Greece National Food

Greek cuisine defies a single “national dish” label, instead embracing a spectrum of emblematic foods. Staples like gyro wraps and souvlaki skewers share pride of place with dishes like moussaka (an eggplant-meat casserole) and pastitsio (baked meat pasta). Bright salads with feta and olives complement rich pies (spanakopita) and creamy spreads (tzatziki), while bean soups and Lenten specialties tie meals to tradition. Dining is communal and celebratory: locals drizzle olive oil on bread and raise glasses of ouzo — making each meal a shared celebration of history and hospitality. From grilled island fish to honeyed desserts, each bite reflects the land’s history and craft.

Stews & Main Dishes

Arnaki Frikase — Greek Lamb Stew with Lettuce, Dill & Avgolemono

Arnaki Frikase (Greek Lamb Avgolemono Stew)

Greece National Food

Greek lamb and spring greens stew finished in an egg-lemon (avgolemono) sauce. Tender lamb shanks or neck simmered with celery, lettuce and dill, enriched with ...

Exohiko — Greek Country-Style Meat Parcels in Phyllo

Exohiko — Greek Country-Style Meat Parcels in Phyllo

Greece National Food

Exohiko (Greek for “countryside” or “outside”) refers to a rustic baked parcel beloved in Greek home cooking. This hearty dish features tender cooked meat (often ...

Gemistá Greek Stuffed Tomatoes & Peppers Recipe

Gemistá: Greek Stuffed Tomatoes & Peppers

Greece National Food

Gemistá (γemιστά, meaning “stuffed” in Greek) is a beloved summer staple in Greece – vegetables filled with aromatic herbed rice, baked in olive oil and ...

Giouvétsi

Giouvétsi: Greek Baked Orzo and Meat Casserole

Greece National Food

Giouvétsi (also Youvetsi) is a beloved Greek casserole that pairs tender braised meat with orzo pasta in a fragrant tomato sauce. To make it, beef ...

Bifteki — Herb-Seasoned Beef Patties (Greek Classic)

Greek Bifteki

Greece National Food

Bifteki holds a cherished place at Greek grillhouses and family gatherings. These seasoned beef patties, often shaped into oblong burgers, bring together familiar grill flavors ...

Greek Pastitsio – Baked Bucatini with Meat Sauce and Béchamel

Greek Pastitsio – Baked Bucatini with Meat Sauce and Béchamel

Greece National Food

Pastítsio (παστίτσιο) is a beloved Greek pasta casserole, sometimes described as Greece’s answer to lasagna. Originating from the Ionian Islands and influenced by Italian pasticcio, ...

Grekos Moussaka

Grekos Moussaka

Greece National Food

Grekos Moussaka is a Greek dish characterized by a complex flavor profile, comprising layered eggplant, potatoes, spiced ground meat, and béchamel sauce. Rooted in Mediterranean ...

Kokoretsi – Traditional Greek Lamb Offal Roast

Kokoretsi – Traditional Greek Lamb Offal Roast

Greece National Food

Kokorétsi is a festive Greek specialty most famously served at Easter, cherished by devoted carnivores for its intense flavor. This rich roast is made by ...

Lahanodolmades Avgolemono

Lahanodolmades Avgolemono

Greece National Food

In this recipe, whole cabbage leaves are parboiled until soft, then each is filled with a herbed meat-and-rice mixture and rolled into a neat cigar ...

Moschari Kokkinisto

Moschari Kokkinisto

Greece National Food

Moschari Kokkinisto is a classic Greek comfort stew enjoyed in households across the country. The name kokkinisto means "red-cooked," referring to the bright tomato-based sauce ...

Paidakia — Charcoal-Grilled Greek Lamb Chops

Paidakia — Charcoal-Grilled Greek Lamb Chops

Greece National Food

Paidakia are Greece’s quintessential grilled lamb chops, a soul-satisfying staple of seaside tavernas and backyard barbecues alike. These tender rib chops are lightly marinated in ...

Papoutsakia (Greek Stuffed Eggplant “Little Shoes”)

Papoutsakia (Greek Stuffed Eggplant “Little Shoes”)

Greece National Food

Papoutsakia (literally “little shoes” in Greek) are a beloved comfort food in Greece. This classic dish consists of eggplants hollowed into boat shapes and filled ...

