What dishes to try in Greece. Best Greek Cuisine

Greek cuisine is one of the oldest in the world. The world's first cookbook was written in Greece before our era. The Greeks invented a lot of dishes and cooking technologies that other Mediterranean countries adopted. Therefore, Greek cuisine is often called the fundamental cuisine of the Mediterranean region. Although in the modern culinary traditions of Greece, no doubt, there is a considerable influence of the Balkan countries and Turkey.

The basis of Greek cuisine is the "Mediterranean triad": wheat, olives and wine. Wine-making traditions in Greece are rooted in antiquity, various bread products are made from wheat, and olives are not only canned, but also used in the preparation of the most important product - olive oil.

The most important vegetables in Greek cuisine are tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes, paprika, legumes, onions, cabbage and spinach. Meat is consumed in moderation, the main source of protein is milk and fish.

Like other Mediterranean cuisines, Greek cuisine is very active in the use of seasonings and spices, the most popular of which are marjoram, mint, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, basil, dill. Sugar is used infrequently - usually it is replaced with natural honey.

The dining traditions of the Greeks are characteristic of most southern countries. Breakfast here, as a rule, is a cup of coffee, for lunch they eat only yogurt or vegetable salad, and the only essential meal is dinner, which can last several hours, and during which up to a dozen different dishes can be served on the table. In general, for the Greeks, the food itself is of secondary importance - they use the meal as a great way to socialize and have a good time. Of course, a Greek dinner is unimaginable without wine, which completes the picture of a perfect Greek evening.

The meal begins, as a rule, with cold appetizers - here they are called meze. These are pita (bread cakes), cheeses, fresh vegetables, bureks (small pies), horta (greens with lemon juice and olive oil) and various sauces (the most popular is tzatziki). Contrary to the stereotype, soups are often served in Greece - for example, avgolemono (egg soup), fakes (lentil), fasolada (with legumes) and psarosupa (fish).

As for the main dishes, Greek cuisine is characterized by a lot of vegetarian dishes. This is due to the wide selection of fresh and tasty vegetables. In Greece, vegetables stuffed with rice, various vegetable stews can be served as a main dish. On the coasts of the country, most of the main dishes include fish and seafood. Meat dishes are not very popular, although in some regions of the country gyros (kebab), kleftiko and souvlaki (something like barbecue) are often prepared. Ground meat dishes are also known, and the famous Greek moussaka (eggplant casserole with meat) is often prepared. Sometimes they serve pasta.

The traditional Greek meal ends with dessert. The Turks had a huge influence on the local confectionery business, so baklava, loukoumades, lokum, halva are popular in Greece. Purely Greek sweets are galaktoburek (cottage cheese cake), karidopita (walnut cake), vasilopita (New Year's cake), rizogalo (sweet rice porridge) and jams.

Well, there can be no discussion about the most popular drink in Greece - it is, without a doubt, wine. The Greeks joke that you need to live at least ten lives to taste all the varieties of local wine. In addition to wine, stronger drinks are also loved here - especially ouzo (aniseed vodka). Among non-alcoholic drinks, the undisputed favorite is coffee, which the Greeks drink around the clock and in unlimited quantities.

Ancient Hellas did not have many products typical of modern Greek cuisine. The ancient Greeks did not have tomatoes and lemons, or eggplants with sweet peppers. But the fundamental precepts of the culinary tradition of Greek cuisine remain unchanged today. First, it is impossible to imagine a Greek meal without the "holy triad" - bread and olives. And secondly, a real feast for the Greeks is not a simple process of eating delicious food. First of all, this Greek cuisine is a ritual.

Those gathered, tasting various dishes, talk a lot, of course, speak about dishes and exchange opinions. For the Greeks, it is of great importance what kind of olive oil was used, from which region of the country it was brought, in which village feta cheese was made, in which fields the lamb grazed. From such culinary discussions. The conversation flows smoothly to higher matters.

