Greece : What’s The Food And Drink Like?

This part of our guide to holidays in Greece covers the cuisine of the country…

Greeks often dine out, and restaurants – referred to by locals as taverna or estiatorio – are widespread. Excellent restaurants can be found in popular tourist regions, especially areas frequented by Greek tourists. Eating in places that the locals prefer is a good way to experience authentic Greek cuisine.

The best restaurants will offer not only authentic traditional Greek cuisine and regional specialties, but also Greece’s latest culinary trends as well. Therefore, it’s easy to sample a rich and extensive range of Greek dishes, traditionally cooked, during your stay.

The Greek cuisine has features in common with the traditional cooking of the Balkans, Italy and the Middle East, particularly Turkey. Lamb, pork, vegetables, grains, bread, olives, olive oil, and yogurt are typical ingredients, while common seasonings include oregano, garlic, onion, mint, bay leaves and dill.

Fish is a specialty in Greece’s islands and mainland coastal districts and often the fish you eat for dinner will have been caught that same day. The country also has a wide variety of traditional cheeses. These come in distinct local flavors and most of these are homemade on family farms dotted throughout Greece.

Another important part of Greek culture is coffee. Join the locals and drink it while relaxing in one of the many outdoor cafes that line the streets. Greek coffee tends to be thick, strong and black; it is served in a small cup, moderately sweetened, with the grounds left in.

As for alcohol, Greece offers a wide variety of local wines, from indigenous and imported grape varieties. Many restaurants usually have a barrel or two of locally produced house wine, which is generally of good quality. Beer is also popular; local varieties, like Mythos and Alpha, and Northern European beers, such as Heineken and Amstel, being available mostly everywhere.