The Best Must Eat Greek Dishes

Greek food is just so delicious. Greek food is like a party in your mouth, bursting with flavours to make your taste buds dance with joy. It’s all about celebrating life, family, and good times through unique flavours and generous portions. Get ready to dive into a sea of feta cheese, olives, and tangy tzatziki. Greek salads will transport you to Greece’s sunny hills with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and a sprinkle of oregano. And let’s not forget the gyro – a heavenly combination of tender meat, warm pita bread, and a party of toppings that will make your taste buds go wild. The Best Must Eat Greek Dishes are all here.

So, get ready to take a culinary journey through the sun-kissed flavours of Greece. Get your appetite ready and prepare to savour every delicious bite. Greek food will leave you craving for more and dreaming of sunny beaches and ancient ruins. Opa!

Let’s start with the starters…

Tzatziki

Most meals in Greece begin with Tzatziki and pita. Tzatziki is a traditional Greek dip or sauce that is widely enjoyed as a condiment or accompaniment to various dishes. It has a creamy texture and a refreshing, tangy flavour. The main ingredients of tzatziki include yoghurt, cucumbers, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs such as dill or mint.

Spanokopita

Spanakopita is a traditional Greek dish that consists of a savoury pastry filled with a delicious mixture of spinach, feta cheese, onions, herbs, and spices. It is a popular appetizer or snack in Greek cuisine and is known for its rich flavours and flaky texture.

Saganaki – the top of my must Eat Greek Dishes starter!

Saganaki is a popular Greek dish that consists of fried cheese, typically made with a firm cheese variety like kefalotyri, graviera, or halloumi. It’s named after the shallow frying pan called “saganaki” in which the dish is traditionally prepared and served. Once cooked, saganaki is often served hot, garnished with a squeeze of lemon juice, which adds a tangy and refreshing element to balance the richness of the cheese. It may be accompanied by bread or pita to mop up the melted cheese and a side of Greek salad or other fresh vegetables.

While the traditional saganaki is made with cheese, variations of the dish can also include other ingredients like shrimp (known as shrimp saganaki) or mushrooms (known as mushroom saganaki), cooked in a similar manner.

Dolmades

Stuffed vine leaves… an absolute must-have starter! So delicious and moreish, I cannot stop eating them once I get going. Common ingredients in the filling include rice, onions, tomatoes, parsley, mint, dill, lemon juice, olive oil, and various aromatic spices like cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. Vegetarian and vegan variations may exclude meat and incorporate more vegetables and legumes.

The Main Event

Moussaka

Moussaka is a layered casserole-like dish made with various ingredients, most notably aubergine, minced lamb, and a rich tomato-based sauce. The dish is typically topped with a creamy béchamel sauce and baked until golden and bubbly. Moussaka is a hearty and satisfying dish that showcases the flavours of the Mediterranean. It is a beloved and iconic Greek dish, known for its layers of flavours and textures, making it a delicious and comforting meal option.

Lamb Kleftiko

Lamb kleftiko is a traditional Greek dish known for its tender and flavorful slow-cooked lamb. The name “kleftiko” is derived from the Greek word “klepht,” which means thief, as the dish is said to have been prepared by Greek bandits who would slow-cook the meat in underground pits to avoid detection.

To make lamb kleftiko, a whole lamb leg or lamb shoulder is typically used. The meat is marinated with a combination of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, and other herbs and spices. The marinated lamb is then placed in a large roasting pan or wrapped tightly in parchment paper or aluminium foil to create a sealed packet, which helps to retain moisture and flavours. The sealed package ensures that the lamb cooks in its own juices, resulting in a succulent and melt-in-your-mouth texture

Beef Stifado

A traditional Greek stew known for its rich, aromatic flavours. It is a hearty dish typically made with chunks of beef, onions, garlic, and a blend of herbs and spices. Stifado is a popular comfort food in Greek cuisine and is often enjoyed during the colder months. Beef stifado is traditionally served with a side of orzo pasta or crusty bread, which is used to soak up the flavorful sauce.