Greek cuisine is one of the oldest in the world. Of course, over the millennia, it has undergone numerous changes. The Middle Ages in Byzantium were distinguished by recipes unimaginable today. Something like the tenderest fillet of a dairy goat stuffed with figs, garlic, pomegranate seeds, leeks, seasoned with honey marinated fish sauce.

It is not surprising that in modern Greece no one prepares such dishes, and does not eat. The Greeks have returned to simple but really tasty dishes. The true splendor of Greek cuisine lies precisely in the quality of the products and in the exact observance of the ingredients. Greek cooking is one of the many variants of the Mediterranean. Of course, it is impossible to imagine it without high-quality olive oil, fresh fish and seafood.

Greece, like all Mediterranean countries, is characterized by the consumption of a large amount of vegetables, fruits and herbs. But there are also significant differences. So beloved by Italians and French, raw crustaceans and mollusks are not particularly favored by Homer’s countrymen, not to mention eating raw meat - it is usually cooked for a long time, so you can’t count on a steak with blood in Greece. In addition, there are practically no complex sauces in Greek cuisine.

And in the 15th century, expelled people began to settle in Thessaloniki, and brought bright features of North African cuisine to the Greek local cuisine.

And in Greece itself, there are many regional options for one dish, due to climatic differences and lifestyles both in the continental part of the country and on numerous islands. The sunny climate of arid Crete has a completely different Greek cuisine than the snowy winters and wet summers of mountainous Epirus. In addition, Greek diasporas exist all over the world - in Europe, America, and Australia. And, of course, emigrants living abroad, but keeping in touch with their homeland, constantly bring something new to their native Greek cuisine.

Greek cuisine is characterized by the preparation of meat dishes on a spit and coals. Greeks eat many dishes cold, but tourist-oriented restaurants always serve hot. If the temperature of Greek cuisine food does not suit you, you can ask to heat it up. In Greek it sounds - zesto.

The Greeks are very sensitive about nutrition, so it is almost impossible to find frozen vegetables or semi-finished products. In Greece, Greek cuisine is always prepared with fresh ingredients! Regardless of social status, Greeks visit restaurants quite often. It has become part of their culture. The highest happiness for a Greek is the enjoyment of life, which is impossible without a good feast in the circle of the closest people, family and friends.

According to Greek law, every catering establishment is required to display its menu with fixed prices.

Bread is always served on the table, its price can be from thirty to ninety euro cents, this is determined by the category of the restaurant.

List of dishes and cheeses of Greek cuisine

Of course, it’s not worth trying to describe here all the variety of national dishes of Greek cuisine, however, we hope that a brief overview will be useful for novice tourists to navigate the Greek menu, although this is not easy!

• Choriatiki Salata is a traditional rustic Greek cuisine salad better known to the world as "Greek Salad". This salad consists of fresh tomatoes and cucumbers, olives, onions, Feta cheese, and, of course, olive oil. Additionally, you can season with vinegar. In some variations of Greek cuisine, Feta may be omitted from the salad. If you do not have enough tender cheese, ask the waiter to add it. In the event that you prefer a salad without any ingredients, also say so.
• Sadziki - Consists of mixed yogurt, cucumber, garlic and salt. Traditionally, Sadzik is served on Greek bread, freshly baked of course!
• Melitzana Salata is a delicate Greek cuisine eggplant salad served on fresh bread.
• Tarama Salata is a very unusual Greek dish. Greek caviar.
• Saganaki is a toasted cheese that can be served with tomato sauce.
• Casseri is a soft cheese reminiscent of mozzarella in Greek cuisine.
• Kefalotiri is a type of hard cheese, somewhat reminiscent of parmesan.
• Dopio tiri is a type of homemade local cheese. You can find it in the villages.
• Keftedes are perfectly fried meatballs. In different areas of Greece there are regional variations in Greek cuisine: Keftedes and Rvitakeftedes, Domatokeftedes, Tirokeftedes and Fazakeftedes. Despite the different ingredients, the dish is always incomparable!
• Spanakopita is a traditional Greek spinach pie.
• Tiropita is a cheese pie.
• Kreatopita - meat pie
• Lakanika - Greek cuisine vegetable salad with cabbage.

