What to Eat in Greece

Greece is a culinary treasure, with an array of interesting and savory dishes to try. If you find yourself traveling to Greece and at a loss for what to eat, here’s an easy guide to some of the best dishes the country has to offer.

Breakfast

As with most European countries, the Greeks are less breakfast-heavy, opting for fruit, pastries and coffee rather than a large meal.

Spanakopita: A savory, flaky pastry filled with warm feta and spinach

Greek coffee: A thick and strong coffee blend that is unfiltered, sure to put some hair on your chest and wake you up for the day

Croissants: Croissants are a must-have in Greece; the flaky buttery treats are a staple in European breakfasts.

Appetizers

Appetizers cans sometimes turn out to be a meal here, because there are just so many good ones to try and pass around the table.

Tzatziki & Pita: A creamy dip made of yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil and seasoning is the perfect refreshing topper for almost everything. Try it with pita or on top of meat.

Stuffed Grape Leaves: Soft grape leaves stuffed with a mixture of rice, mint, lemon and sometimes minced meat, these little bites are refreshing and delicious.

Greek Salad: Greek salad is best had in Greece, with fresh tomatoes, feta cheese, cucumber, olives and onion — every bite is bursting with flavor.

Lunch/Dinner

Souvlaki: This traditional meat dish is another staple consisting of seasoned meat kabobs, usually chicken or pork, grilled on a skewer. The simple dish is usually served with pita, tzatziki sauce and French fries.

Prawns: Prawns are best tried on the Greek islands, close to shore. Prawn Saganaki, served in a red sauce with feta cheese is a favorite.

Moussaka: If you’re looking for something rich and different, moussaka is your dish. An eggplant- and potato-based dish with ground beef, red sauce and layered in bachamel, it’s decadent and filling.

Dessert

Baklava: This honey-drenched, nut-filled pastry is a staple in Greek cuisine and will leave you drooling for more.

Digestif

An after dinner liquor, popular in Europe, meant to aid in digestion

Ouzo: This sweet and strong liquor, similar to its Italian counterpart sambuca, will usually be served to you after dinner without even asking. It’s meant to be sipped slowly and enjoyed.