Must-Try Foods for Your Next Trip to Greece

Greece is definitely not in short-supply when it comes to reasons for travelers to visit—beautiful islands, centuries of history, incredible nightlife … the list goes on. But ask almost anyone who has visited what they loved the most and you will hear the same thing over and over again: the food.

Greek cuisine is world-renowned for its tantalizing flavors, but if you aren’t familiar with the breadth of this ancient cuisine, you might be missing out on some really great dishes. Sure, you can stick to ordering gyros and Greek salad at every meal (simply the thought of a mouthwatering gyro is enough to draw me back year after year!), but next time you visit, be sure to check out these lesser-known options that should be on every traveling foodie’s list.

Fava is one of those appetizers that often goes unnoticed but really shouldn’t. Not a true fava — you won’t find a single fava bean on the plate — this dish is made of puréed yellow split peas cooked with onions and olive oil. The creamy spread is usually topped with red onions and a drizzle of olive oil and pairs perfectly with crusty bread served with almost every meal. Variations of this dish can get quite creative, with unique accompaniments like smoked eel to give the dish an extra boost of flavor.

Greek culture puts a heavy emphasis on nightlife, and that includes the foods people often enjoy on a night out. Greek tavernas typically stay open fairly late, especially if they cater to the nightclub crowd, and small, shareable plates are popular options. If you see bekri meze on the menu, be sure to try it as you won’t be disappointed. Meaning “drunken appetizer,” this dish of stewed pork is the perfect embodiment of the country’s nightlife culture and the incredible flavors for which the local cuisine is known.

Most people are familiar with baklava, a classic Greek dessert known the world over. But sweets are a big deal in Greek cuisine, and there are so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to pick just one. One option is a rich and smooth galaktoboureko. Typically served warm, this creamy custard is baked inside of layers of crispy filo dough moistened with a sweet syrup, giving you an impressive variety of textures along with the sweet and satisfying end to a good meal.

Travelers are known for their adventurous spirit and food is the perfect way to let that spirit soar. This goes without saying in Greece where menus are bountiful and flavors are delectable. Greeks are proud of their cuisine and enjoy sharing it with others, so don’t be afraid to take a chance and try a bit of everything. You will soon find yourself planning another trip just because you are hungry.