Breakfast

There is a lot of truth in the old joke about a typical Greek breakfast, which consists of a cup of strong coffee and two cigarettes. Indeed, the Greeks have breakfast, usually coffee and cake. However, the hotels serve the usual continental breakfast, which includes tea, coffee, croissants, toast, and the buffet is also popular. Some hotels serve an English breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast.

Dinner

In Greece, lunch takes place from 13:00 - 15:00. Depending on your preferences, you can choose a full meal or get by with a light salad. Many Greeks consider dinner the main meal of the day.

Dinner

Traditionally, Greek dinner starts later than in European countries. Many Greeks absolutely do not think about food until nine in the evening. Given this specific national trait, most restaurants open their doors to visitors only at 20:00. Of course, in tourist centers dinner is served a little earlier.

Classification of Greek establishments

Tavernas is a "rustic" establishment, usually decorated in a rough traditional style. In the capital and large resort towns, taverns are more Europeanized. Usually the tavern menu with Greek dishes can be seen on the door at the entrance or in the window. However, many tavern owners will simply invite you into the kitchen to see for yourself what they can cook for you from Greek cuisine. Greeks also often look into the kitchen to see which version of the selected dish from Greek cuisine is prepared in this tavern.

The freshest fish is brought to seaside taverns early in the morning and in the middle of the day. Chefs, in front of perplexed tourists, beat freshly caught octopuses on the asphalt so that the meat in Greek dishes becomes more tender.

But even the mountains of exotic Mediterranean prawns with lemon, fried octopus tentacles and stuffed squid in Greek cuisine cannot cancel the ancient Greek culinary triad. Hot bread, fragrant olive oil and wine are certainly served at the table.

Most taverns open their doors to visitors no earlier than eight o'clock in the evening. It is explained simply. Greeks prefer a fairly late meal. Taverns close late at night, and often early in the morning. On Sunday the tavern may be closed. Emotional Greeks are not unreasonably known as big football fans, so if you decide to stop by the tavern on the day of the match, you should not expect very attentive service.

In Psistaria you can taste Greek kebabs, roasts and meats fried in variations of Greek cuisine over an open fire.

The restaurant (estiatorio) offers a more elaborate menu than a tavern or psistary. Here, beautiful homespun tablecloths are on the tables, and the menu necessarily includes a version of Greek cuisine in English.

Ready meals are on display at the bain-marie, where you can also order grilled Greek dishes.

Ouzeri serves traditional ouzo. In Greece, drinking Ouzo is considered an art. The uzokatanixi ritual is very popular among the Greeks, and is gaining more and more popularity among travelers.

The literal translation of "Galaktopoleia" is a dairy shop. But it is here that you can buy products such as yogurt, milk, eggs, rice pudding, butter, bread and honey. In addition, here you can enjoy delicious homemade ice cream, which is usually presented in different flavors. The inscription pagoto politiko on the door of the store will help you find out if it is for sale. In most of them you can enjoy a cup of coffee and tea. Also, they usually offer inexpensive breakfasts. Such shops are open from early morning until evening, and this, you see, is very convenient.

Zaharoplasteia sells Greek pastries and sweets, both Greek and European. Sweets, chocolates, sweets, biscuits, coffee, carbonated drinks, including sodas - this is a typical assortment of zacharoplastia, in some you can buy bottled alcoholic drinks. Usually there are seats.

Pizzerias and cafes (gelateries) that serve Italian ice cream are widespread throughout the country, but you can hardly find traditional Western restaurants outside the capital.

The Greeks like spicy herbs and spices, but they are used in smaller quantities than the Italians and the French. Traditional herbs in Greece are parsley and dill leaves, celery, thyme, rosemary and origan.

