What is worth trying from the dishes in. What you should definitely try in Rome: the most delicious local dishes

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, is an ancient city that can surprise you. Stone streets, centuries-old history, famous sights, traditions and cuisine. Guests of the city should allocate time to visit at least a few establishments to try the famous dishes and drinks, and the locals will be happy to suggest places in Prague where everyone can eat deliciously and inexpensively. Many restaurants, pastry shops, cafes and breweries convey the atmosphere of past centuries. For a budget or wealthy tourist, there is a place where he will taste popular delicacies.

Prague combines gastronomic specialties from all over the country, thanks to which you do not need to travel to the edge of the Czech Republic to taste the local delicacy.

What is worth trying in Prague from food? First meal

"Voles" - the famous Czech puree soups, the culinary dignity of the country.
"Chesnechka" has a rich garlic taste and aroma, warms in the cold season.
"Bramborachka", whose thick base is made up of potatoes and mushrooms, and smoked meats give a pleasant piquancy. The serving of cream soup is also important: it is poured into round buns, which serve as a plate.
"Tsibulachka" - the most delicate onion-cheese soup.
"Drshtkova" is a warming dish based on pork or beef offal and a lot of spices and seasonings are added.

What to try from meat dishes

Czechs love meat, so the main food in Prague that you can try is baked or fried game, pork knuckle, steaks. Czech chefs focus on spices, and cumin is their favorite. Fish is not so popular, but seafood lovers will be served baked trout or fried carp.

Meat delicacies:

Czech shank on a spit roasted over an open fire is a popular, hearty and delicious meal. Establishments that value the reputation of their cuisine are sure to cook it. The portion is served huge, one person can not overpower it, it is ideal for a large and very hungry company. Having decided to try this dish, it is better to ask the waiter in advance about the size of the finished shank. Meat lovers can't go wrong.

Pork ribs in honey sauce are greasy, sticky and flavorful food. It goes well with real Czech beer.

Beef tartare is a specific meat dish for everyone. It is based on fresh ground beef and raw egg yolk, laid on top. This is an unusual flavor combination. There are few who prefer it.

The famous side dish and appetizer

Dumplings are the most popular Czech side dish, which is served with any meat and vegetable dish, and can also be an independent dessert. Thanks to the sauce, it becomes a unique and ideal addition to the main dish, and this is part of the gastronomic culture for the Czech Republic. It is important to eat dumplings correctly, otherwise you will not feel their true taste: you need to collect the sauce from the plate with a small piece of flour ball.

Cheese "Harmelin" - small pieces of cheese, which is rolled in breadcrumbs and fried in a large amount of vegetable oil. It goes well with fresh sour berries, serves as an excellent snack for Pilsner Urquell beer or complements French fries.

What to taste sweet tooth?

The famous Czech dessert is apple strudel. While in Prague, you should definitely try it. Soft fluffy dough and fragrant apples. Even in the smallest street stall you can buy popular sweet pastries.

“Oplatki” are small round waffles served with various fillings: fruit, berry, meat and vegetable. Due to the fact that they are baked on special waffle irons, a characteristic imprint is obtained on the payments.

Trdlo is a fluffy fragrant bun in the form of a curl, hollow inside. Top it with powdered sugar, cinnamon and other aromatic spices. This pastry is one of the most popular in Prague, you can meet it at every step.

street food

Vacation is a fleeting activity, and many tourists come to Prague for just a few days. There is not much time for a leisurely pastime in the restaurant, I want to see most of all: Charles Bridge, Old Town Square and other attractions. Many guests of the capital prefer to have a snack on the run, and the streets are filled with the aromas of sweet pastries, fried smoked meats or cheese. To many, the food will seem unhealthy and fatty, but it perfectly saturates and saves time, leaving it to visit interesting places.

On the street, it is impossible to pass by delicious-smelling sausages or ordinary fried potatoes. Trdelnik (Trdelnik) is baked right in front of your eyes, and a passer-by gets a pie full of heat.

Fried sausages Grilované klobásy is a favorite dish that is eaten on the run, it is organically complemented with rye bread, sauerkraut and generously poured with various sauces. Queues form near the carts with such food, the magical aroma does not allow you to pass by, especially after a long and saturated with impressions walk through the ancient places of the city.

Grilled cheese sandwiches Smažený sýr - a thick piece of cheese rolled in breadcrumbs and fried until golden brown. Taking a bite from it, you might think that a piece of chicken is in your mouth. The cheese is served on a white bun and garnished with lettuce.

What can you drink?

The Czech Republic is famous for beer - it is truly a cult drink for Prague. Dozens of breweries, hundreds of varieties of varieties, it can be found on sale at every turn. A tourist should visit more than one institution in order to experience all the diversity and taste of this amber drink.

The breweries offer a variety of the freshest beers brewed according to classic recipes. Bernard, Budweiser Budvar, Pilsner Urquell - the most popular golden-colored beer with a pronounced taste of malt, with a barely perceptible bitter aftertaste. Those who want to try something original can visit establishments that sell intoxicating drinks of the most incredible colors and flavors: green, pink, blue, with aromas of berries and fruits, vegetables.

