11 Authentic Greek Foods That Should Be On Everyone’s Dining Bucket List
Most people might view the Mediterranean diet as one of the healthiest cuisines in international culture. While that’s certainly the case, it’s also worth highlighting just how delicious Greek food is in and of itself.
In addition to its remarkable health benefits, Greece boasts some of the most decadent meals in Europe – a consensus that, when your competition is France and Italy, isn’t meant to be taken lightly. With easy access to the Ionian and Aegean Seas and a sun-steeped countryside loaded with fresh produce, Greece masterfully uses every available ingredient to construct simple, natural, unbelievably flavorful dishes.
From traditional Greek street food to sweeter desserts, here are some of the many authentic Greek dishes everyone needs to try, at least once in their lifetime.
Souvlaki
One of the most popular international dishes to exit from Greece, souvlaki is a skewered piece of marinated meat (usually chicken or lamb) served alongside a small salad, a warm pita, and a generous helping of tzatziki sauce. A specialty item of local food vendors in Greece, diners can eat their souvlaki straight off the stick or assemble it into a gyro-style sandwich. Regardless of your decision, we assure you that this is a savory sensation you won’t soon forget eating.
Moussaka
Most people identify moussaka as the Greek equivalent of a beef and eggplant lasagna (a Mediterranean spin on an age-old Italian delicacy). With all its similarities to lasagna, this well-loved Greek dish is as uniquely Greek as hummus or souvlaki.
While it’s a common enough dish, most Greek dining establishments offer their own distinct take on the plate. Some places incorporate potatoes, some use lamb instead of beef, and others serve strictly vegetarian moussaka dishes instead of beef or lamb.
Spanakopita
One of several Greek dishes that can be enjoyed at any time of the day, spanakopita is as delicious a breakfast as a flavor-packed lunch or dinner. A savory spinach pie made with flaky phyllo dough, egg, and feta cheese, it’s a simple, easy-to-make recipe that can be served piping hot out of the oven or at a more manageable room temperature.
Horiatiki
Horiatiki – more commonly known as a plain Greek salad – is among the simplest and most delicious meals you’ll find anywhere in Southern Europe. Taking advantage of its warm climate and the bountiful supply of vegetables, Greece’s Horiatiki salad is made from fresh-grown ingredients like diced tomatoes, chopped cucumbers, onion, olives, feta, oregano, a dash of salt and lemon juice, and (of course) olive oil.
The fact that Horiatiki is found on almost every Greek menu should tell you all you need to know about this dependable, stellar side dish.
Kolokithokeftedes
Most visitors might struggle to pronounce it, but there’s little reason to wonder about kolokithokeftedes’ popularity among the local Greek populace. Usually served as an appetizer, it’s made by combining mashed zucchini squash, chopped onions, egg, flour, breadcrumbs, and various spices (mainly dill and mint). Top it with feta cheese and serve it with tzatziki, and you have the makings of a memorable opening chapter in your Mediterranean dining journey.
Pastitsio
Similarly veined and comparable to the pasta dish, moussaka, pastitsio is one of the most filling dishes in Greek cuisine. While pastitsio has significantly evolved over the past century, the current version involves tubular pasta stuffed with cheese, egg, ground beef, tomato sauce, cinnamon, and cloves.
Baked at high heat until golden brown, it’s then smothered with béchamel sauce and a sprinkle of grated goat cheese. Simply typing all that up made our mouths start to salivate.
Saganaki
France might earn most people’s attention for its eclectic cheese line-up. But, if you’re headed to Greece, you better be prepared for the similarly exquisite cheese dish, saganaki.
With a thick block of regional cheese (usually graveria or kefalotyri), sagnaki involves pan-frying cheese until it’s nice and crisp outside yet creamy and gooey. You can either enjoy it as is or smear it over a pita or your Horiatiki salad.
We were served Sagnaki with a delicious orange marmalade.
Dolmades
What’s better than stuffing a vine leaf with rice, herbs, and a generous helping of minced meat? A regional dish that migrated from Eastern Europe to Greece, today’s version of dolmades is about as delicious as its dolma counterparts in Türkiye. For vegetarians interested in trying this dish, dolmades can be ordered with or without meat, or with pescetarian-friendly alternatives involving fish and local seafood.
Kataifi
Like every nation on Earth, Greece doesn’t skimp out on desserts, offering plenty of mouthwatering tidings of sweets and treats. Case in point with kataifi, a lighter, fluffier, and flakier version of baklava made with shredded strips of phyllo. Stuffed with vanilla, sugar, butter, cinnamon, chopped almonds, and topped with dreamy honey- and cinnamon-infused syrup, it’s among the absolute best desserts you’ll find on the entire continent.
Loukoumades
Most people might name baklava as their favorite Greek dessert, but there’s something to be said about the Southern European treat known to the world as loukoumades. Think of them as Greece’s version of American donut holes or Dunkin-style munchkins – a playful ball of pastry dough covered in rich honey or flavored syrup.
If you’re looking for something even sweeter, you can order them with additional toppings, including chocolate, a dusting of cinnamon, or crumbled pieces of almond.
Ellinikos
We’ve spent enough time exploring lunches, dinners, and desserts, but what about specialty beverages you can order in Greece? Above all else, visitors to Hellas should make an effort to try Ellinikos, a variation of Turkish coffee made within a “Briki” (a small copper pot with a long stem handle).
Using rich, dark, finely ground coffee beans may be a bit strong for outsiders’ tastes, but you’ll undoubtedly have a pep in your step once you’ve had a few sips.