In Greece, various varieties of garlic and onions are grown. The favorite sauces of the Greeks are ladolemono (it is olive oil thoroughly whipped with lemon), ladorigani (dry grated origan is added to olive oil) and avgolemono (egg yolks whipped with lemon and spices).
The first place in Europe, in terms of the amount of cheese consumed, belongs to the Greeks, they are even ahead of the Italians and the French. The cheese traditions of Greece are represented by many traditional cheeses. Among which are cow and buffalo, sheep and goat; hard and soft; delicately fresh and piquantly spicy. However, the most famous, of course, is Feta. Originally Greek feta cheese is a bit like cheese. The real one, made in Greece, is nothing like the German cheese of that name.

Another pride of Greece is the dairy product - yaurti. Especially homemade, produced according to ancient technologies. It is light, but at the same time, oily.

Greek cuisine is very popular among tourists. No wonder, because the food in Greece is always delicious and fresh. If you do not know what to try in Greece from food, then read our today's article about the national cuisine of Greece. Greeks are beautiful, kind and long-lived people. And all because their cuisine is Greek! Let's find out what's special about it. Features of traditional Greek cuisine.

Traditional Greek cuisine

The basis of Greek cuisine is vegetables, legumes, olives, meat (pork, lamb and goat meat), fish and seafood, nuts, cereals, a lot of greens, cheeses (in addition to the famous feta - fifty varieties!), Greek honey and, of course, olive oil, which the Greeks consume in huge quantities: more than 20 liters per person per year. One of its best varieties is squeezed out in the Peloponnese near the city of Kalamata.
The basis Greek cuisine- olive oil.

In Greece, they love water very much: it is inexpensive (35 euro cents for 0.5 liters in vending machines) and beats from drinking fountains in many public places, and all visitors to taverns are greeted with it.

IN national cuisine of Greece little salt, but lemon is added everywhere - it emphasizes the taste. They love yogurt - not plain, but Greek: fatty and similar to sour cream, it is added to stewed vegetables, used in the preparation of desserts and sauces, and also prepared as a cold appetizer, adding cucumber, garlic, parsley and mint - you get tzatziki, which you can use as a sauce for vegetables, meat and fried fish. And also in Greek dishes meat is boldly combined with sweet spices - cinnamon or cloves.

Greek cuisine: what to try

What to try in Greece from food? Of course, Greek salad. Greek salad is called rustic salad in Greece (horiatiki salad) and it is prepared quite differently from the rest of the world. No leaves and diced vegetables: cucumbers are cut into slices, tomatoes into slices, peppers into strips, onions into large half rings, and olives are not cut at all (and are not canned). A minimum of actions, the whole focus is on the freshness and quality of the products and moderation: go too far with cheese or olives (there should be several of them) - and harmony is lost. You can not mix the ingredients, but pour them into a plate in layers, on top - olive oil, spices and a large piece of feta (feta, by the way, is translated as “a piece”).

You shouldn't order more than one salad at a Greek tavern. traditional Greek cuisine for two or three people - these are the portions there. In general, it is worth clarifying what the selected dishes are: by default, many are complemented by fresh vegetables or Greek salad, and meat dishes may include a basket of hot bread or a plate of baked potatoes. To know all this in advance, you need to talk with the waiters (especially with the owners), and even if you can only communicate in Russian, you will still be understood.

Greek dishes and servings in taverns and restaurants

Greek restaurants are divided into several categories: souvladzidika (barbecue), psistarjes (barbecue), psarotavernes (fish taverns near the coast), specialized establishments - for example, patsadzidika, where they cook patza soups and hash.

Avoid places where tourist groups feed and choose restaurants where Greeks themselves eat: the more there are in the tavern, the tastier the food there. In an inexpensive cafe for locals, a barbecue will cost you about 2 euros, a Greek salad - 4-5 euros, a "set" of two grilled sausages, french fries, salad and bread - 7 euros, a large plate of grilled meat with a side dish - 12 euros , a cup of coffee - 2-2.5 euros.

lunch with Greek national dishes it will be more expensive if you order fish (bill for two - 30-50 euros), as it is sold by weight. It is normal practice to ask the fish to be shown to you and weighed.