The real drink of the Czech Republic is Becherovka, it is not produced anywhere else. An alcoholic herbal tincture that is not easy to drink due to its taste, but a must try. Many people attribute Becherovka not quite to alcohol, but rather to a drug.

Mulled wine is a spicy and aromatic drink, ideal in the cool season. It is prepared on the basis of red wine, adding various spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, citruses and apples. To convey the taste brighter, honey is mixed into mulled wine, thanks to this, the aftertaste left becomes deeper. In cold weather, this drink will save you from piercing autumn winds, and you can find it not only in restaurants and cafes, but also on the street.

Wine is no less popular with guests and residents of the Czech Republic. There are wonderful cellars in the capital, during which tasting tours are held.

Having gone to Prague and decided to make a gastronomic tour, you need to choose the right places where there will be no crowds of tourists, and prices will not hit your pocket.

How much does it cost to eat in Prague

For a European country, Prague offers not such high prices, in comparison with others. As elsewhere, the cost of food depends on the level of the restaurant.

You can have a hearty and inexpensive breakfast for 80-130 crowns (245-400 rubles). Often hotels already include breakfast in the price of the stay. For lunch, it will take from 80 to 250 crowns (240-770 rubles). Business lunch will cost less. The portion is large and includes: salad, main course, dessert and drink. After seeing the sights and getting pretty hungry, you can go to a cozy cafe and have dinner. A decent dinner will cost from 200 to 500 crowns (610-1550 rubles). A more budgetary evening meal will be available in a Czech bar, beer is served there with inexpensive food, and the entire dinner will cost 150 kroons (460 rubles).

When walking around the city, hot dogs will be an excellent snack, they will take from 20 to 40 crowns (60-120 rubles), but they perfectly satisfy the feeling of hunger. Fragrant coffee in a restaurant will cost 50 kroons (155 rubles), it is cheaper to buy it in a vending machine or a fast food restaurant.

Prices for beer in Prague, depending on its variety, will differ. So, Czech bar beer can be bought at a price of 50 crowns (150 rubles), in a bottle in a store - up to 30 crowns (100 rubles).

How to save money in the Czech capital?

It happens that during the trip the funds run out. The reasons may be different, but if the vacation continues, it is better not to get upset, but to make it more budgetary. See the sights, try the local traditional cuisine. Of course, it will not contain restaurant delights and exotic ingredients, but you will definitely have a chance to try classic Czech food.

Places where you can eat cheaply:

City Hall Canteen - This place offers a hearty meal. Rich soup and fragrant pork chop with dumplings will satisfy your hunger until the evening.
Cafe on the outskirts. Just like in any city: the farther from the center, the cheaper the food in Prague. It is not difficult to determine the order of prices in an institution - you need to pay attention to the interior decoration of the room, as well as the design of the menu. The simpler, the cheaper.
"Public refrigerator" near Café na půl cesty. Food that has not yet expired is put into it so as not to be thrown away.
Almost all restaurants and cafes offer their visitors a business lunch. The cost of complex lunches most often does not exceed 110-120 kroons (340-370 rubles), which allows you to have a good lunch with restaurant dishes.

What places can you visit for a delicious meal?

Prices for food in Prague will pleasantly surprise tourists. In the very center you can have an inexpensive lunch for 200-300 kroons (620-900 rubles). But do not forget that prices in restaurants can vary greatly for the same dish.

Černý Orel (Black Eagle) is famous for its traditional Czech recipes.

Lunch includes:

salad - from 120 to 200 kroons (370-620 rubles);
soup - 65 crowns (200 rubles);
goulash with dumplings — 195 crowns (610 rubles).

You can find him at Mostecká 279/11, 118 00 Praha 1-Malá Strana.

Among the restaurants of Czech cuisine, this place is the most popular. It serves traditional food for the Czech Republic, as well as international cuisine. The chef of this restaurant is Zdeněk Polreich.

The prices are big. So, goulash or pork knuckle will cost 300 kroons (900 rubles), and soup - 90 kroons (300 rubles). You can visit this institution at the address: Na Poříčí 15, 110 00 Praha 1.

The restaurant has a luxurious interior and is famous for its seafood dishes, but the prices are quite high.

Lunch will include:

salad — from 270 kroons (810 rubles);
soup - from 300 kroons (900 rubles);
the main dish will cost from 400 crowns (1250 rubles);
seafood - from 710 kroons (2200 rubles).

Finding a fashionable place is easy - Tržiště 303/19, 118 00 Praha-Malá Strana.

The establishment offers cuisine in true Czech tradition. Large portions at reasonable prices and a fragrant intoxicating drink are the perfect solution for a hungry tourist.

Where to go sweet tooth?

Ovocný Světozor offers visitors a wide selection of pies, cakes and ice cream. In Prague, it can be found in several places, including shopping centers.

