What to eat in Greece

Adesua Emmanuel 23 June

Saganaki

Saganaki may translate to a frying pan used in Greece, yet it is also the name of the cheese dish prepared using the pan. Saganaki is an appetizer made with cheese and a couple of other things, depending on the chef. It could be prepared with halloumi or kefalograviera cheese, then served with lemon or pepper. Usually, the cheese is melted until it bubbles and other ingredients are added. Saganaki dishes could also be prepared using shrimp or mussels. The preparation of this meal is dynamic. And while it may be eaten alone, you can choose to pair it with bread. Just don't make the mistake of thinking this is the main meal. It's a light meal that serves as an appetizer before a proper meal is served. So the next time you're in Greece, ensure you sample the various types of Saganaki available - and combine them with any other recommended food.

Spanakopita

Also known as spinach pie, this meal is something to look forward to. It's a popular Greek food common to the Turkish people. It's a pastry with fillings like cheese and spinach. To make Spanakopita perfectly, you need a good recipe to get it right. For example, it needs onions, herbs, spinach and some cheese to make this pastry-rich and tasty food. In Greece, many types of cheese can be used to prepare Spanakopita. The filling, which consists of cheese and other ingredients, is wrapped into a dough and cut into shapes to prepare it on a big pan. The dough is often large, and the filling is bulky. After cooking, the large-sized Spanakopita is cut into small bits for consumption. Spanakopita is not a dish or a complex food; rather, it's a snack that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. It's common in a number of restaurants in Greece.

Loukamades & Tiropita

Loukamades are balls of fried dough. In Greece, this is a meal that can serve as a snack. It's easy to prepare and tastes delicious. Also known as honey puffs. Loukamades are doused with honey and then fried. Many street vendors sell this delicacy. The modern cooking approach has changed how people make Loukamades. Homemade types are often coated with chocolate sauce or something similar instead of honey. If you need a snack for the night, LOUKAMADES is an appropriate meal to try. Similar to Loukamades is the Tiropita. This is also a street meal that many enjoy. This pie made with cheese is a delight for many. However, it's made in different ways. The difference is not majorly about the taste but the appearance. Some chefs love to shape it in a spiral pattern, while some do not. This snack is not the main meal. However, it can pass as one if you eat its large quantity. And this is possible because, from experience, Tiropita can be addictive - you'll feel the urge to keep eating more after the first bite. This snack is often filled with cheese and other supporting ingredients that add to the flavor and taste.

Greek Salad

The famous Greek salad is a must-try for visitors who want to relish the magnificence of food in Greece. Greek Salad is renowned in many places around the world; however, the Greek salad prepared in Greece by brilliant chefs in the country tastes different. Call it Greek salad or horiatiki salad. This salad has lots of veggies. It often contains fresh tomatoes and onions, olives and caper, among other vegetables and fruits. After it's prepared, the topping varies a lot. For example, you can top with cheese and olive oil dressing and different mixtures like salt and pepper. In some regions in Greece, the unique food items found in those locations like tomatoes or campers are used as a topping. The fact is, there is no compulsory topping or dressing to be used. Some restaurants often use a preferred recipe. Hence, the salad you had in Santorini may taste different from another in a different location in Greece.

Magiritsa

Magiritsa is an everyday meal in Greece. You don't want to miss this meal when you arrive in Greece. It's a popular food often eaten after fasting for a period. Magiritsa is principally made with lamb. The soup is usually made of lamb, onions, lots of greens, and gills, among other things. As the main ingredient, the lamb is cut into pieces and steamed. Popularly called Easter soup, this meal is solely meaty but is garnished with lots of Greens. Magiritsa is eaten on holy Saturdays. Many believe the soup has a story. Some say it's a meal that has similarities with the Passover meal. Regardless of the story behind the soup, it's evident that this soup is especially good for people who love to eat meat. If you visit Greece at any time, do well to get a Magiritsa as a special lunch meal.

Tzatziki

Tzatziki is regarded as a dip made with rich ingredients. Tzatziki contains yogurt, vegetables, olive oil and lemon juice. Apart from these, it also has herbs and more. Tzatziki is not unique to Greece. In many places, it's a meal that can serve as a dip or sauce. But in Greece, the story is quite different. If you want to eat Tzatziki in Greece, you will have it as an appetizer and not the main meal despite the rich ingredients that make up this food. You can eat it alone or pair it with bread or eggplant. The mode of preparation and taste makes it easy to differentiate between a Tzatziki made somewhere else and the type prepared in Greece. The latter is usually thick and creamy. When you arrive in Greece, you may try it anywhere. The local Tzatziki is anywhere you find yourself in Greece, so you don't miss one of the best foods to try out.

Sheftalia

Have you had sausage in Greece before? If not, then you should try Sheftalia. It's a long sausage prepared using chopped pork meat, herbs, onions, and other essentials, all cooked in a pig's stomach. It may sound confusing, but it means the sausage was grilled alongside or inside a pig or pork meat (to make it sound better). This type of sausage is a snack you can try at any time of the day. It can work as a brunch, lunch, or random snack day or night. Luckily, you can purchase Sheftalia in many places in Greece especially on the streets.

Dolmades

Dolmades is not universal. Almost every house has its version of Dolmades. It can be prepared with vegetables and baked. The stuffing in the Dolmades can be prepared with shredded meat and other rice and herbs for people who prefer Dolmades rich in veggies. This is not to say you can't enjoy Dolmades with lots of meat. Depending on where you visit Greece, you will undoubtedly find a taste of this nourishing food item. Remember that as you move from one location to another, you may likely experience different tastes and flavors.

Fava

Fava is a dish typical in Santorini. It's a unique meal that would pass as hummus for the Greek people. It's quite a slightly flavoured meal and cooked with delicious ingredients. While some people confuse it with Fava bean, both are not the same. It's a yellow split pea cooked with herbs, olive oil, and other unique recipes. It's a simple meal that can be enjoyed alone or paired with bread. You should try it when you visit Greece. It's one of the meals you shouldn't miss.
This extensive list of foods to eat when you visit Greece will help you be intentional as you try out the assortment of foods available. Of course, there may be certain meals not mentioned here, do well to give them a try - you can never go wrong with Greek cuisine.