Soutzoukakia Smyrneika

Soutzoukakia Smyrneika

Greece National Food

Greek soutzoukakia are spiced cumin meatballs simmered in a savory tomato sauce. The oblong meatballs are first fried until lightly browned, then cooked in a ...

Spetsofai — Greek Sausages with Peppers & Tomatoes

Spetsofai — Greek Sausages with Peppers & Tomatoes

Greece National Food

A rustic Pelion stew of Greek sausages simmered with red and green peppers, tomato, garlic and herbs. Spicy, hearty and served hot in its rich ...

Stifádo Slow-Braised Beef and Onion Stew (Greek Recipe)

Traditional Greek Stifádo

Greece National Food

Stifádo is a classic Greek comfort stew of tender meat (often beef or rabbit) braised slowly with onions in a richly spiced tomato and red ...

Youvarlakia Avgolemono — Lemony Greek Meatball Soup

Youvarlakia Avgolemono

Greece National Food

Youvarlakia are traditional Greek soup dumplings — small meatballs made with ground meat and rice, cooked in a tangy lemon broth. This dish is especially ...

Greece’s Soups

Fasoláda Greek White Bean Soup (Hearty National Dish)

Fasoláda: Greek White Bean Soup

Greece National Food

Fasoláda (Φασολάδα) is often called Greece’s national dish – a warm, hearty white bean soup that’s been nourishing families for generations. Simple ingredients – beans, ...

Kotosoupa Avgolemono

Kotosoupa Avgolemono

Greece National Food

Few dishes in Greek cuisine are as beloved or as soothing as Kotosoupa Avgolemono. The name comes from two Greek words — kotosoupa meaning chicken ...

Magiritsa Greek Easter Offal Soup

Magiritsa: Greek Easter Offal Soup

Greece National Food

Magiritsa arrives at the festive table as the celebratory finale to the Greek Orthodox Lenten fast. This Easter-time soup is made from tender lamb offal ...

Patsas (Greek Tripe Soup) – Late-Night Hangover Cure

Patsas (Greek Tripe Soup) – Late-Night Hangover Cure

Greece National Food

Patsas is Greece’s infamous late-night restorative soup, renowned for its ability to cure hangovers and keep night owls going. At the core of this hearty ...

Psarosoupa (Kakavia)

Psarosoupa (Kakavia) — Greek Fisherman’s Fish Soup

Greece National Food

Psarosoupa, often called Kakavia, is Greece’s iconic fisherman’s soup — a testament to how simple ingredients from the sea become a comforting meal. The name ...

Revithada — Slow-Baked Greek Chickpea Stew

Revithada — Slow-Baked Greek Chickpea Stew

Greece National Food

In the Cyclades archipelago, on the island of Sifnos, Revithada reigns as a cherished weekend ritual. This traditional chickpea stew is simple in ingredients yet ...

Trahanas Soup – Greek Fermented Grain Comfort

Trahanas Soup: Tangy Greek Fermented Grain & Yogurt Soup

Greece National Food

In this warming Trahanas soup, fermented wheat pellets (trahana) are simmered into a creamy, tangy broth. First, optional pork sausage is browned and removed. Then ...

Fish & Seafood

Astakomakaronada – Greek Lobster Pasta with Tomato Sauce

Astakomakaronada

Greece National Food

Tender chunks of lobster are simmered in a vibrant tomato sauce with garlic, onions, white wine, and herbs, then tossed with al dente pasta. A ...

Battered Cod & Garlic Dip (Bakaliáros Skordaliá)

Battered Cod & Garlic Dip (Bakaliáros Skordaliá)

Greece National Food

Bakaliáros skordaliá is a classic Greek dish synonymous with celebration and tradition. It features pieces of salt-cured cod (bakaliáros) that are desalted, dipped in a ...

Calamari (Kalamari Tiganito)

Calamari (Kalamari Tiganito)

Greece National Food

Few appetizers capture the spirit of a Greek summer by the sea like a basket of golden fried calamari. In tavernas from Santorini to Thessaloniki, ...

Garides Saganaki – Greek Shrimp with Tomato and Feta

Garides Saganaki – Greek Shrimp with Tomato and Feta

Greece National Food

Garides saganaki is a vibrant Greek seafood dish that straddles the line between meze and main course. In this classic recipe, large shrimp are briefly ...

Lakerda – Salt-Cured Bonito Slices

Lakerda – Salt-Cured Bonito Slices

Greece National Food

Lakerda is a prized traditional Greek meze made from salt-cured bonito (a type of large tuna-like fish). Its preparation involves preserving thick steaks of fresh ...