Paneria offers Prague-famous cakes and strawberry pies. For example, a piece of pastry here will cost quite inexpensively - 45 kroons (135 rubles). Address: corner of Kaprova - Valentinská streets.

Budget places for budget travelers

Havelska Koruna offers hearty meals at affordable prices. So, potato dumplings here can be tasted at a price of 70 kroons (230 rubles)

Address: Havelska, 23.

There are also many pizzerias on the streets where you can order a simple pizza for 140 crowns (430 rubles).

U Fleku ("At Fleku")

The famous restaurant-brewery, whose history begins five centuries ago. This is a popular tourist place, it is always full of people. The main reason for such attention is beer. It is enough to try it even once, so that the taste remains in the memory for a long time.

Another feature of the restaurant is that visitors are not given the right to choose a drink. The waiter immediately brings a large mug of intoxicating drink to the visitor.

Beautiful country and interesting cuisine

Prague is an amazing place, a visit to which will allow you to have a wonderful gastronomic journey, see sights with a long history, and drink plenty of the main value of the Czech Republic - beer.

Fatty and hearty Czech cuisine in Prague will not appeal to everyone, but even people who watch their weight or have dietary restrictions can find a traditional Prague dish to their taste, which you can try not only in pretentious establishments, but also in simple ones.

Prague offers beer and food routes. During the trip, tourists will be offered to taste traditional dishes and drinks, tell the story of their appearance, share tips and recipes, be prompted or taken to places where everyone can eat inexpensively and tasty in Prague.

What travel can teach

Why do people travel? Is it really just to take a break from work for 2 weeks, spend the money accumulated over six months and create the illusion that “they can afford it”?

You get off the couch.

Thinking about the upcoming voyage, we begin to worry about the difficulties that lie in wait for tourists. We are worried that we will not find a place to sleep, we will not be able to communicate with the inhabitants of another country in our broken English. What does travel teach? The fact that all of the above fears are in vain. Gather your courage, put aside your worries, focus on your goal and hit the road. It's a mistake to think that travel is either a round-the-world trip where you burn all your bridges or a package vacation that limits you to an all-inclusive package. How much do you know about the surroundings of your city? About the life of the inhabitants of neighboring villages? Surely, there are many interesting things near you. Start discovering the world small.

Travel changes the worldview

The first thing he learns after visiting different states is that exotic places are not as dangerous as they seem. In any city you can feel comfortable. This rule also applies to wildlife: following basic safety rules, you are guaranteed to avoid trouble. Moreover, in a metropolis, a person is more likely to die (for example, getting hit by a car) than in a desert or forest.

You will constantly expand your horizons

What is travel for? To know the world and get acquainted with the culture of other peoples. Do not worry about the friendliness of people: the natives always treat travelers with courtesy and try to help them. If you are not from the category of fans of "Tagil", do not spoil their heritage and do not grin at the culture of the country in which you are a guest, then traveling will definitely bring you new acquaintances and faith in people. Many people will gladly provide you with accommodation, show you the way, tell you about the interesting sights of their country.

You don't have to be a millionaire to see the world

Travel more and you will realize that you do not need to spend millions for this. Big money is needed only for those who dream of a sea cruise to exotic islands. Although, if you make friends with the locals, these expenses can be easily avoided. Organizing travel yourself, you only need to have a small amount of cash to buy food, pay for transport and hotel rooms or places in hostels. Living in the latter, by the way, despite its cheapness, can give you a huge amount of experience and impressions.

Things are just things

Beginner tourists consider it their duty to take on the road 10 suitcases with outfits for all occasions and full equipment in case of the end of the world. But over time, travel teaches that an abundance of luggage only gets in the way. A person on the road (as in life) needs a minimum of clothes, two pairs of shoes, hygiene products, money and documents. When you start traveling, you will realize that you absolutely do not need most of the things you have, and you can safely get rid of them, freeing up space in the closet. The same applies to unnecessary emotions, unnecessary worries, uninteresting people and habitual obligations - by getting rid of such "trash", you will make room for the new.

Learn the difference between a tourist and a traveler

Travelers and tourists are not the same thing. The former communicate with local residents, get acquainted with traditions, make new acquaintances, change their worldview and improve their lives. The second timidly glance at everything that happens from the windows of the bus. Tourists are "bred" by locals for money, and they share food and shelter with travelers. Traveling changes people and teaches them to be simpler and not be afraid to learn new things, teach them to be open with others and appreciate every person who appears in life.

Leaving your familiar surroundings, even for a short time, turn your life into a journey full of uncertainty, and you will be able to know yourself from the most unexpected sides.

Travel is not vacation

You have probably heard more than once how travel changes many people, making them stronger and more resilient. And you yourself actively travel to Cyprus and Turkey, but you don’t notice any changes ... And this is not because hiking in the mountains or tundra with a heavy backpack is a workout for the body. Not because in the most harmless resort town you can be left without money or get into a difficult situation. It's just that when traveling, you don't aim to "lie down" under a palm tree, relieving stress from work or family. You are changing the very way of life from the usual to an improved version of it. Travel can be physically hard, but it can be mind-numbing. Therefore, they are not looking for physical relief, they give much more than relaxed muscles.

