I am a foodie at heart and I believe that to truly experience a place you have to taste the culture. One of my favorite things to do while traveling is to seek out the most traditional dishes in the most traditional, local restaurants. Best part about going to Greece in the shoulder season you may ask…. many restaurants/shops aren’t open yet for the season and so you are forced to eat where the locals eat, not only do you get the best meals, but you really get to experience what daily life is truly like in the place you are visiting. Since visiting Greece last month the food has become an obsession. Fresh, farm to table, colorful, healthy, sweet, savory, delicious, what is not to love?? Since arriving home, I have already sought out local Greek restaurants and Mediterranean groceries so that I can savor a little piece of Greece. Are you ready to take a little food tour around Greece?? Let’s go!!
Greek Salad..oh my foodie heart. The traditional Greek salad usually consists of tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, peppers, olives (Kalamata olives), red onions and feta….a big chunk of fresh, soft, delicious feta. A little drizzle of olive oil, a spritz of some red wine vinegar, maybe a little dash of oregano and you have a nutrient packed delicious meal. Once you taste Greek olives and tomatoes…you will dream about them. Oh, those olives!! Seriously, no words.
Need a quick and yummy breakfast, quick snack, dessert?? Greek yogurt!! So simple yet so delicious. Plain fresh Greek yogurt, honey, walnuts and maybe a dash of cinnamon. Yogurt was on just about every breakfast menu, was often served as a dessert and was easily available in all the groceries. One of the biggest brands you will see in Greece is Fage. If you follow me then you know how I feel about all the extra additives and preservatives in our food here in America. I am always looking for better brands and cleaner ingredients to substitute into my diet. After comparing ingredients and a little research Fage is now my choice of yogurt here at home. It is made with milk from non-gmo cows, it is strained to remove the whey (milk sugar), it doesn’t have any extra additives when compared to the actual Greek labels, it is high in protein, lower in calories and so smooth and creamy. This with a side of fruit is now a breakfast staple in my home.
Loukoumades….Greek donuts. They are made with a simple dough, fried until they are golden, crispy and delicious. If that isn’t enough, then they add toppings, like fresh honey, melted nutella, or just simply sprinkled with cinnamon. Traditionally these have been saved for special occasions like weddings and holidays, but now all over Athens you can find little shops selling their fresh loukoumades. Take a friend and stop in for an afternoon snack, their servings of 4-6 donuts are perfect for sharing….and that whole plate….only 3 euros!!!!
Dolmades….What a delicious little appetizer that can be found on just about every Greek menu. Traditionally in Greece these are stuffed grape vine leaves, but you may also find them with cabbage. They are stuffed with rice and a delectable mixture of herbs, sometimes ground beef or lamb, then boiled until soft, and usually served with a side of Tzatziki.
Need a quick and affordable lunch, meet the fast food of Greece…..The Gyro!!! Oh my goodness, this was my most favorite thing in Greece. Shaved chicken or pork, tomato, onion, tzaziki, and fries all wrapped in a warm, fresh baked pita. My mouth is watering as I write this. These are sold on every corner and in almost every restaurant. Basically, walk up to the order window, tell them chicken or pork and in seconds you will be handed a delicious, filling lunch. Frugal tip- Order these from the window shops or stands to save money, the prices we found ranged from 3-4 euros, if you sit and order in the restaurant you will pay 10-15 euros. Add on a drink for 1-2 Euros and you have a filling lunch to power through your day of sightseeing for around 5 euros.
Souvlaki….meat kabobs, typically chicken or pork, wonderfully marinated and tender, usually served as a platter with tomatoes, onion, Tzatziki, fries, and sliced pita….kind a of a “build your own gyro”. You can also grab these at most of the gyro windows (minus all the fixings) as well, just a couple skewers of meat for a couple of euros. My recommendation is to order a Greek salad and souvlaki, add in a yummy glass of wine and you have yourself a healthy and delicious Greek dinner.
Moussaka. Basically a Greek lasagna. A traditional Greek Moussaka is made with thick layers of eggplant or potato (sometimes both), beef in tomato sauce and topped with a bechamel sauce (roux and milk) that becomes this fluffy, creamy delicious top layer. My mom struggled finding food she liked on this trip, but she did fall in love with Moussaka. All those flavors mixed together just melted in your mouth. This dish can be found on almost every menu, but be careful they are not all created equal. The best we tried were in Paros at Aeoli (the best meal of the trip overall) and Taverna Alexandros.
Tiropita…feta cheese pie. This is great as an appetizer or a snack with cocktails during aperitivo (happy hour). Fresh feta baked into a phyllo crust, drizzled with fresh honey and served warm. Pair it with your favorite wine, a glass of ouzo, or an aperol spritz and you have found a delicious way to enjoy the afternoon. Spinach and cheese pie is also very popular, quick and savory lunch.
Shrimp Saganaki (means little frying pan in Greek) Sauteed shrimp with tomatoes, olive oil and feta. They serve it to you in the same pan it was fried in. Wonderful flavor and the feta adds a little zest as it melts in. Make sure to have some bread to soak up that amazing sauce. This can be an appetizer or eaten as a meal and is another pretty healthy and nutritious option.
Oh. My. Goodness. I am dreaming of all these meals right now. There are so many other meals that we tried while in Greece, from stuffed tomatoes and peppers (a great vegetarian choice), seafood pasta that included Octopus (which was delicious by the way), orange cake which is a true Greek dessert, delectable breakfasts and amazing cocktails. There was not a bad meal served the entire trip (maybe don’t ask my mom…lol!!). Greece and the Greek Islands are a true mecca for foodies. I felt like every meal was full of flavor and I truly felt like I was feeding not only my body, but my soul. Every meal was so fresh, so healthy, full of colors, flavors and nutrients. So hurry up, plan your trip, plan your meals, and make sure you go hungry!! Happy Adventures!
“I have always believed in savouring the moments. In the end, they are the only things we’ll have.”…..Anna Godbersen
“People who love to eat are always the best people”…..Julia Child
“I think food, culture, people, and landscape are all absolutely inseparable”…Anthony Bourdain
Adventures of an Auntie 
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