Food & Drink in Greece

Introduction

Greek cuisine is not just food—it's a cultural experience passed down through generations. Rooted in simplicity, freshness, and the Mediterranean lifestyle, every dish tells a story of ancient traditions, regional pride, and seasonal ingredients. Whether you're enjoying fresh-caught seafood by the Aegean Sea, sipping ouzo in a bustling taverna, or tasting creamy tzatziki in a mountain village, the flavors of Greece are unforgettable.

In this guide, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through Greece’s must-try dishes, drinks, dining customs, and food-focused travel tips. Ready to eat your way through Greece?

🥗 Traditional Greek Dishes You Must Try

1. Moussaka

A layered dish of eggplant, ground meat, and béchamel sauce, baked to golden perfection.

2. Souvlaki

Grilled skewers of meat (often pork or chicken), served with pita, onions, tomato, and tzatziki.

3. Greek Salad (Horiatiki)

Fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, onions, green peppers, and a big block of feta—drizzled with olive oil and oregano.

4. Dolmades

Vine leaves stuffed with rice, herbs, and occasionally minced meat.

5. Fasolada

A hearty white bean soup, considered the national dish by many Greeks.

6. Spanakopita

Spinach and feta cheese wrapped in flaky phyllo pastry—perfect for breakfast or a snack.

7. Fresh Seafood

Especially grilled octopus, calamari, and whole fish—simple, fresh, and divine near the coast.

🔗 Related: Top Destinations in Greece

🍷 Greek Drinks to Taste

• Ouzo – An anise-flavored aperitif, often served with ice and water.
• Tsipouro – A strong spirit, similar to grappa, enjoyed in Northern Greece.
• Retsina – A traditional wine with a distinctive pine flavor.
• Greek Wines – Don’t miss Assyrtiko (from Santorini), Agiorgitiko (from Nemea), and Xinomavro (from Naoussa).
• Frappé & Freddo Espresso – Iced coffee culture is huge—try them on a sunny afternoon.

🍽️ How Greeks Eat: Dining Culture

• Meal Times: Lunch is between 1–3 PM, while dinner often starts after 8 PM.
• Tavernas vs. Restaurants: Tavernas are informal, often family-run, and focus on local cuisine. Restaurants may offer a broader menu.
• Meze Style: Many meals are shared with small plates (mezedes)—perfect for sampling a variety of dishes.
• Pace: Meals are leisurely. You're not expected to rush.

🛒 Street Food & Markets

• Gyro – Similar to souvlaki, but often wrapped in pita with fries.
• Koulouri – A sesame-covered bread ring, perfect for breakfast on the go.
• Loukoumades – Fried dough balls drizzled with honey and cinnamon.
• Local Markets (Laiki Agora): Great places to try fresh produce, cheese, olives, herbs, and homemade goods.

🧀 Regional Specialties

• Crete: Dakos (barley rusk with tomato and cheese), snails, Cretan cheeses like Graviera.
• Peloponnese: Olive oil, citrus fruits, pasteli (honey and sesame bars).
• Epirus: Pies, feta, mushrooms.
• Cyclades: Capers, sun-dried tomatoes, local goat cheese.

🔗 Related: Accommodation in Greece

🌱 Dietary Considerations

• Vegetarian-Friendly: Many dishes are plant-based or easily adapted.
• Allergies & Intolerances: Inform staff; gluten-free and lactose-free options are increasingly available in tourist areas.
• Vegan Options: Look for lentils, bean stews, roasted vegetables, and salads.

🍴 Dining Etiquette & Tips

• Tipping: Not mandatory, but appreciated—round up or leave 5–10%.
• Water: Tap water is safe in most mainland areas; use bottled on some islands.
• Sharing: Very common; don’t be shy about trying each other’s food.
• Toasting: Say “Yamas!” (to our health) before clinking glasses.

🧳 Foodie Travel Tips

• Take a Greek cooking class for hands-on culinary fun.
• Visit an olive oil or wine tasting tour.
• Try farm-to-table restaurants in villages.
• Always check local food festivals for seasonal treats.

🔗 Related: Festivals & Events in Greece

✅ Conclusion

Greek cuisine is an essential part of the country’s identity. It connects travelers with tradition, local communities, and unforgettable flavors. Whether you’re indulging in slow-roasted lamb, sipping chilled wine by the sea, or sharing a plate of olives and cheese with new friends, food in Greece brings people together in the most delicious way.

🍇 Hungry for more travel ideas? Explore our Things to Do in Greece guide for unforgettable experiences beyond the plate.