Souvlaki, chunks of skewered pork, is still Greece's favourite fast food, served on chopped tomatoes and onions in pitta bread with lashings of tzatziki. Gyros, too, is popular served in the same way. At the taverna, local free-range lamb and pork dominate, though kid goat is also a favourite.
1. Delicious baked moussaka. Probably the most famous of Greek dishes, moussaka consists of layers of fried aubergine, minced meat and potatoes. That's all topped with a creamy béchamel sauce and then baked until golden brown.
Greek diet mostly relies on its produce of the country: fresh, seasonal fruits, vegetables, grains, pulses, legumes, goats, sheep, fresh fish, and, of course, the ever present olive oil. Cheeses and yogurts are also fundamental. Eating is focal in Greek culture. It is around the dining table everything is shared.
And every restaurant featured their version of moussaka, which some might say is the national dish of Greece. Moussaka is an iconic eggplant casserole featuring layers of eggplant, potatoes and a rich tomato meat sauce.
Greek Meat Dishes. The most common meats in Greece are pork, lamb, beef, goat, chicken, veal and rabbit not necessarily in that order. Because it was expensive in the past, before the Greeks became affluent enough to eat it every day, meat was eaten perhaps twice a week and usually with vegetables, pasta or grains.
The main foods the Ancient Greeks ate were bread, made from wheat, and porridge, made from barley. They used lots of olive oil to cook and add flavor to dishes. They also ate a range of vegetables, including chickpeas, olives, onions, garlic, and cabbage.
A typical Greek breakfast usually consists of a wide variety of bread, pastry, fruits, and Greek yogurt. These foods are high in nutritional value and a great source of energy — an excellent way to begin your Greek food adventures!
Ouzo. Ouzo is considered the national drink of Greece. In technical terms, it is either produced by partial distillation or the admixture of plain alcohol with aromatic herbs.
Greeks typically have four meals a day: breakfast, lunch, afternoon coffee and dinner. Traditionally the largest meal was lunch, but many have changed their habits to a more Westernized style of living.
Roast lamb has been declared Australia's national dish in a major poll that shows we're still a country of meat eaters at heart.
Simple, Basic Dishes
A good option is souvlaki, which is roast chicken or pork on a skewer usually with some roasted bell peppers thrown in as well. Souvlaki will appeal to the pickiest eater.
Ultimately, traditional Greek food is both healthy and flavorful. On top of that, it's rich in antioxidants, fiber, healthy fats, and vitamins. By incorporating Greek staple ingredients like vegetables, herbs, olive oil, and lean meats in your diet, you will provide your body with a full nutritious balance.
We, the Greeks, love our meat and the most common traditional dishes will include pork, lamb, beef, goat, chicken, veal and rabbit not necessarily in that order.
It's full of flavor.
Thanks to Greece's unique history, the food is a mash-up of different cultures. A delicious blend of citrus, cheeses, herbs, oils, and grilled meat help set Greek food apart.
Do not leave the table until everyone has finished eating. It is polite to offer the host your help in preparing and cleaning up the meal. That being said, do not expect your gesture to be accepted unless you insist.
Koulouri (Greek sesame bread rings) Loukoumades (Greek donuts with honey) Nuts and Dried Fruits. Bogatsa or Bougatsa. Bougatsa (custard pie with phyllo)
The Greeks have been eating eggs for breakfast since ancient times, so it comes as no surprise that they would still be a popular choice today! What is this? Greek omelets are made with feta cheese, onion, tomato, and green peppers.
? What is the Legal Drinking Age in Greece? The official legal drinking age in Greece is 18 years old. This means that you must be at least 18 years of age to legally consume alcohol in public, as well as to purchase alcohol.
Ouzo is a delicious anise-flavored drink from Greece. The spirit is generally consumed as an aperitif after dinner and undergoes a rigorous distillation process.
What time is dinner in Greece? In a country that never sleeps, no time is "too late" for dinner. You will find most eateries open until past 12 at midnight. Regardless, traditionally, dinner in Greek homes is served at around 8-9 pm.
The busiest shop in any Greek village is the local bakery. Bread was at one time the staple food of Greece and is still eaten at every meal, large hunks dipped in remaining sauce and olive oil, or coated with tsatziki (garlic-cucumber-yogurt dip), tarama salata (fish roe salad) or melitzana salata (eggplant salad).
Greek people, on the whole, eat very little meat and a lot of vegetables. When Greek dishes do include meat, it is typically lamb or seafood, though some dishes also involve rabbit. These meat choices are due to the fact that cattle are historically difficult to raise in the Grecian landscape.