You are your best friend and companion

Can't find fellow travelers to go on the road with a fun company? This is only to your advantage. There is no better way to understand yourself, the world, define life goals and cultivate fortitude than solo travel. Traveling alone is an experience like no other. Relying only on your own strength, you will begin to believe in yourself more and learn to make responsible decisions on your own. This will help you connect with new people more easily, try new things, and take on unfamiliar roles because you won't have to look back at anyone or be afraid of anyone's judgment.

small world

Long journeys have changed the minds of millions of people that our planet is vast. It only seems like that when you watch other countries on TV. In reality, it is possible that you will meet your acquaintances when you leave for Cambodia, India or Kamchatka. Or, in a quiet, remote corner of the world, meet someone from your hometown.
Travel more and don't be afraid to communicate with people, look for new acquaintances. Perhaps one of the billions of people who will change your life will meet you where you did not suspect.

Oh, Roman food, you came from the people, you are caloric, you are huge, you are simple ... but you can’t not try ...

Pasta creativity after a plate of Caccio e peppe and a decanter of wine. Sorry!

However, Rome cannot be understood unless you taste it. you think food in Rome- Is it prosciutto, mozzarella, pizza, pasta? ... No, no, no! Or rather, not only these well-known Italian dishes and ingredients.

Real Roman cuisine (and not the one adapted for tourists) is not distinguished by sophistication. This is the cuisine of the common people, and when there is no extra money, everything that is edible and that grows in the nearby district is served on the table so as not to remain hungry.

Roman dishes tend to be high in calories and high in fat. And this is no accident. Ordinary Romans really worked hard and hard and needed very nutritious food to replenish their strength.

The main ingredients of meals in Rome are cheap, nutritious and easy to prepare: beans, peas, pasta, broccoli, potatoes.

But what about meat?

The Romans did not hesitate to use what was left after the sale of the most valuable parts of cattle and sheep to those who could afford it. And the so-called fifth quarter remained - these are the insides of an animal (cow or sheep):stomach, kidneys, heart, liver, intestines, rumen, spleen, brain, tongue, tail and lungs.

Dishes containing these dissonant ingredients, usually richly flavored with various spices and herbs, are today considered real delicacies and are served only in the best Roman restaurants.

So, what should you definitely try in Rome?

Snacks, or antipasti

Carciofo alla Romana (Carciofo alla romana)- Artichokes boiled in water, olive oil and white wine.

Or Jewish artichokes (Carciofi alla giudìa). Well-peeled artichokes fried whole in oil.Artichoke season in Rome: February - March.

Pumpkin or squash flowers (Fiori di zucca, Fiori di zucchine)- This is an unusual, but very popular appetizer in Rome. Zucchini flower (pumpkin) stuffed with mozzarella and fried in batter.
Suppli (Supplì)- fried rice balls stuffed with meat and mozzarella.

Oxtail (Coda alla Vaccinara)

Roman Saltimbocca (Saltimbocca alla romana)

Roman tripe (Trippa alla Romana)

Pizza in Rome

Did you know that there are two main types of pizza: Neapolitan and Roman?

Neapolitan pizza has a soft dough and high edges that "inflate" due to the air that moves towards the edges during the rolling of the pizza. The filling is concentrated, in the center, and the edges remain empty.
Roman pizza This is a thin crispy dough. The filling is distributed evenly throughout the circle, to the edges, which may burn, which is considered quite normal.

It is said that Roman soldiers cooked pizza directly on their shields - this is precisely what the locals explain why it is so “thin and fragile”.

Where to eat pizza in Rome?

My favorite pizza is Pescatora (with seafood) in PizzaRe, via di Ripetta, 14(next to Piazza del Popolo and via del Corso).
Delicious and cheap pizza Pizzeria La Montecarlo, Vicolo Savelli, 13(next to Piazza Navona).
La gatta mangiona, via F. Ozanam 30-32(Monteverde area).
Pizzeria ai Marmi (l'obitorio), viale Trastevere, 53(Trastevere area).

In any case, a quality indicator of a good pizza is a wood-burning oven in a restaurant. Pizzerias with such an oven usually have a sign Forno or Forno a legna.

Wine in Rome

The Lazio region, to which the city of Rome belongs, is famous for 3 main wine-growing areas:

1. Northern region on the border with Umbria and Tuscany, not far from the town of Montefiascone and Lake Bolsena, where the famous wine Est! East! East! In the production of this wine grape varieties are used: Trebbiano (65%), Malvasia (20%) and Rosseto (15%).
Its aroma contains notes of hawthorn, musk and ripe apples.
The wine is well balanced with an elegant dry and mild taste. Plum and almond hints are felt in the aftertaste.
It goes well with appetizers and fish dishes, as well as egg dishes.