Coffee is the main drink in Greece, it is drunk both hot and cold, and with spices. The most popular cold frappe is instant coffee with ice and milk foam. Frappe - Greek coffee - instant coffee with ice and milk foam.

What to try in Greece besides food: strong drinks

For connoisseurs of strong drinks, we recommend the classics: anise vodka ouzo, grape crayfish and cognac metaxa. From red wines, it is worth trying rapsani, from fortified wines - Alexandrian Muscat. And the most famous and ancient Greek wine is retsina with a taste of resin; served with appetizers and drunk chilled.

National cuisine of Greece

It is worth trying souvlaki - Greek pork skewers, risoli - something intermediate between cutlets and pies, patsas soup (from a tripe), mosharokefali (from a calf's head) or kotosup (chicken, with rice); htapodi - octopus (char-grilled or marinated), delicious fish tsipura or barbunya baked on charcoal. Greek seafood is tastier than ocean food, and in order to appreciate it to the maximum, it is better to take some sort of platter.
Do not forget about moussaka - a traditional casserole of fried potatoes, zucchini, eggplant, minced meat, tomatoes and cheese with bechamel sauce, Greek sweets, as well as Greek pies with fillings that are unusual for us (for example, with olives, cheese or spinach).

Greek cuisine: what else to try? In Greece, in general, there are many extraordinary recipes. One of them is easy to recreate in 15 minutes, having two oranges, six cucumbers, one lemon and spices (a teaspoon each of rosemary, oregano and mint, a tablespoon of thyme). Oranges and cucumbers need to be cut into thin slices, then fresh herbs and dressing are added to the oranges: black and pink pepper, salt, lemon juice, plus olive oil. The final touch is cucumbers and a little salt: it turns out a light salad with a Greek flavor.

So, now you know a little about Greek cuisine. If you have a question about the cuisine of Greece, what to try, then now you know that this is primarily Greek salad, souvlaki, patsas soup, mosharokefali, khtapodi, tsipura or barbunya fish, as well as moussaka. If you are going to visit Greece, I also advise you to read the article Food in Greece is interesting, fresh and insanely delicious. It is better not to read about it, but to try it. Bon appetit!

Please accept my apologies in advance if this blog is making you hungry. Greek cuisine is a firm favorite. We argued for a long time about which dishes are the best, and in the end we decided to combine our knowledge and present you with 10 of the best Greek dishes:

Grilled lamb or skewers

The amazing protein acts as a tonic. In fact, lamb is the best choice when ordering. If the meat is cooked to perfection, why add anything else to it?

Tzatziki

Tzatziki is a sauce in which you can dip a piece of bread or lamb. It's yogurt with cucumber slices. It is low calorie and very tasty.

Loukoumades

In simple terms, these are Greek donuts. These are honey balls with cinnamon containing beneficial qualities.

Greek salad

The world famous Greek salad is a refreshing and healthy dish for a fragrant Greek dinner.

Halva

Halva is served throughout the Middle East. Halva can cure your sweet cravings. Semolina, almonds, cinnamon, taste much better than it looks.

Gyros

Gyros- mmm!!! Gyros is a lula kebab. At the end of the day, it's a healthy alternative to greasy, cheese-covered foods. As a rule, the British like to have a bite to eat on the way home. Lavash, grilled meat, fresh salad, sauce - this is lunch in Greece.

Cooluri

Aunt Ann calls them pretzels, but the Greeks call them Kouluri. Kouluri is a Greek bread topped with sesame seeds. One kouluri with coffee is the perfect breakfast.

Taramasalata

Basically, it's a fish caviar sauce. So for those who are at least a little picky about food, especially fish, this dish may not be suitable.

