Anyone who visits a new place never fails to taste the local delicacies.
Something similar happens in Greece, which boasts a rich gastronomic tradition, tasty and nutritious raw ingredients, and renowned chefs who make the most of them!
Greek gastronomy is part of the Mediterranean diet, which includes a variety of foods of both animal and plant origin, the famous Greek olive oil, and shared meals that promote human interaction—important factors that enhance both physical and psychological well-being.
Thus, visitors enjoy exquisite food made with local ingredients. Each recipe carries the personal style of the respective chef, but what gives it a unique identity is the place itself (traditional taverns and cafés) and the way the food is served.
There are also options whether someone follows a vegetarian diet or not!
Let’s take a look at the products that are most in demand by visitors to Greece.
Olive oil, the main pillar of the Greek Mediterranean diet, with high nutritional value. Numerous studies confirm that it contributes to human health.
Greek salad garnished with capers and olives, tzatziki, eggplant spread, wild greens, Cretan dakos, zucchini fritters, saganaki, and fava.
Vegetable dishes cooked in olive oil, such as stuffed vegetables (gemista), dolmades, okra, and giant beans.
Egg dishes and savory pies, such as kagianas, spinach pie, traditional cheese pie, souvlaki, moussaka, pastitsio, rabbit stifado, lamb or goat baked in the oven, meatballs, and giouvarlakia (meatball soup).
Cheeses: Although most people know feta, they don’t hesitate to try others from the rich variety found in Greece, such as anthotyro, manouri, xinomyzi̱thra, katiki, kasseri, kefalograviera, metsovone, graviera (from Naxos, Crete, etc.), kefalotyri, and ladotyri.
Pasta and grain products: matsata, trahana, couscous, makaronounes, and more.
Seafood: small fried fish (marides), octopus, calamari, mussels saganaki.
Drinks: ouzo, tsipouro, and wine.
Desserts: spoon sweets, loukoumades, bougatsa, diples, baklava, almond sweets, pasteli, honey, and halva.
Greek superfoods: Chios mastic, yogurt, Kozani saffron, and Messolonghi bottarga.
And when their journey comes to an end, the flavors of traditional Greek cuisine become an unforgettable part of their travel experience.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or dietitian for advice tailored to your individual needs.