Moussaka, feta cheese, and gyro (pronounced “yee-rro”) are some of the items that come to mind when one thinks of typical Greek food. There are also regional dishes that are unique to each area, but you will find most of the typical Greek dishes almost everywhere (or you can go on a food tour to explore local spots). So here’s what to eat in Greece to get your fill of deliciousness and embrace Greek cuisine, from tasty cheesy treats to sweet delights to vegan dishes.
Moussaka is a traditional food in Greece, and looks a bit like lasagna, but instead of layers of pasta, they use aubergine (eggplant) instead. The other layers include ground meat and béchamel sauce.
Both souvlaki and gyro are grilled meat, but souvlaki consists of pieces of meat served on a skewer, usually with grilled veggies, while gyros are chopped up pieces of grilled rotisserie meat mixed with salad, served in pita bread and usually with French fries.
Pastitsio is Greece’s version of lasagna: layers of pasta (macaroni style, not flat pasta sheets) topped with ground meat and béchamel sauce.
Locally known as Horiatiki Salata, Greek salads are a classic, and the ultimate refreshing dish to enjoy in the warmer seasons for a crunchy and tangy starter or side dish. A typical Greek salad consists of vegetables like onions, olives, tomatoes, cucumber, Kalamata olives, olive oil, oregano, and, of course, feta cheese. For a vegan version, ask for one without feta.
Tip: Greek salads don’t usually contain green leaves like lettuce or spinach, so if you’re offered a Greek island with leafy veggies, it’s not authentic.
A savoury phyllo pastry filled with spinach and feta cheese, spanakopita is the perfect snack or light meal to enjoy on the go. It can be eaten warm or at room temperature.
Tiropita is a Greek cheese pie made of phyllo pastry and a mix of cheeses, usually feta and ricotta, eggs, and butter. The end result is a crispy, cheesy treat, often cut into triangles or squares and eaten as a snack, either warm or at room temperature.
Many typical Greek dishes contain meat or animal products, but they can be made into a vegan version if you ask for specifications, such as removing meat and dairy products like yogurt and cheese.
If you’re a vegetarian and consume dairy, ask about hidden ingredients like chicken stock, as these are sometimes used even in vegetarian dishes.
You can also find plenty of dishes that are naturally vegan, listed below.
A naturally vegan traditional Greek dish, a fasolada is a hearty soup made with white beans, tomatoes, and other vegetables. It’s a good source of protein.
Another naturally vegan dish, gigantes plaki is a soup made of giant baked beans, tomato sauce, and garlic. It can be consumed on its own as it’s quite filling, or as a side dish.
A briam is a typical Greek dish made of a mix of roasted vegetables which include eggplant, potatoes, tomatoes, zucchini, and seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and oregano. The potatoes make it quite filling, so it can be consumed on its own.
A typical Greek dish that often pops up on the list of what to eat in Greece, Dolmades are grape leaves stuffed with rice, herbs, and a variety of ingredients, including meat. But it’s also widely available as a vegan option.
Horta is a simple dish made of boiled greens drizzled with olive oil and lemon. I have to admit it’s not my favourite thing to eat in Greece (or anywhere else), but it’s a good side dish if you like a bit of acidity and if you like boiled greens.
Ladera dishes are dishes with a tomato sauce and veggies like okra, green beans, and zucchini, cooked in olive oil.
Skordalia is a dip, so it’s more of a snack or side dish rather than a whole dish, and is made of garlic, bread or potatoes, olive oil, and vinegar. Dairy is sometimes added, so request a non-dairy version to make it vegan.
For those who like fried crunchy snacks, Kolokythokeftedes is the answer. They are Zucchini fritters, and very crispy on the outside, but soft on the inside, and sometimes topped with herbs and cheese. Request without cheese to make it vegan.
Pita bread is not a main dish on its own, but served with one, or with a dip like melitzanosalata (eggplant spread), or hummus. Hummus does show up on Greek menus even though it isn’t a Greek dish, but rather of Middle Eastern origin, specifically Lebanon, Syria, Palestine🍉, and Jordan.
One of the fun facts about Greece is that it’s one of the biggest producers of olives, which are an integral part of Greek cuisine and culture. Olives are naturally vegan, and an absolute must-try in Greece.
Melopita originates from the island of Sifnos, which belongs to one of Greece’s 6 island groups: the Cyclades. Melopita is made with cheese and drizzled with honey, and is very similar to a cheesecake in looks, texture, and taste.
A custard treat, galaktoboureko is made of semolina, milk, sugar, and eggs in phyllo pastry, and covered with syrup.
Portokalopita is a cake made with oranges and phyllo pastry, and topped with syrup.
Although not originally a traditional Greek dish, baklava is a deliciously sweet dessert with origins in the Middle East (specifically modern-day Turkey). Drizzled with honey, it’s a phyllo pastry made with nuts (walnuts in Greece, pistachios in Turkey),
A dairy-free and egg-free dessert, Halva is perfect for vegans. It’s made of tahini (ground sesame paste), sugar, nuts, spices, and olive oil, though at times butter is used instead.
Loukoumades look like donut holes. They are deep-fried dough balls, drizzled with honey and usually sprinkled with crushed nuts.
Kourabiedes are usually available during the festive season, around Christmas time. They are butter cookies covered in powdered sugar, and can be messy to eat.
Similar in looks to portokapolita, ravani is a cake made of semolina, and flavoured with orange or sometimes lemon, and covered in syrup.
Karidopita is a walnut cake made with cinnamon and cloves, and covered in syrup.
A jelly or pudding-like sweet treat, moustalevria is made with grapes and is found more easily in autumn, when grapes are readily available.
A soft, fluffy, sweet bread, tsoureki is like a brioche, but instead of a circle, it’s braided. It’s usually made for Easter as it has religious connections, where the three braids represent the Holy Trinity.
An energy-boosting snack, pasteli is a treat that dates back to ancient times. It’s made with sesame seeds and honey.
Rizogalo is the Greek version of rice pudding, and usually flavoured with cinnamon.
Can’t go to Greece without trying Greek yogurt. Different from regular yogurt, the Greek version is low in sugar, has less whey, and is thicker and creamier with a slightly tangy and sour taste, making it a good source of calcium and protein.
While most main traditional foods in Greece are meat-heavy, there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.
For your first time in Greece, try some of the most popular and traditional meals like gyro, moussaka, Greek salad, and finish off with a sweet treat.
Some of Greece’s most popular desserts are baklava, halva, karidopita, and portokalopita.