2. The southern zone between the cities of Frosinone and Zagarolo, where the wine Cesanese. Wine has been known since ancient Rome, it was drunk by emperors and popes. Do not miss the opportunity to try it by ordering a bottle of red wine to accompany the carbonara or the Roman Saltimbocca meat dish.

3. The third wine growing area is hilly Castelli Romani, rich in volcanic deposits, an abundance of sunlight and a favorable climate. The wine from this area is characterized by a deep ruby red color, with a medium-pronounced fruity taste, bright notes of blackberries and dried fruits and a slight balsamic tint. Ideal for all Roman dishes.

So what wine worth a try in Rome?

East! East! est!,
Tusculum Castelli Romani DOC Rosso,
Cesanese del Piglio,
Colli Albani DOP,
Frascati Superiore DOC,
Cannellino di Frascati (traditional dessert white wine)
D.O.P. Monte Compatri Colonna.

us great artists– 120 euros.

- from 180 euros.

- from 190 euros.

– 150 euros (1.5 hours and 40-60 processed photos)

In Vietnam, you should definitely try the steaming hot Pho. This is a spicy beef noodle soup.

Below you will find a list of 40 more dishes from different countries that you should definitely try at least once in your life. Who that tried from this variety? Bon appetit, by the way!

Indulge in fantastic tasting menus at " El celler de Can Roca. This Catalan restaurant, located in Girona, Spain, was named the best restaurant in the world in 2013. With wine, the seven-course menu will cost $248.

Be sure to try the crispy falafel sandwich with vegetables in Israel. They say Gabai and Ratzon falafels are so tasty that you will lick your fingers.

Enjoy a juicy steak at the famous Peter Luger Steakhouse in Brooklyn, New York.

Eat paella, saffron rice, seafood and chorizo with friends at Can Majó on the coast in Barcelona.

Enjoy a fine Ottoman lunch at the 18th century Ciragan Palace overlooking the Bosphorus in Turkey.

Grab a gooey, delicious slice of Neapolitan pizza in Napoli, Italy.

Eat a crispy Bahia-style fish taco cooked outside in Los Cabos, Mexico.

Learn how to eat dumpling soup in Shanghai. First you need to take the dumpling with chopsticks and dip it in soy sauce, then put the dumpling in a spoon, leaving room to scoop up the broth. Eat the soup along with the dumpling.

The national Brazilian dish is feijoada. These are pieces of beef heart with pork and black beans.

Eat crispy fried catfish, oyster or po'boy chicken at Po'boys in New Orleans, Louisiana. And if you really like adventure, then you simply must try the alligator sausage there.

A glass of Grom's Gelato ice cream will help you cool down. You can try it in any city in Italy - in Rome and Florence, in Milan and Venice, you can also find several shops outside the country.

Small "one bite" portions of Hong Kong goodies. Dumplings, pork and turnip patties, noodles and more.

Enjoy warm and delicious arepas con queso (grilled cheese pancakes) in Cartagena, Colombia.

Try the Canadian dish "Putin" served in Montreal. It's french fries with brown sauce and cream cheese.

Taste the world's best Sukiyabashi Jiro sushi at the famous sushi restaurant from the documentary film about the most famous sushi chef, Jiro Dreams of Sushi.

Bite into barbecue ribs. Pork Ribs Roasted Crispy at Arthur Bryant's Famous Barbecue in Kansas City, Missouri.

Watch wildebeest at breakfast at the luxurious Singita Grumeti tent in the Serengeti, Africa.

Enjoy a bowl of asam laksa, a spicy and sour fish noodle soup in Penang, Malaysia.

Bite into a jelly-filled voodoo doll donut at the Voodoo Donut in Prtland, Oregon.

A bowl of Bahamian clam salad and a bottle of cold beer Kalik will refresh you while you enjoy the sound of the waves and dip your feet in the sand of the Bahamas.

Have lunch at Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athe ne e" is possibly the finest restaurant in Paris. The menu there changes depending on the season, a four-course tasting menu will cost you 380 euros (about $500).

Bite into a crispy pancake filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables in Santiago, Chile.

Try the extravagant four-course tasting menu for $175 at Quay, Australia's most famous restaurant. For dessert, you will be served the sweet "Guava snow egg" made from strawberries, guava, vanilla custard and meringue.

Breathe in the aroma of lamb tagine, a sweet, rich stew from Morocco. Usually it is lamb with raisins, almonds and spices.

Treat yourself to a sachertorte, the tastiest Viennese chocolate cake in Austria. Vienna has long been known for its pastry shops such as Cafe Landtmann and Demel.

Order cheesesteak in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Cult food in Berlin: Currywurst - pork sausage cut into pieces and poured with curry sauce. Served with a small soft bun.

Eat fish and chips in London.

Sit down for breakfast in South India. There, for tea, you will be served masala dosa - a thin pancake with potatoes, onions and spices.

Try a delicious and juicy lobster roll in Bar Harbor, Maine.

Taste an excellent five-course tasting menu at The Test Kitchen, one of the most exclusive restaurants in Cape Town, South Africa.

Eat a steaming bowl of moules-frites in Brussels, Belgium.

