Looking for the best gyro in Greece? Wondering where to find the perfect Greek salad? Don’t know what ‘fava’ is?
Here are the 10 classic Greek foods that you absolutely have to try, whether you’re exploring Athens, island-hopping through the Cyclades or trekking through the Peloponnese.
Greek Salad, or ‘Horiatiki’
Known as "Horiatiki" to the locals, traditional Greek salad features a delightful mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, feta, onions, and olives. Join Vasilis for a culinary journey where you'll craft an authentic Corfiot menu and savor a delectable Greek salad.
Mousaka
Moussaka is a classic Greek dish with layers of eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce. Craving some already? Join Chrysoula in Arkadi for an authentic Cretan home-cooking experience, featuring fresh, local ingredients and traditional slow-cooking methods in a stone wood oven.
Tzatziki
Tzatziki, a refreshing yogurt dip with cucumber, garlic, and herbs, is a staple of Greek cuisine. Join Androniki in Rethymno on the beautiful island of Crete for an evening of cooking traditional Greek dishes.
Loukoumades
Loukoumades are sweet Greek donuts, similar to ‘Tiganites,’ enjoyed around the world as fried, sweet dough treats. Don't miss Kelly's version drizzled with honey on her Tastes of Crete Walking Food Tour in Chania.
Fava
‘Fava’ is a traditional ‘mezze’ that’s made from boiled, pureed yellow split peas. It’s usually topped with olive oil and fresh onions, and host Niki serves it with spicy local sausage at her local dinner surrounded by olive trees on the picturesque island of Zakynthos.
Pastitsio
The Greek version of lasagna called ‘Pastitsio’ is a casserole with pasta, minced meat, bechamel and grated cheese, all baked together to create a melt-in-your-mouth dish. Check out Yannis’ beautiful version at his lunch under the trees in Nea Filadelfia.
Grilled Cheese Talagani
Picture this: Talagani cheese, perfectly grilled to golden perfection, nestled atop a bed of fresh, crusty bread. Drizzled with rich, extra virgin olive oil, and sprinkled with aromatic oregano, this dish is a delightful fusion of flavors. Join us for a true gastronomic experience tour in Greece with host Loannis.
‘Souvlaki’ or ‘Gyro’
Let Georgia take you on a morning food walk through Mykonos and introduce you to the country’s favorite street food: ‘souvlaki’. Also known as a ‘gyro’, this local speciality includes grilled meat, French fries, tzatziki and salad, rolled up in toasted pita bread that’s been brushed with olive oil.
Kontosouvli
‘Kontosouvli’ is marinated pork that’s grilled on a spit until it reaches caramelized, juicy perfection. It’s served with an assortment of pita bread, salads and mezze and is usually one of the many meat dishes featured on a mixed grilled platter. If you want to taste a homemade version, then Olga-Maria’s recipe is not to be missed at her dinner with a beautiful view of Athens.
Dolmades
These stuffed grape leaves can be found all over the Mediterranean, and are usually either steamed in a fragrant broth or simply drizzled in olive oil. Learn how to make ‘dolmades’ and other typical Greek mezze at Michalis cooking class in Archangelos.
