Greek Cuisine

The Greek food, throughout its history and continuing today is for the Greeks, a philosophy. They believe, what makes a perfect feast is not just the food but also good company. For them, eating out and sharing the dinner is as important as the food itself.

While the main ingredients of Greek cooking are basic and few. Olive oil, honey, yoghurt, fresh fruits and vegetables, lamb and fish, the manner in which they are prepared seems to have an endless variety and taste. There is also an additional delight, pretty much unique to Greece, of being invited into the kitchen to view the offerings and make your selection.

Mutton, cheese and yoghurt made from goat’s milk is relished in this part of the world. Three kinds of cheese most used in this food are “Feta” (a sift, salty, white goats cheese); “Keseric” (creamy coloured and similar to cheddar); and “Kefatloteri” (a hard cheese rather like parmesan). Pasta is popular in Greece but rice is the staple. The pastries are rich and flaky and soaked in sugary syrups.

Classic Greek Meal

A typical day in Greece begins with a quick breakfast, followed by a substantial lunch and a siesta. After a few hours of more work, evening is the time to relax with family and/or friends whilst nibbling meze (Greek appetizer). This is followed by dinner at 9 or 10pm with, perhaps, sweet pastries, cakes or ice-cream enjoyed later in the cafes.

Breakfast

Breakfast in Greece is something to get you going, often eaten on the run or in between morning chores. A typical breakfast would include Greek coffee, hard boiled eggs, olives and feta cheese. Often a good thick bread would accompany this.

Lunch & Dinner

A typical Greek meal usually starts with a Meze, a selection of appetizers, with an appertif of ouzo mixed with chilled water. The Meze is shared and eaten at a leisurely pace. Afterwards the main course is served with plenty of freshly baked bread and salad. The meal frequently ends with fresh fruit.

Dessert

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Other Popular Dishes

Tzatziki is a yoghurt dip blended with cucumbers, crushed garlic, vinegar and garnished with almonds or other nuts. Pita bread or carrot sticks go well with this and make a delightful snack or starter.

Taramasalata is an aromatic dip made with fish roe, bread crumbs, onion, olive oil, lemons and is served with pita bread.

Dolmas a classic starter, are grape leaves stuffed with rice, raisins, fennel seeds, mint , onion, parsley and ground lamb.

Moussakais a baked dish made in béchamel sauce topped with bread crumbs is the quintessential Greek main course. A mix of ground lamb, eggplant, aromatics like onion and garlic, along with olive oil together with white wine and grated kefalotiri cheese work in tandem to bring out this mouthwatering dish.

Styphado is a traditional veal stew, simmered at low heat with onions, garlic, tomatoes, olive oil, and a dash of red wine.

Baklava is undoubtedly the most famous Greek dessert, a multi layered pastry filled with crunchy nuts and oozing with honey syrup.