they recall Greek or Mediterranean cuisine, especially the popular Greek salad. Souvlaki (kebabs) are another popular way of eating food. Greeks have long loved skewering their meats. Gyros and pitas are also among the well known foods of Greece.

Moussaka is a traditional Greek dish. The bottom layer consists of eggplant slices sautéed in olive oil. The middle layer is comprised of chopped up lamb bits mixed with onions, garlic, tomatoes, herbs and spices. The top layer is a white sauce or egg custard. Each layer is cooked individually and laid in a lightly buttered pan and baked until the top layer turns brown. As with many recipes, there are always changes dependent upon the chef's or consumers' desires so you may find that everyone makes this dish a little differently.

Other traditional Greek cuisine includes: giouvarlakia (meatballs with rice in a white egg and lemon sauce), many meat dishes made with lamb, pork and veal, and spaghetti bolognese. Fish dishes are extremely popular along the coast and on the islands.

Greek food uses a lot of sweet spices such as cinnamon and citrus flavors. Desserts are mostly nut and honey based with the honey coming from fruit nectar such as a lemon, orange, pine or thyme tree.

What is your favorite Greek food? We are not opposed to anyone sharing their recipe with us! ☺