10 Greek Dishes to Try This Summer
Healthy and delicious, traditional Greek cuisine is typified by fresh vegetables, lean meats and fish, and whole grains. It is flavoured with all manner of herbs and spices, and invariably comes with a healthy drizzle of olive oil - one of the ingredients that makes the Mediterranean diet the healthiest on the planet.
You'll seldom - if ever - find processed foods or artificial flavours in classic Greek dishes, yet they are among the most flavourful meals you can eat.
Read our quick guide to the most delicious Greek meals - and take notes for your next adventure in Greece
Healthy and delicious, traditional Greek cuisine is typified by fresh vegetables, lean meats and fish, and whole grains. It is flavoured with all manner of herbs and spices, and invariably comes with a healthy drizzle of olive oil - one of the ingredients that makes the Mediterranean diet the healthiest on the planet.
You'll seldom - if ever - find processed foods or artificial flavours in classic Greek dishes, yet they are among the most flavourful meals you can eat.
Read our quick guide to the most delicious Greek meals - and take notes for your next adventure in Greece.
Moussaka
If you've travelled the Mediterranean or Balkans, you may have already come across moussaka - or one of its many variations. The Greek oven-baked version features sautéed eggplant (aubergine), puréed tomato, minced lamb, garlic, onion, and various spices such as allspice and cinnamon. Potatoes might also be included in this super healthy concoction. The top layer comprises béchamel sauce and cheese, ensuring you don't miss out on your protein and calcium intake.
Dolmades (dolmathes)
Dolmades are grape or cabbage-leaf parcels of rice with beef, pork, and/or vegetables, flavoured with heady herbs and spices - and lemon juice. These cute packages of taste are gently steam-boiled to perfection. In truth, there is no 'quintessential' dolma - they vary from region to region, and even family to family. It's not difficult to find vegetarian versions, either. While dolmades are often eaten in a family setting, many restaurants serve up this Greek classic.
Taramasalata
Sampling taramasalata for the first time is usually a memorable experience. This smooth blend of fish roe (usually cod) is made with a potato or bread base, and finished with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice. The initial try can be intense, but many people develop a love for this luxurious Greek side, invariably served with flatbread for dipping.
Fresh fish and calamari
Simplicity lies at the heart of fish and seafood preparation in Greece, where freshness is key. Most Greek holidays are enjoyed on the coast, so don't miss the opportunity to sample fresh fish and calamari drawn from the Mediterranean or Aegean seas, served up at innumerable beachside tavernas. Try gently fried red mullet (barbouni) or whitebait (marida) - or whole-grilled calamari in the form of ladolemono, plated in a fragrant lemon and olive oil dressing.
Courgette balls/patties (kolokythokeftedes)
This delicious starter takes the form of fried patties or balls of grated/pureed courgette, combined with mint and dill. A simple, healthy bite, always served with tzatziki - making it a cooling, refreshing way to begin your evening meal.
Octopus
If you've travelled to Greece before, you'll probably remember the slightly shocking sight of octopi being dried out by the sea - much like laundry. For mains, octopus is often stewed in red wine sauce or put in a Greek stew. It's also served diced and tossed in salad. If you're exploring Kefalonia, be sure to book a table at Milos Taverna in Farsa, which enjoys exceptional reviews on TripAdvisor for its octopus.
Skewered meats
When it comes to fast food, Greeks eschew hamburgers and pizza for souvlaki, char-grilled skewered pork served on piping hot pita bread with freshly chopped onions and tomatoes, and drizzled with tzatziki (cucumber and yoghurt dip). Other popular skewered meats include the famous gyros, which at its best is made with free-range pork, lamb, or kid goat. When in Athens, head to O Kostas - a legendary gyros joint that only closes when it runs out of meat for the day!
Hummus
Simple, delicious and hearty, hummus in Greece is among the best on the Med. It's typically served by itself with warm pita bread, or as part of a mezze (a selection of small appetiser dishes).
Feta and cheese baked goods
Ask at the market for fresh feta and you'll be rewarded with a sublime, salty cheese which is so much better than its supermarket counterparts. Also try graviera, a hard cheese that makes exceptional fried saganaki. And cheese pies (tyropita) are sold at bakeries everywhere, for when you're on the move.
Baklava and other honey-based treats
The sumptuous Greek classic, baklava, is made from honey, ground nuts and encased in filo pastry. If you like your sweets with custard, sample galaktoboureko. But if you just want a simple hit of sugar and fat, try thick Greek yoghurt drizzled with fresh thyme honey.
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