Choose your own steak, watch the chef prepare it at Cabaña Las Lilas, Buinos Aires' famous grill bar. Argentina.

Indulge in unforgettable dining at Chef Thomas Keller's famed French Laundry in California.

Try a delicious dish - arroz con pollo. It's rice mixed with chicken, vegetables and black beans in Havana, Cuba.

Taste elk, deer, bison or other wild game at Gun Barrel in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Choose from dozens of dishes to suit your taste, such as chicken rice, laksa soup, singapore satay kebab. The original article is on the website InfoGlaz.rf Link to the article from which this copy is made -

The impression of the country will not be complete if during the trip you do not try the national cuisine in local establishments, especially when it comes to Greece. The Greeks love, and most importantly, know how to cook, turning national Greek dishes into a work of art.

Features of national cuisine

National dishes of Greek cuisine are distinguished by a multifaceted play of tastes and benefits. Many nutritionists recommend following the Mediterranean diet, based on the principles of Greek cuisine, to normalize weight.

The benefits of Greek national cuisine are due to simple but important factors:

the use of healthy products - fresh vegetables, herbs, home-made cheeses, seafood, fruits;
Greeks do not abuse fast food;
the most demanded, traditional product is olive oil, which is added to many national dishes, its benefits have been known for thousands of years;
national dishes are seasoned with lemon juice instead of salt, citrus fruits are added to the main dishes (meat and fish), marinades, desserts;
Greeks often and a lot consume dairy products - yogurt, goat's milk, feta and cheese.

The main feature of the national cuisine is natural, environmentally friendly products, most of which are grown and produced in the country.

This is interesting! National Greek cuisine is a certain way of life. According to statistics, the Greeks are less likely to suffer from heart and oncological pathologies, obesity. The first book on Greek food culture was written in 330 BC.

First meal

Fakes

In the national cuisine, the first courses are not popular, as a rule, vegetable soups are cooked.

But still in Greece you need to try soups:

"Fasolada" - traditional bean soup;
"Fakes" is a lentil stew, which is complemented by salted fish, cheese (most often cheese), olives and red onions. These soups are offered in hot weather.

In winter, more rich and hearty soups appear on the menu of restaurants:

"Avgolemono" - soup with rice groats in chicken broth with beaten egg and lemon juice;
Vrasto is a national beef soup.

Greek snacks

Traditionally, each meal begins with appetizers that stimulate the appetite. They are served in small bowls. Snack dishes that the Greeks themselves love and recommend to tourists to try:

Dolmadacya

"Tzatziki" is both an appetizer and sauce made from yogurt, fresh cucumbers, olive oil, allspice garlic;
"Dolmadakya" - an analogue of traditional cabbage rolls and dolma, an appetizer of rice, minced meat, wrapped in grape leaves;
"Kalamarakya" - fried to a crust squid;
"Taramasalata" - a national dish of smoked cod caviar, olives, herbs, lemon and vegetable oil;
"Tirokafteri" is a traditional soft cheese appetizer and pepper (spicy varieties).

Salads

In the national cuisine of Greece, there are two types of salads:

Melizanosalata

hot - with baked vegetables;
cold - with fresh vegetables.

Among the hot salads, the following are popular.

Broccoli is a traditional broccoli dish.
"Pandzari" - beetroot salad.
"Melizanosalata" - a mixture of baked eggplant, vegetable oil, spices, lemon and allspice garlic. Sometimes yogurt, tomatoes are added to the dish, seasoned with green onions. Nutritionists call this dish impeccable in terms of the principles of proper nutrition, and gourmets rightfully consider this combination of products to be ideal in taste.

Greek salad

The composition of national cold salads includes fresh vegetables, mixtures of spices, a variety of cheeses, olive oil and lemon juice. They are traditionally served with wine or grape vinegar.

"Hortu" is a traditional dandelion dish, the main ingredient is radicchio.
"Horiatiki" or rustic salad - in our area, the dish is better known as "Greek salad". The composition includes tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet peppers, onions, olives, aromatic spices and olive oil, supplemented with feta cheese. You will certainly be interested in trying Greek salad in its homeland.
"Lakhano" - a salad of their white cabbage, carrots, celery root and leaves, some housewives supplement the salad with sweet peppers.

"Dakos"

In many ways, Italian cuisine has influenced the food culture in the country. This influence is expressed in the use of products common in Italy, for example, arugula. In some regions of Greece, they offer to try a salad of arugula leaves - Roca. A popular recipe is sun-dried tomatoes, arugula, parmigiano-reggiano cheese.

In Crete, they love the traditional Dakos salad made from special, large crackers, they are soaked a little, tomatoes are laid out on top, chopped into small cubes, crumbled Feta cheese. The mixture is seasoned with olive oil mixed with oregano. Sometimes dakos crackers are replaced with small dakakya crackers.

Greek main dishes

Traditional Greek dishes from the main group are prepared from meat, fish and seafood. There is plenty to choose from and try out.

Meat dishes.

