Greek Cuisine & Speciality

Below is a list of the most common dishes served at tarvernas throughout Greece. Greek cuisine has much in common with the food generally found in East Mediterranean countries. Meals are rich in vegetables and Greek food is considered to be healthy. According to the traditions of eastern cuisine most dishes are placed in the centre of the table. In this way, each person chooses and eats exactly what they want. The meal is usually accompanied by local wine or with beer, particularly in the hot summer months.

Hors d'oeuvres - Mezedes

Greek Name - Keftedes
English name - Meat balls
Description - Made from mincemeat, onions and bread, fried in oil

Greek Name - Oktapodi
English name - Octopus
Description - Usually barbequed and served with vinegar

Greek Name - Garides
English name - Shrimps
Description - Usually served fried or with sauce

Greek Name - Kalamaraki
English name - Squid
Description - Fried and served with lemon

Greek Name - Feta
English name - White goat cheese
Description - Usually served with Greek salad

Greek Name - Dolmadakia
English name - Stuffed wine leaves
Description - Made from rice and wine leaves sprinkled with oil and lemon

Greek Name - Melitzanosalata
English name - Eggplant dip
Description - Made from fresh eggplant blended with onion and garlic

Greek Name - Tiropitakia
English name - Small cheese pies
Description - Made from feta, eggs, flour, milk, and rolled with pastry

Greek Name - Bourekakia
English name - Small meat pies
Description - A delicacy from Crete

Greek Name - Spanakopita
English name - Spinach pie
Description - Made from spinach and cheese, rolled with pastry

Main Dishes

Greek Name - Mousakas
English name - Moussaka
Description - Layers of egg-plant, minced meat and potatoes topped with cheese sauce and baked

Greek Name - Pastitsio
English name - Type of makaroni
Description - Made with minced meat and bechamel, baked in the oven

Greek Name - Gemista
English name - Stuffed tomatoes or peppers
Description - Filled with rice or minced meat, baked in the oven

Greek Name - Souzoukakia
English name - Meat balls
Description - Made with tomato sauce and garlic

Greek Name - Melitsanes
English name - Fried aubergines/courgettes
Description - Fried with batter

Greek Name - Kokinisto
English name - Veal casserole
Description - Veal boiled with tomato sauce and served with pasta or potatoes

Greek Name - Frikase
English name - Lamb casserole
Description - Boiled with celery and herbs