Octopus

Octopus may not look exactly appetizing, but in Greece octopus is served in a variety of ways. Even if you're not a seafood fan, it's worth a try before giving up on this dish.

halloumi

Grilled halloumi is being cooked outside. This dish is served with a Greek salad in a restaurant or with french fries at the beach. If you haven't tried Cypriot cheese yet, trust me, it will change your life (for the better!).

The national dishes of the Greeks are a harmony of fragrant herbs, fresh products and various spices generously flavored with olive oil.

Gastronomic masterpieces, known since the times of Ancient Hellas, are “seasoned” with the alluring sea, the burning sun and reflect the cheerful and open temperament of the locals. Therefore, to get a complete picture of the country, to feel its Mediterranean flavor, is impossible without getting to know the most popular dishes of the multifaceted Greek cuisine.

Moussaka (Μουσακάς)

The first thing you need to try in Greece from food is the world-famous moussaka. The meat dish, which evokes associations with the incendiary dance of sirtaki, has Middle Eastern roots. As early as the 13th century, in Arabic cookbooks there was a dish "magum", strikingly reminiscent of the eggplant delicacy of the Hellenes.

Like all traditional Greek dishes, moussaka consists only of natural healthy products. Judge for yourself - a delicious puff casserole is prepared on the basis of eggplant, tomatoes, onions and lamb. Bechamel sauce adds a special charm to the dish. They say that he was brought into the country by a certain Nikos Tselimentes. The future cook, trained in the culinary craft, was the first to use cream sauce when cooking meat with vegetables.

Pastitsio (Παστίτσιο)

Locals consider pastitsio the pride of Greece's national cuisine and a must-try gastronomic item for those traveling around the country. And although the name of the dish is consonant with the Italian pasticcio, there is an opinion that the origins of the dish are rooted in the times of Ancient Hellas. According to the version of some etymologists, the word pasta comes from the Greek "macaria", meaning "a meal made from barley flour."

Traditionally, the composition of the famous casserole includes pasta, minced meat, mashed tomatoes, eggs and Bechamel sauce. Aromatic canela and nutmeg give it a special taste. According to the Greeks, the best pastitsio is prepared on the island of Corfu, complementing the recipe with almost transparent filo dough and slices of ham.

Fasolada (Φασολάδα)

One of the popular Greek dishes that you should definitely try while traveling is rich bean soup. It was prepared in Ancient Hellas.

Local residents consume fasolada in winter, when the air temperature drops to +7 °C, or during Orthodox Lent, the time of the ban on all meat products. High-calorie food is served to the table both hot and cold.

Any hostess can cook a traditional first course of Greek cuisine. Of the ingredients, you only need herbal ingredients: white beans, carrots, onions, tomato puree and. And do not forget celery - it is he who gives the thick stew a unique aroma and unique taste.

Fakes (Φακές)

Another famous Greek dish from the category of lean soups. The traditional stew is prepared according to all the rules of a healthy diet, the benefits of which were proven by Hippocrates. There is no place for saturated fats, preservatives and artificial additives in the recipe. A useful fake is a storehouse of microelements, fiber, vitamins and protein.

And although the ingredients of the popular soup vary depending on the region of the country, one thing remains stable - the main component of the dish, lentils. A light sourness to food gives the second mandatory component - lemon juice. In Greek restaurants, you can try faqes with sliced ​​feta cheese, which is traditionally served with this soup.

Kleftiko (Κλέφτικο)

The list of the 10 best dishes in Greece would be incomplete without kleftiko, a traditional dish whose name translates as “stolen meat”. According to legend, this masterpiece of national cuisine owes its appearance to peasants who, during the Turkish rule, stole lambs and rams from enemies, hiding them in pits marked with stones and fires. A few days later, baked and very soft food was taken out of the hiding places.

Do not try to cook kleftiko in your kitchen: you will not get the authentic smell of a light haze inherent in the dish. Real lamb with potatoes flavored with a mixture of herbs is baked in Greece in special ovens, first melting them with firewood, and then sealing the hole with clay. This helps to keep the precious heat as long as possible.

