What to Eat in Greece: Moussaka, Baklava, and More

What to eat in Greece? Learn about the unforgettable “flavors” of Greek landscapes and dishes

What entices millions of visitors to travel to Greece, this small corner of Europe? The glory past you can feel in every ancient ruin, all over the country? The breathtaking landscapes? The unique sunshine? The healthy and tasty cuisine?

Whatever the reason for your visit, we have to admit that this small gem of the Mediterranean sea is addictive. You’ll love the ancient sun-bleached ruins, the exotic color of the sea as the Aegean laps at the endless coastline, the bright light of the sun, and the superb traditional dishes.

What to Eat in Greece: An Insider’s View

Greek cuisine, with its wide variety of high-quality ingredients and the knowledge of centuries, enjoys a privileged position in the global culinary scene. Because of the morphological diversity of the country, with the mainland and the islands, this creates a varied culinary landscape. A trip to Greece means a fascinating exploration of tastes, flavors, and exceptional combinations.

The secret to Greek cooking is often found in the chef’s garden. Herbs and mountain greens you’ve never heard of, ouzo, tsipouro and raki, fish straight from the sea, fine meats, dairy products, and fresh vegetables and fruits all create a kaleidoscope of tastes.

From simple to elaborate, there are classic dishes that delight Greek food enthusiasts the world over.  These include favorites such as baklava, spanikopita, moussaka, pastitsio, and souvlaki as well as lesser-known Greek specialties.

So, what are some of the best traditional dishes or products around the country?

Greek Baklava | Martin Miranda

Pastitsada and Sofrito in Corfu

First, let’s try Corfu island in the Ionian sea, one of the most cosmopolitan Mediterranean destinations, weaving a powerful spell on its visitors. It’s packed with stunning natural landscape, amazing beaches, rich multicultural heritage, impressive archaeological, historical, and religious sites and combines relaxation with excitement.

What should you eat in Corfu? First of all, you should taste pastitsada, a traditional Corfiot dish. It’s made with chicken or beef in a spicy cinnamon tomato sauce usually served with rigatoni pasta). And then there’s sofrito (veal steak slow-cooked in a sauce of white wine, garlic, and herbs).

Cape Drastis, Corfu | Katarzyna Tyl

Tsipouro and Seafood in Thessaly

On the mainland, there is the district of Thessaly, a region of sheer beauty with mountains, rivers, beaches, the popular, photogenic spiritual site of Meteora. Archeological sites, Byzantine monasteries, and churches, complete the fascinating natural beauty of Thessaly and make it a perfect holiday destination.

A little further from Meteora, the city of Volos and the mountain Pelion is breathtaking throughout the year. Make a stop there for lunch or dinner.  And be sure to drink tsipouro (similar to ouzo, but a bit rougher) and taste the superb and fresh seafood of the area.

Raki | Maria Calafati

Tyrovolia and Mostra in Mykonos

In the middle of the Aegean sea stands the island of Mykonos. The trendiest of the Cyclades islands, it is the perfect example of what makes Greek islands so delightful and is well worth the visit for any curious traveler. This charming island attracts countless visitors and international celebrities who want to participate in its vivid nightlife and enjoy its wonderful beaches and magnificent landscapes.

When considering what to eat in Greece, the foods of Mykonos are among the favorites. For instance, among the gastronomic ambassadors of the island are the cheeses: mild fresh tyrovolia, peppery kopanisti, and sour xinotyri. Above all, try the typical Mykonos mezes and the famous mostra (made with barley rusks, sun-dried tomatoes, and kopanisti cheese). And finally, don’t forget to try the amazing, mouth-watering sausages.

Delicious Greek Food | © Ania Mendrek via Flicker

Rasko and Kathoura on Ikaria

On the east side of Greece, there is the lush island of Ikaria. Established as a “blue zone,” this island in the northeastern Aegean is home to one of the longest-living populations on the planet.

Among many tasteful exceptional dishes, try rasko (roast goat). This dish is cooked and served, always, during the celebrations on the famous panigiria (local traditional feast days).

Also taste kathoura, a white goat cheese known since the 17th century.  And don’t forget to drink the strong red-black wine of the island.  You’ll enjoy the unique taste and flavor of Fokiano wine, which has appeared in the area since the 15th AD.

Ikaria, Greece | Maria Calafati

Seafood and Dolmadakia on Milos

Next, let’s move south through Cyclades, where a stop in Milos is an amazing experience. The unique geology has endowed the island with a wealth of gorgeous beaches, including Sarakiniko with its surreal white landscapes. There are a lot of delicious dishes to try, but I suggest dolmadakia which are made with vine leaves and herbs, stuffed lamb or goat, and fresh seafood.

Mydia, Steamed Mussels | Maria Calafati

Greek Sea Urchins | Maria Calafati

What to Eat on Crete: Dakos and Kalitsounia

And finally, when considering what to eat in Greece, we can’t forget Chania in Crete.  It’s a heavenly and pure land brimming with natural beauty, history, memory, and culture. Impenetrable but yet such majestic gorges, holy caves, blessed rivers and lush, green plains thickly covered with olive and citrus trees.

Here, try the famous dish ofto (roasted baby goat), the traditional salad dakos (barley rusks with fresh tomato, soft white cheese, and olive oil), and sweet kalitsounia (cheese and herb pastries).

Crete | Maria Calafati

Crete Street Scene | Alessandra Caretto

With fine wine, superb traditional dishes, amazing historic sites and breathtaking landscapes, your trip to Greece will be one to remember.

Want to explore more? Check out our other culinary travel articles.