The combination of tender beef, caramelized onions, and aromatic herbs and spices creates a robust and satisfying stew. The name “stifado” is said to be derived from the Italian word “stufato,” which means stew. However, Greek stifado has its own unique flavour profile due to the inclusion of local herbs and spices.

Top of my husband’s Must Eat Greek dishes – Gyros

Gyros, also known as “yee-ros” or “yiros,” is a popular Greek dish that has gained international recognition and is enjoyed in various parts of the world. It consists of succulent meat, typically pork, chicken, or lamb, that is marinated, roasted on a vertical rotisserie, and thinly sliced. The meat is then served in warm pita bread and topped with various accompaniments and sauces.

Gemitsa

Gemista translates to “stuffed” in English and refers to the delicious mixture of rice, vegetables, herbs, and spices that are stuffed inside ripe tomatoes and peppers before being baked to perfection. Gemista is a beloved dish in Greek cuisine, especially during the summer months when fresh tomatoes and peppers are abundant. Its vibrant colours, aromatic flavours, and wholesome ingredients make it a favourite among both locals and visitors to Greece.

Must Eat Greek dishes – Desserts

Baklava

Baklava is a rich and sweet pastry that has its origins in the Middle East but is widely enjoyed in various countries, including Greece and Turkey. It is made by layering thin sheets of filo pastry with a mixture of chopped nuts, sweetened with a fragrant syrup or honey. Baklava is typically served at room temperature and can be garnished with additional nuts, cinnamon, or powdered sugar. It is enjoyed as a dessert or as a sweet treat with coffee or tea. The combination of crisp phyllo, fragrant nuts, and the sweetness of the syrup or honey makes baklava a beloved and indulgent delicacy enjoyed in many cultures around the world.

Loukoumades

Loukoumades, also known as Greek honey puffs or Greek doughnuts, are a popular Greek dessert characterized by small, deep-fried dough balls that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They are typically served drizzled with honey syrup and sprinkled with various toppings, creating a sweet and indulgent treat.

Kataifi

Kataifi is a traditional Greek pastry made from shredded or finely chopped phyllo dough. It is similar to shredded wheat in appearance and has a delicate, crispy texture. Kataifi is commonly used to create a variety of sweet and savoury desserts and pastries.

Portokalopita

Portokalopita is a traditional Greek dessert that showcases the flavours of oranges. The name “portokalopita” is derived from the Greek word “portokali,” which means orange, and “pita,” which refers to a type of pastry or pie.

Portokalopita is a moist and aromatic cake-like dessert made with layers of phyllo pastry, a sweet orange syrup, and a rich custard filling. The combination of citrus flavours, the delicate crunch of phyllo, and the creamy custard create a delightful and indulgent dessert.

Must Eat Greek Dishes? Well, they all need a drink to wash them down!

Ouzo

When in Greece your meal will often be finished with the offering of Ouzo. It has a distinctive flavour that is often described as anise or liquorice-like, similar to other anise-flavoured spirits such as absinthe, pastis, or sambuca. It has long been considered Greece’s national drink and is often served in small chilled glasses. I recommend you drink it in one!

Metaxa

Another post-dinner aperitif option this Greek Brandy is known for its smoothness and complex flavour profile. As well as straight, you will find lots and lots of cocktails including Metaxa.

You can’t beat an ice-cold Greek Lager with dinner

Mythos, Fix, Alfa or Mamos to name a few. Stick to the local lagers and you won’t go far wrong in my opinion. In an ice-cold glass after a long hot day by the pool, it’s just the best. Much nicer than the usual suspects that we find at home in my opinion! Yammas!

I hope this helps you to make a decision when you next sit down at a Greek restaurant. I cannot wait to be back in Greece, living my best life eating all of the saganaki and washing it down with far too much Mythos.

Take a look at my posts about the best restaurants in Kalamaki, Nidri, Lassi and Kardamena!

Thanks for reading.

Becky x