Brizoles

The culture of national Greek cuisine is based on one fundamental rule - no need to complicate. A good dish, according to the Greeks, is prepared as quickly and easily as possible, which is why they prefer to simply bake meat in any convenient way. Meat is eaten differently, but if you are traveling in mountainous areas, you should try roasted game or wild boar meat. Traditional Greek Meat Dishes:

"Brizoles" - juicy, fragrant meat on the bone;
"Souvlaki" - compact skewers;
“Kondosuvli” is an analogue of our traditional barbecue;
"Paidakya" - traditional baked ribs (most often lamb);
“Gyros” is a flatbread dish similar to doner kebab or shawarma, but different in that it always contains french fries.
"Kokoretsi". Real gourmets will surely want to try this dish, because how appetizing it sounds: the internal organs of a lamb wrapped with intestines and baked in the oven.

What to try in Greece for admirers of European cuisine?

"Bifteki"

"Bifteki" - ordinary chopped cutlets of different diameters, seasoned with aromatic herbs, cheese, and various vegetables.

The national traditions of Greek cuisine are based on the culture of many peoples; for many decades they were formed under the influence of the Turkish yoke:

"Suzukakya" - traditional cutlets, heavily seasoned with spices;
"Kebabs" - the dish is masterfully prepared in the northern regions, where the Turkish diaspora settled.

National Greek dishes worth trying in the mountainous part of the country

First of all, this category includes homemade meat or game in clay pots with vegetables. The most common variant of the name "Kleftiko".

"Arnie Lemonato"

Treats of national Greek cuisine that you must try:

"Kuneli" - rabbit meat stewed with vegetables;
"Arnie Lemonato" - lamb cooked under a lemon marinade;
"Kokonisto" - beef marinated with tomatoes;
Moussaka is a popular traditional Balkan dish. It is prepared from eggplant, minced meat, tomatoes, potatoes, cheese, onions, then baked with Bechamel sauce and cheese;
"Pastizio" - puff casserole of pasta, minced meat, traditional white marinade.

On a note! The meat is served with a side dish - rice, vegetables.

Fish dishes

Each tourist, when asked what to try in Greece from food, will unequivocally answer - fish and, of course, seafood. Indigenous Greeks treat sea gifts with respect, because the state is located on the coast of the sea.

Large fish baked on coals or grilled, seasoned with vegetable oil and lemon juice.

Small fish - sole, red mullet, sultanka are fried. Also, cod, stingray, swordfish, shark (small, Mediterranean) are most often fried.

Certain fish is used exclusively in the process of cooking fish soup. The fish is served separately with vegetable oil and lemon marinade, and the broth is served separately.

Lake varieties of fish - trout, sturgeon or salmon - are best tried in the central regions or in Macedonia.

Important! The traditional approach to cooking is impeccable freshness of products. The price is determined by the place of production - local fish is more expensive than imported. Fish menu in restaurants is more expensive than meat menu.

Seafood is represented by a separate section on the menu.

Baked octopuses

Popular dishes:

octopuses: baked or boiled;
squids: traditional baked - "Kalamaria Tiganita", fried with cheese stuffing - "Kalamarya Yemista me Tiri";
cuttlefish stewed with spinach leaves;
shrimp: fried or stewed in a tomato-cheese marinade;
traditional mussels steamed or in a tomato-cheese marinade.

Helpful information! Crown national treat in Greek cuisine - lobster with pasta - "Macaronade me Astako".

Special attention is paid to the gifts of the seas, they are used to prepare culinary masterpieces that will easily charm the discerning gourmet. If you want to try something special, check out the shrimp dish cooked in tomato sauce and spiced with feta cheese, or the octopus dish in sweet wine and spiced.

Dessert

The traditional sweet dishes of Greek cuisine are primarily of Turkish heritage. By the way, the tradition of drinking coffee prepared in Turks also remained from the Ottoman Empire.

"Loukoumades"

While relaxing on the Mediterranean coast, be sure to please yourself with original desserts:

"Lukumades" - balls made from dough, seasoned with spices, sprinkled with honey, sprinkled with powdered sugar;
"Baklava" - a traditional pie stuffed with fruit syrup, crushed nuts, a dessert, usually made from 33 layers (a symbol of the age of Christ);
"Kurabiedes" - cookies made from shortcrust pastry and almonds;
"Risogalo" - a pudding made from rice, dried fruits, nuts, seasoned with cinnamon;
"Khalvas" - halva, which is prepared from semolina.

Greek sauces

If you're looking for must-try Greek dishes while traveling, be sure to check out the sauces. The Greeks are well versed in them and cook them for almost every dish. Features of traditional Greek sauces:

only natural ingredients;
no complicated recipes;
maximum benefit.

The main principle of the right sauce is that it should delicately emphasize the taste and aroma of the main treat.

Sauce ingredients should be as versatile as possible and be combined with fish, seafood, meat, and vegetables. Most often in the cooking process use:

"Avgolemono"

natural yogurt;
vegetable (olive) oil;
lemon juice;
special, Greek garlic.