Marinated Anchovies (Gavros Marinatos)

Marinated Anchovies (Gavros Marinatos)

Greece National Food

Gavros marinatos offers a bold taste of the Greek islands. This classic Greek meze features tiny fresh anchovies “cooked” by their marinade in vinegar and ...

Midia Saganaki – Spicy Greek Mussels

Midia Saganaki – Spicy Greek Mussels

Greece National Food

Midia saganaki is a delightful Greek seafood meze that highlights the natural brininess of mussels with the tangy richness of tomato and feta. In this ...

Psari Plaki – Baked Greek Fish

Psari Plaki – Baked Greek Fish

Greece National Food

Psari plaki is a beloved home-style dish from Greece, where simple ingredients combine into a comforting seafood casserole. The name literally means “fish in a ...

Grilled Sardines (Greek Sardeles sta Karvouna) – Simple Seafood Recipe

Sardeles sta Karvouna: Greek Grilled Sardines

Greece National Food

Sardeles sta Karvouna (Greek grilled sardines) are the epitome of seaside dining in Greece. Simple yet unforgettable, these small fish are dressed in salt and ...

Vegetable & Ladera Dishes

Aginares a la Polita

Aginares a la Polita

Greece National Food

Greek Aginares a la Polita is a bright artichoke stew with carrots, peas, and dill in a lemony olive oil broth. Tender artichoke hearts simmer ...

Arakas Laderos (Greek Peas with Carrots)

Arakas Laderos

Greece National Food

Arakas Laderos is a humble yet deeply satisfying Greek stew of peas and carrots gently simmered in olive oil and tomato. The name literally means ...

Bamies Laderes

Bamies Laderes

Greece National Food

Bamies laderes (okra stewed in tomato and olive oil) is an unexpected delight for those who give it a chance. Fresh okra pods, often associated ...

Briám Oven-Roasted Summer Vegetable Medley

Briám: Oven-Roasted Summer Vegetable Medley

Greece National Food

Briám is a quintessential Greek ladera (olive oil–based) vegetable casserole that celebrates summer’s bounty. In this one-pan dish, thinly sliced eggplant, zucchini, potatoes, onions, and ...

Fasolakia Ladera

Fasolakia Ladera

Greece National Food

Fasolakia ladera is the very picture of homey Greek cooking. Each bite of this green bean stew delivers the warm, sun-ripened flavor of summer vegetables, ...

Gigantes Plaki

Gigantes Plaki

Greece National Food

Gigantes plaki is a beloved Greek comfort dish that feels like a warm embrace on a cool evening. Its name literally means “giants on the ...

Melitzanes Imam

Melitzanes Imam

Greece National Food

Melitzanes Imam (often called Greek Imam Bayildi) is a classic Mediterranean dish of eggplants stuffed with a tomato-onion filling and baked until meltingly tender. Its ...

Spanakorizo (Greek Spinach Rice with Lemon)

Spanakorizo

Greece National Food

Spanakorizo, a quintessential Greek dish, rooted in simplicity and flavor, embodies the very spirit of Greek culinary tradition. Spanakorizo represents a harmonious fusion of vibrant ...

Breads & Savory Pies

Bougatsa (Greek Custard Pastry with Phyllo)

Bougatsa (Greek Custard Pastry with Phyllo)

Greece National Food

Bougátsa is a warm Greek pastry made of layers of flaky phyllo dough filled with a rich custard or cheese. Originating in northern Greece, it’s ...

Hortopita — Greek Pie of Wild Greens and Feta

Hortopita — Greek Pie of Wild Greens and Feta

Greece National Food

Hortopita is a rustic Greek savory pie that turns foraged wild greens and herbs into a sumptuous filling. Its name literally means “greens pie,” often ...

Kreatopita – Greek Meat & Phyllo Pie

Kreatopita – Greek Meat & Phyllo Pie

Greece National Food

Kreatopita (pronounced kre-a-toh-PEE-tah) is a hearty, rustic Greek meat pie baked in flaky phyllo dough. This savory pie hails from rural Greece (especially the Ionian ...

Kritsinia – Greek Sesame Breadsticks

Kritsinia – Greek Sesame Breadsticks

Greece National Food

Kritsinia (pronounced kree-TSI-nee-ah) are traditional Greek sesame-coated breadsticks, found in every bakery across Greece. Unlike many breadsticks, Kritsinia contain no dairy or eggs, making them ...

