Popular Greek Foods: From Souvlaki to Baklava

Greek cuisine is known for its simplicity, freshness, and use of healthy ingredients. The Mediterranean diet, which is heavily influenced by Greek cuisine, has gained popularity all over the world for its health benefits. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular Greek foods that you must try.

Introduction to Greek Cuisine

Before we dive into the world of Greek cuisine, let’s take a brief look at the history and background of this culinary culture. Greek cuisine has been influenced by various civilizations, including Ottoman, Roman, and Byzantine. It features a wide range of ingredients such as olive oil, herbs, seafood, vegetables, and meats like lamb and beef. The flavors are often simple yet robust, with an emphasis on freshness and quality.

Greek Appetizers

Greek cuisine is famous for its appetizers or “meze,” which are often served as small plates or snacks. Some popular Greek appetizers include:

Tzatziki

Tzatziki is a dip made from yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and olive oil. It is often served with pita bread and can be used as a condiment for grilled meats.

Dolmades

Dolmades are stuffed grape leaves filled with rice, herbs, and spices. They are often served as an appetizer or side dish.

Spanakopita

Spanakopita is a savory pastry made with spinach, feta cheese, and phyllo dough. It is often served as a snack or appetizer.

Main Courses

Greek main courses are often centered around grilled meats and seafood. Vegetables are also a big part of Greek cuisine. Some popular Greek main courses include:

Souvlaki

Souvlaki is a popular Greek dish made with marinated grilled meat, usually pork or chicken. It is often served with pita bread, tzatziki, and vegetables.

Moussaka

Moussaka is a layered dish made with eggplant, ground beef, and tomato sauce. It is topped with a creamy béchamel sauce and baked until golden brown.

Pastitsio

Pastitsio is a Greek pasta dish made with ground beef, tomato sauce, and béchamel sauce. It is often topped with grated cheese and baked until golden brown.

Greek Desserts

Greek desserts are often sweet and syrupy. Some popular Greek desserts include:

Baklava

Baklava is a sweet pastry made with layers of phyllo dough, nuts, and honey syrup. It is often served with a cup of strong Greek coffee.

Loukoumades

Loukoumades are Greek donuts made with yeast dough and drizzled with honey syrup. They are often served as a dessert or snack.

Galaktoboureko

Galaktoboureko is a custard-filled pastry made with phyllo dough and syrup. It is often served as a dessert.

Greek Drinks

Greek cuisine also features a range of refreshing drinks. Some popular Greek drinks include:

Ouzo

Ouzo is an anise-flavored liquor that is often served as an aperitif. It is usually mixed with water and served with ice.

Retsina

Retsina is a white wine that is flavored with resin. It is often served with seafood.

Frappé

Frappé is a Greek iced coffee made with instant coffee, sugar, and milk. It is often served with a straw and a spoon.

Conclusion

Greek cuisine is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy food. From the simplicity of tzatziki to the sweetness of baklava, Greek cuisine has something for everyone. So, next time you’re looking to curb cravings, be sure to pay a visit to the hard-working folks over at PI·RHO Grill.