The classic sauce is Avgolemono. It is served with main dishes and salads, used in soups. It is prepared in just a few minutes - a mixture of eggs and lemon juice is diluted with broth. Proportions are selected individually depending on the desired density of the sauce. The marinade gives the main course a slight acidity.

Cooking secret! Do not bring the marinade to a boil, as the protein will curdle.

"Skorthalia"

For seafood, a marinade is prepared from mustard, vegetable oil, lemon juice, and a mixture of dried herbs. In some regions, honey is added to this mixture, which gives the dish a soft, uniform texture. For fish, and as a salad dressing, a sauce is prepared from just two components - lemon juice and olive oil.

The main dishes are served with Skorthalia sauce, made from allspice garlic, almonds and vegetable oil. Sometimes bread crumbs and finely chopped potatoes are added to the sauce. This makes for a hearty snack.

Cooking secret! To smooth out the vigorous taste of garlic, it is pre-baked.

Original sauce "Fava" - it is made from mashed beans or lentils, seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, natural yogurt and herbs (usually parsley).

Products of national production

"Feta"

Greek cheese deserves special mention. More than 60 varieties of cheese are produced in the country, each of which is served as a snack or main course, used to prepare other dishes. During your stay in Greece, we recommend trying the following cheeses:

"Feta" is a white cheese, of a fairly dense consistency, made from sheep's milk (rarely from goat's).
"Graviera" is a cheese with a sweetish taste, a firm texture, made from sheep's milk.
"Manuri" - sheep's cheese, has a soft, delicate texture, has a high calorie content.
"Kasseri" is a cheese made from a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk, white in color with a slight yellowish tint.
"Kefalothiri" is a savory cheese with a salty flavor and a hard, porous structure.

Another traditional dish is olive oil. Here it is sold in every grocery store. Sometimes you can try a product before buying. The oil is presented in its pure form or with the addition of spices, aromatic herbs.

National drinks

The most famous alcoholic Greek drink is ouzo. It's worth trying it first. Ouzo is prepared by distilling alcohol with the addition of anise, a bouquet of spices (most often cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves). There are many producers of the drink in Greece, so the composition and percentage of alcohol content is different - from 20% to 40%.

Ouzo is used with fish and seafood dishes, served in tall, narrow glasses. In grocery stores, the drink is sold in bottles of different sizes, the minimum cost is 3 euros.

Tsipuro and Raki

Tsipuro (tsipuro) and crayfish are alcoholic drinks with an alcohol content of 37% to 47%, reminiscent of moonshine. The main difference between them is the presence of anise - in tsipuro it is present, in raki there is no spice.

Tsipuro is served chilled in a decanter with a tall, narrow neck. The drink is drunk from small glasses, in one gulp. As a rule, Greeks of the older generation order Tsipuro, the younger generation prefers other drinks. The cost of one bottle varies from 3 to 4 euros.

Rakomelo

This is an alcoholic drink, which includes two components - honey and crayfish (not those that are found in the river, but the one described above). Sometimes cinnamon and cloves are added. The drink is most often prepared in the cold season, because you need to drink it hot. Some Greeks use rakomelo as a remedy for colds.

Rakomelo can be bought at any supermarket, but it is better to make a drink yourself - buy crayfish and honey. The process will take a few minutes, and the taste is much better than the store-bought product. Pour the crayfish into the Turk, heat, add honey to taste, remove from heat before boiling. The drink is ready, now you can try it!

Greek-made liquor, a distinctive feature is the presence of mastic - a resin that is obtained from an evergreen shrub. Mastic in Greece is used for cooking many dishes, in cosmetology.

Liquor is served as an aperitif and after meals for better digestion. The taste of mastic is original and memorable - sweetish with a light fruity-coniferous aroma. The cost of one bottle is about 10 euros.

The most popular drink in Greece is coffee. It seems that they drink it constantly - hot, cold, with and without foam, with milk or cream, with the addition of various spices. If a person orders tea instead of coffee, the Greeks will definitely think that he has health problems.

If you want to fully understand what national Greek dishes are, try them not at the hotel, but in local taverns and restaurants. This is the only way to experience the taste of real Greece.

Food, in one form or another, haunts the traveler throughout his stay in Rome, seducing with aromas from the open doors of taverns or from the open terraces of restaurants.

We've listed starters, desserts and main dishes that you must try in the Italian capital, as well as a couple of tips on where and how best to do it.

Travel Tips

When planning a trip to Rome, it is useful to consider the following recommendations:

1) It is better to eat where the locals eat;

2) It is better to eat with someone who understands the local cuisine.

The first will allow you to be sure that the food has a genuine taste, the way it should be for this or that dish. In addition, Roman-friendly establishments have fair prices for food, not the overpriced ones found in tourist restaurants. It is convenient to have lunch or dinner in a company with someone who knows Italian cuisine well because a knowledgeable person will tell you what, in what order and in what combinations it is customary for Italians to eat - in this case, the impressions of food will be as complete as possible