Greece is well known for its delicious foods but often the focus is on the many meat dishes that they have, did you know that there is a HUGE amount of vegetarian Greek food to enjoy too? Let me guide you to the best vegetarian Greek food out there. Don’t miss out on some beautiful dishes. Happy eating!
Gemista – Stuffed Greek Peppers and Tomatoes
Gemista is a favourite of mine, one that on the surface sounds a bit dull but is anything but. The bell peppers and BIG tomatoes are stuffed with a mix of rice and herbs and are just delicious. You can of course have them as they are as a vegan dish. Alternatively, try with feta cheese and tzatziki – and a glass of wine! yum!
Briam
Briam is pretty much the Greek version of Ratatouille. It’s a roasted dish of potatoes, Aubergine, Courgette, Peppers, tomato and onion all mixed with Greek herbs (always lots of oregano and garlic) and olive oil. It’s roasted until everything is tender and delicious. Serve with Feta cheese (what else!) and some crusty bread. This is phenomenal! Once again, omit the feta and you’ve got a very good Vegan dish too. And, all those veggies make it very good for you too!
Spanakopita
Another that’s ranked highly in the best vegetarian Greek food for me is Spanakopita. This Spinach and feta pie baked in a delicious filo pastry is a must-try. These are so versatile, you can find them all over. Greek bakeries often have them available along with other pastries. They are sometimes served in smaller parcels as an appetiser or snack. My favourite is a main meal served with some Greek potatoes. **Chefs kiss**
Greek Salad
This has been a hit and for a long time been known as the best vegetarian Greek food out there. This classic salad never fails to satisfy. Super sweet sun-ripened Greek tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives and mixed with olive oil and topped with a big slab of Feta cheese. occasionally you’ll find the addition of green bell peppers but not very often does this salad come with lettuce. It doesn’t need it. Those fresh veggies are complimented by the saltiness of the feta perfectly. Yum!
Vegetarian Moussaka
A vegetarian version of the classic moussaka, this is a new dish that stands up for itself. layers of aubergine, courgette, onion and potatoes in a herby tomato sauce topped off with a thick layer of bechamel and topped with crumbly feta. (What else would it be topped with really) This is baked and served bubbling hot. Side dishes of Greek potatoes or just some crusty bread complement this hearty meal.
Best Vegetarian Greek Food – Starters
If you are looking for a good vegetarian starter or appetiser, there are plenty of those to choose from too. Trust me, I’ve tried a LOT of them and I am yet to find one that I didn’t like!
Pita and dips
It sounds simple, it is simple but it is delicious! Most Greek restaurants will offer this as an option and it’s a great way for everyone to share and nibble over a drink while waiting for the main event. Warm fresh pitas never fail to disappoint!
- Tzatziki – a dip made from Greek yoghurt, cucumber, garlic and herbs is refreshing and so morish.
- Melitzanosalata – made with roasted aubergine, garlic, herbs and olive oil.
- Tapenade – A dip made with black olives and garlic. I don’t think tapenade is technically from Greece but it certainly is served all over and is very very yummy!
- Hummus – a lovely, creamy, garlicky chickpea spread. Again it’s not technically a Greek dish but can be found in a lot of Greek restaurants!
Filo wrapped feta
There’s not much more to say about this one but it’s served warm with honey a lot of the time. Oh, my, goodness! The saltiness of the feta and the sweetness of the warm honey is so good! For me, it is the best Greek vegetarian food out there. I could eat this day in and day out… oh and sometimes, they sprinkle sesame seeds on the Filo! Wow! Give this one a go!
Saganaki
A simple but very delicious dish. It simply is a block of cheese (usually sheep milk cheese) fried and served with a wedge of lemon. Often it’s still in the red hot pan when it’s served to your table and sometimes it’s flambéed. Either way, it is one not to miss out on.
Dolmades
stuffed vine leaves
A bit like gemista, on paper dolmades may sound a bit dull. But these perfect little mouthfuls of vine leaves stuffed with seasoned rice are delicious. Dip them in the Tzatziki and wash them down with an ice-cold Mythos and you are as close to heaven as you can be. Yum, yum, yum!
Best Vegetarian Greek Food – Desserts
Once you’ve filled up on all of the delicious starters and main courses, it would be rude not to finish with a super sweet dessert – and ouzo!
Baklava
A superb combination of layers of filo pastry, nuts, and honey syrup. Sometimes there are cinnamon tastes in there too. Served in small bites, often with vanilla ice cream, the perfect bite to end a wonderful meal.
Portokalopita
Never mind the Best Vegetarian Greek food, I’d be as bold as to say Potokalopita is one of the best Greek foods out there. Often overlooked because it’s hard not to go for the Baklava, but try this and you will not regret it. It’s a Greek Orange cake made with Filo pastry, greek yoghurt and orange syrup. It’s baked gently and is one of the best things you’ll ever put in your mouth! Absolutely 10/10 for me!
Kataifi
Kataifi is not a million miles away from baklava, but it’s not quite the same. I’m not 100% sure of the origins either but you will certainly find it served in lots of Greek restaurants. Unlike baklava, Kataifi is made using filo dough instead of sheets, this gives it the look and texture of shredded wheat. Shredded wheat texture but the taste of Baklava… give it a try, they’re very morish!
I hope I’ve given you an idea of the best Greek Vegetarian food. I know that travelling and being vegetarian can be a bit of a minefield but you don’t need to worry about finding something delicious to eat in Greece. I’m so hungry now that I’ve written this that I think I’ll go and attempt to make some Portokalopita… But I’m not sharing!
Whatever it is you give a go, I hope that you have an amazing meal or trip and you are surrounded by people that make you happy! If you want to give any of them a try in your kitchen, Olive magazine has some lovely recipes.
Becky x