Melizanosalata (Mελιτζανοσαλάτα)

Once in the homeland of the ancient Hellenes, do not miss the opportunity to try this famous traditional dish of Greece. Cooked according to all the rules, it will leave unforgettable taste memories. At first glance, melizanosalata resembles "overseas, eggplant caviar." But the presence of walnuts, parsley, balsamic vinegar and lemon juice distinguishes tender pasta from the well-known vegetable snack.

In terms of its popularity, melizanosalata has long been on the heels of the legendary salad with feta. Thick delicious puree with an appetizing smell of fragrant herbs and garlic is masterfully prepared by all chefs of gastronomic establishments of national cuisine. and other cities, pasta is served in small salad bowls, complementing the dish with hot pita bread.

Spanakopita (Σπανακόπιτα)

If you are wondering what to eat in Greece from the original local dishes, pay attention to spanakopita. The now popular recipe has come down to us unchanged since 1800. It was then that the inhabitants of Orthodox monasteries began to cultivate spinach. At first, the plant was used for medicinal purposes. Later, the novices' meals were supplemented by pies stuffed with healthy herbs.

Modern chefs prepare the famous spanakopita from the thinnest sheets of phyllo dough, laid in several layers and brushed with olive oil. The filling is onion, spinach, pine nuts and feta cheese. And do not be surprised if you find rice grains inside the pie - they do not allow the mass to spread, absorbing excess moisture.

Baklavas (Μπακλαβάς)

If you want to try the most delicious dishes of Greek cuisine, don't forget about the popular baklavas dessert. Sweetness appeared on the land of the Hellenes in the era of Turocracy - the time of the rule of the Ottoman Empire. It was in ancient Constantinople in the 15th century that Sultan Mehmet II was first served a crispy delicacy.

In Greece, a delicious pastry is prepared a little differently than in Turkey. A work of culinary art that melts in your mouth, which includes chopped nuts, cinnamon and lemon juice, is poured abundantly here not with syrup, but with honey, which gives the sweet an amazing juiciness. In addition, small cakes are traditionally wrapped in 33 layers of filo dough - according to the number of earthly years of Jesus Christ.

Loukumades (Λουκουμάδες)

A story about the national sweet dishes of Greek cuisine would be incomplete without a description of loukoumades, a delicacy that has Arabic roots. However, over the years, a popular confectionery product resembling small ruddy donuts has taken root on the shores of the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas so much that it has become an indispensable attribute of important holidays and folk festivals.

For the preparation of one of the yeast dough is used. Small balls are made from it and fried in a vat of hot oil. Then the delicacy is poured abundantly with honey and generously sprinkled with cinnamon and grated nuts.

In traditional taverns, loukoumades are served on special skewers, which implies the rejection of cutlery.

Vasilopita (Βασιλόπιτα)

When planning a winter trip and making a list of what to eat in Greece, do not forget about the popular sweet delicacy vasilopita. This rich yeast dough cake is prepared for the New Year. It received its name in honor of St. Basil the Great - Greek Santa Claus.

Vasilopita recipe options are many. But they all have one thing in common - the main dish of the New Year's table contains grated orange peel, dried fruits and nuts. Before cooking, the housewives put a coin into the pie. The lucky one who finds a copper round in his portion will have happiness and good luck throughout the year.

The above dishes are only a hundredth part in the ocean of the country's famous traditional delicacies. To expand your knowledge of Greek national dishes, the names of which can be listed endlessly, you will be helped by such famous dishes as vegetable stew spezofai (Σπετζοφάι), milk pie galaktoboureko (Γαλακτομπούρεκο), fried lamb ribs paidaki (Παιδάκι), pork chops brizola (Μπριζόλα), keftedes (Κεφτέδες) meatballs, gyros (Γύρος) meat in a flatbread, and kalo prama (Καλό Πράμα) corn cake.