Nine must-taste delicacies for your upcoming adventure in Greece
Dive into the sun-soaked flavors of Greece as you explore its most iconic dishes across its storied lands. From mountaintops to sandy shores, Greek cuisine sings the song of summer.
Pastitsada, Corfu
Savor the essence of Corfu with Pastitsada, a dish that's steeped in history and island charm. Meat, whether beef, rabbit, rooster, or octopus, slow-cooks in a deep-red, aromatic tomato sauce kissed with the flavors of spetseriko spice mix. Look for Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmeg, Allspice, and more in this island-specific blend.
Pay a visit to these local favorites:
The Venetian Well, Corfu TownKlimataria, coastal villageAmbelonas, near Corfu Town
Sfouggato, Lesvos
Crisp and comforting, Sfouggato is a nourishing, flourless pie filled with vegetables, cheese, and eggs. Tarhana, a traditional cracked wheat and sheep's milk mix, adds zest and texture. Sample Sfouggato at the Women's Cooperative of Petra in the northern coastal town of Petra.
Skordalia, Macedonia
Hailing from antiquity, Skordalia is a potent garlic dip popular throughout Greece but particularly loved in Macedonia. This region prefers walnuts in their Skordalia, offering a robust and balanced flavor. Grab a seat at Maiami in Thessaloniki to sample their walnut and beetroot Skordalia.
Masourakia, Chios
The island of Chios boasts mastiha, a unique resin boasting aromatic and antioxidative properties with a heritage stretching back to the 5th century BCE. Incorporated in local sweets and pastries, Masourakia, buttered filo almond pastries, are a Chian favorite. Grab a taste of history with Masourakia from Moniodis in Chios town.
Bakaliaros plaki, Peloponnese
Savor the essence of the Peloponnese with Bakaliaros plaki, a baked fish dish that utilizes the region's favorite ingredients. Tasty tomatoes, onions, garlic, and potatoes unite with red peppers, herbs, spices, and Kalamata currants for a symphony of flavors. Limeni's waterfront tavernas, Takis and Kourmas, serve this mouthwatering local dish.
Soufiko, Ikaria
Inspired by the Blue Zone cuisine philosophy, Soufiko, a hearty vegan stew, hails from Ikaria - one of the world’s Blue Zones, located on the eastern Aegean sea. Fresh veggies, aromatic spices, and a dash of local herbs come together in this popular dish. Try Soufiko at Mary Mary in Armenistis.
Revithada, Chios
Thanks to Chios’ rich clay deposits, unique cooking methods abound, and no dish illustrates this better than Revithada, a slow-baked chickpea stew cooked in a stationary clay pot. With its delightful lemon and bay leaf infusion, Revithada offers a wholesome, comforting treat for visitors and locals alike. To Steki in Platis Gialos serves ambrosial Revithada alongside Sifnian claypot-baked delicacies.
Bougatsa, Thessaloniki
Taste the sweet side of Thessaloniki with Bougatsa, a fragrant phyllo pastry filled with vanilla-spiced semolina custard or cheese. Bougatsa Bantis, a decades-old establishment, is renowned for its deliciously thin phyllo layers and traditional preparation.
- After exploring the sun-soaked flavors of Greece's iconic dishes, you might want to delve into the health-conscious cuisine of Ikaria, one of the world’s Blue Zones, with a stop for the hearty vegan stew, Soufiko.
- As you continue your journey through Greece's diverse regions, don't forget to try the comforting and unique Revithada, a slow-baked chickpea stew cooked in a stationary clay pot, from the island of Chios, known for its rich clay deposits.
