12 Irresistible Greek Dishes You Have to Try on Your Next Trip
“Greek food is not about complexity, but about a perfect balance of ingredients.” — Diane Kochilas
Have you ever asked yourself why Greek cuisine is one of the healthiest and tastiest in the world? What we know about the Mediterranean diet (of which Greek food is a hallmark) is that health experts have named it the healthiest diet on the planet for several years in a row.
A study in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that, compared to those on less balanced eating, those on the Mediterranean diet have a 25 percent lower risk of heart disease and live longer.
If you’re ready to be inspired (and hungry), the trip to Greece will leave you wanting 12 irresistible dishes (at least!) that absolutely every foodie must experience.
Moussaka – The National Dish of Greece
A symbol of Greek culinary excellence is the layered casserole moussaka. This hearty dish includes fried eggplant, spiced minced meat (often lamb or beef), and creamy béchamel sauce, baked to perfection. It has a unique seasoning with a taste of cinnamon.
Moussaka is authentic Greek comfort food that is served in almost every taverna in Greece, so you should eat it.
Pastitsio – Greece’s Answer to Lasagna
This beloved baked pasta dish has a nice Greek twist and is reminiscent of Italian-style lasagna. Tubular pasta, spiced ground meat, tomato-based sauce, and a rich béchamel sauce are topped with shredded kefalotyri cheese.
It’s elevated by all the little hints of nutmeg and cinnamon, but it is also a family dinner and celebration favorite.
Spanakopita – The Quintessential Greek Pie
It’s Spanakopita, or spinach pie, made of sautéed spinach, smooth feta cheese, onions, and various herbs; all cradled inside the delicate layers of the phyllo pastry.
Whether served as an appetizer or dinner, this effortlessly versatile dish captures what Greece stewards as a country of people who love fresh, local ingredients.
Souvlaki – A Simple Street Food Favorite
A quintessential Greek street food, souvlaki is flavorful and satisfying. Made up of skewered chunks of marinated meat (pork, chicken, and lamb, to name a few) grilled to heaven and often accompanied by warm pita bread and piquant tzatziki sauce.
Though simple, you can tell by eating it that it’s a quality dish, perfect for an afternoon snack or a quick meal.
Gyros – A Taste of Greece on the Go
Gyros are a must for a quick, flavorsome bite. The thinly sliced, seasoned meat (done on a vertical spit) goes into a fluffy pita with tomatoes, onions, fries, and a side of tzatziki.
This handheld delight is affordable, ubiquitous, and very delicious. It is popular at various food stalls and local eateries.
Greek Salad – A Fresh and Flavorful Classic
Known in Greece as “Horiatiki,” this salad is a harmonious blend of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, green peppers, Kalamata olives, and a generous slab of feta cheese.
It is simple, and olive oil drizzled and sprinkled with oregano, making it simple but bursting with the Mediterranean’s natural flavors.
Fasolada – The National Soup of Greece
Fasolada is a hearty bean soup made with white beans, tomatoes, carrots, and celery and topped off with a drizzle of olive oil.
It is often hailed as Greece’s traditional soup. Simple in origin yet comforting and healthful—vegetarian-approved and all—it’s a great meal.
Baklava – A Sweet and Nutty Masterpiece
Greece’s most iconic dessert is Baklava! It consists of thin sheets of phyllo dough layered with a mixture of chopped nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, or pistachios, and is soaked in luscious honey-based syrup after it’s baked. These are a delightfully crunchy, sweet explosion that any Greek meal can follow.
Galaktoboureko – The Creamy Custard Delight
Galaktoboureko is a match made in heaven: the crunch of phyllo pastry meets the creamy of semolina custard. Baked and then smothered with a citrus-flavored sugar syrup, it’s a rich, indulgent sweet.
Loukoumades – Greek Honey Puffs
These puffs of deep-fried dough are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They are drizzled with honey syrup and dusted with cinnamon. The loukoumades are often eaten at festivities and represent Greek culture, community, and celebration.
Dolmades – Stuffed Grape Leaves
Dolmades are small and well–flavored, with rice and herb stuffing inside grape leaves. Sometimes, minced meat is also mixed through.
These bite-sized goodies are always one of the top dishes served at Greek feasts and drizzled with lemon juice; they are the perfect appetizer or snack.
Retsina – The Unique Greek Wine
Still hungry or thirsty, round off your Greek food odyssey with a glass of Retsina, an ancient Greek wine fortified with pine resin. Greece’s broad winemaking heritage gave it its sleek, definitive flavor, which collaborates superbly with seafood and meze dishes.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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