Top 20 foods you must eat in Greece (2023)

Greek food quickly rose to number one for my husband and came close to my undeniable adoration.Mexican.

What exactly was it that made us fall in love? Well, my apologies in advance, but this will make your mouth water. Big moment!

There were some groceries thereGreecewhich had strange names for our English languages, but were so delicious that we really wanted to remember the name. I decided to put together a list for you so that you can relax next to the crystal clear waters of aGreek islandYour tummy won't feel left out. Or if you can't do it, at least¡cocínalo!

Island Tip: Explore the Greek islands by ferry. Find out about current prices forAtenas a Santorini.

Travel tip:Turkey is a neighboring country brimming with traditional foods. If you want to visit Turkey, compare the hotel options belowotelleri.net.

1. Rotunda

Greece has gyros, souvlaki and kebab which is pretty much the same where I come from so we asked our guide to explain the difference. A gyro is when meat is grilled vertically on a skewer. Slices are then placed on pita with the typical accessories: sauce (tzatziki), tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and often French fries. They are cheap and so delicious! But too complicated for kids, try the alternative.

we stayed in theOscar Hotel AthensThis was just around the corner from a Stathmos Larisis tube station and within walking distance of street vendors selling delicious gyros.Read more reviews...

2. Souvlaki

It means skewer, meaning anything that is grilled on a skewer (lamb, chicken, pork, etc.). These are great for kids (and adults, too). Sometimes these can be served in a gyro-like style, wrapped in flatbread with sauce and garnish. Other times just the meat on a skewer.

3. Doner

A doner kebab is a long piece of meat, similar to a hamburger. It's meat, all shredded and compressed into a sausage. These are great for kids. A good doner kebab has a lot more flavor than you might expect.

4.Saganaki

Fried cheese. i need to say more

This photo was taken on the island.Citnos, one of our absolute favorite islands of all time.

5. Tirokroketes/Sfougata

Golden melt fried cheese balls. I definitely don't have to say more! (From the expert: sfougata is made with local cheeses, while tirokroketes usually have mixed cheeses.)

6. Revive feet

Similar to the Middle EastFalafel, this is a ball of fried chickpeas filled with a mixture of spices unique to Greece.

gourmet tip: Some of the best food in Greece is inCreta. And to move around this island, you need a rental car. We recommend checkingRental center Cretefor decent prices and quality cars.

7. Feta Me Meli

Baked feta wrapped in filo pastry then drizzled with honey. A dessert or an appetizer, who knows? That isjosh's favorite. The delicate balance of salty feta and sweet honey makes for an unforgettable feast in the mouth.

8. Go up

It's like lasagna without pasta. Sautéed eggplant, ground beef, tomato, onion, garlic, potato, bechamel sauce and gratin cheese, layered and mostly covered in cheese.

9. Tiropyter

Triangular dough made with phyllo dough and filled with a delicious mix of Greek cheeses. So simple and yet so delicious.

10Tzatziki

That wasmy favorite dipfor as long as i can remember and the greeks do it so well with their amazing greek yogurt. It's basically yogurt and cucumber seasoned with garlic. It goes great with meat, vegetables, pita, or just neat with a spoon.

11. Greek salad

Famous all over the world, but the Greeks still do it better. Crispy cucumbers, juicy ripe tomatoes, olives, red onions, and a big plate of feta on top. Seasoned with olive oil, vinegar and lemon juice. It is a basic in all meals.

12. Olives and olive oil

Most of the restaurants on the Greek islands make their own oil from their own olives. The Greeks have been growing olives for thousands of years. Local olives accompany most Greek dishes and most dishes drizzled with olive oil. Why not?

13. Dolmataquia

You've seen these stuffed vine leaves on the menu in Israel. Usually these are filled with rice, pine nuts and fresh herbs. I like them hot.

14. Taramosalata

This is often referred to as a salad, but it's actually a dip. One that I would not have tried if I had known what it was beforehand. But I loved it. A creamy mixture of pink or white fish roe (roe). If you don't like things that taste like fish, fear not: it tastes so good you'll lick the plate.(It's the plate on the right)

16. Spanakopita

These were offered to us all over Greece. Filo dumplings stuffed with spinach and feta cheese. Available in a variety of different shapes and sizes. A Greek favourite.

17. Lokoumades

For those waiting for the sweets, try these. Basically, they are Greek fried donut balls soaked in honey or syrup and sprinkled with cinnamon. Josh stuffed a handful into his mouth.Irresistible.

18. Vanilla U Boots

The name describes it perfectly, it is a spoonful of vanilla fudge dipped in a glass of water. You lick it like a lollipop and then drink the remaining sugar water. Too much sweetness for me, but Josh and Mia had no problem polishing theirs.

Above:Not many people in Greece have heard of it. we found themVainilla-U-Bootin Chora on the islandSifnos.

19. Glyka Tou Koutaliou (Löffelbonbons)

Traditional Greek restaurants often offer free dessert. We often bought Greek yogurt (or crème fraiche) with fruit jam. The weirdest thing we tried was a carrot jam that turned out to be the sweetest and most delicious of all.

20. Location

Butter cake made with semolina, raisins, almonds, served alone or with vanilla ice cream and pomegranate syrup.

Prima:Kythnos Cake

A delicious shortcrust pastry tart filled with cheese and honey that tastes almost like a cheesecake paired with a quiche. My description really doesn't do it justice. It's just delicious! This dish is unique.Citnosand definitely try it.

Ok, if your keyboard isn't shorted out from your drooling now, well done! It's easy to see why we love Greek food so much now. Now that you know the lingo, head over to our series of food tours around the Greek islands:Citnos,Sifnos,milo,BelowYcarry.

During our stay in Athens we stayed in various hotels.Find the lowest prices on hotels in Athens.

Above:Plan your own ferry holidays around the Greek islands. Visit thecurrent ferry prices.