Lagana – Sesame-Topped Lenten Flatbread

Lagana – Sesame-Topped Lenten Flatbread

Greece National Food

Lagana, known in Greek as λαγάνα (pronounced lah-GHAH-nah), is more than just bread – it is a springtime tradition. Each year on Kathari Deftera, or ...

Peinirli Greek Cheese-Filled Pizza Boats

Peinirli: Greek Cheese-Filled Pizza Boats

Greece National Food

In Greece, peinirli (pronounced PEE-nee-rlée) is the soul of late-night snacking – a warm, boat-shaped flatbread brimming with creamy cheese and savory fillings. Originating from ...

Spanakopíta (Spinach and Feta Pie)

Spanakopíta (Spinach and Feta Pie)

Greece National Food

Spanakopíta is a classic Greek savory pie featuring tender spinach leaves, creamy feta cheese, and aromatic herbs encased in paper-thin phyllo pastry. The result is ...

Tirópita Golden Cheese-Filled Phyllo Triangles

Tirópita: Golden Cheese-Filled Phyllo Triangles

Greece National Food

Tirópita (tiropita) is one of Greece’s most beloved snacks, found in every bakery and home kitchen. The name literally means “cheese pie,” and at its ...

Salads & Meze

Bouyiourdi — Baked Feta with Tomato and Chili

Bouyiourdi — Baked Feta with Tomato and Chili

Greece National Food

Bouyiourdi is a classic Greek appetizer featuring creamy feta cheese baked under a savory tomato and pepper sauce. Originating in Thessaloniki (Northern Greece), this dish ...

Dakos (Cretan Barley Rusk Salad)

Dakos (Cretan Barley Rusk Salad)

Greece National Food

In the sun-drenched island of Crete, a simple salad called dakos (pronounced “THAH-kos”) captures the heart of Mediterranean flavor. At its base lies a crisp ...

Fáva Santorínis Silky Yellow Split-Pea Purée (Santorini Specialty)

Fáva Santorínis: Silky Yellow Split-Pea Purée

Greece National Food

Fáva Santorínis is a cherished specialty from the volcanic island of Santorini. Made with a unique local variety of yellow split peas (PDO “Fava Santoríni”), ...

Horiatiki (Greek Village Salad)

Horiatiki (Greek Village Salad)

Greece National Food

The traditional Greek salad, known in Greece as Horiatiki, bursts with color and crunch. It is an emblem of Greek summer – a simple mix ...

Hórta Vrastá

Hórta Vrastá: Boiled Wild Greens

Greece National Food

Hórta (hortá) refers to a variety of leafy greens that grow wild or in home gardens throughout Greece. In spring and early summer, Greeks gather ...

Kolokythokeftedes — Zucchini Fritters with Herbs and Feta

Kolokythokeftedes — Zucchini Fritters with Herbs and Feta

Greece National Food

Kolokythokeftedes are classic Greek zucchini fritters known for their golden, crisp exterior and tender, savory interior. These fritters celebrate summer’s bounty of zucchini mixed with ...

Melitzano Salad (Melitzanosalata)

Melitzano Salad (Melitzanosalata)

Greece National Food

Melitzano salad, often referred to as Greek eggplant salad or melitzanosalata, represents a quintessential dish of Greek cuisine, captivating the senses with its vibrant flavors ...

Saganaki (Pan-Fried Greek Cheese)

Saganaki (Pan-Fried Greek Cheese)

Greece National Food

Saganaki emerges as a remarkable treasure amidst the vast array of traditional dishes, captivating the palates of both residents and travelers alike. This exquisite dish, ...

Skordaliá Thick Garlic-Potato Purée

Skordaliá: Thick Garlic-Potato Purée

Greece National Food

Skordaliá is Greece’s iconic garlic sauce, a thick purée most often made from mashed potatoes and raw garlic bound with olive oil and vinegar. Its ...

Tirokafteri — Spicy Whipped Feta Dip with Chili

Tirokafteri — Spicy Whipped Feta Dip with Chili

Greece National Food

Tirokafteri is a classic Greek spread known for its creamy texture and fiery kick. Traditionally served as part of a meze platter, this whipped feta ...

Tomatokeftedes (Greek Tomato Fritters)

Tomatokeftedes (Greek Tomato Fritters)

Greece National Food

Greek tomatokeftedes are rustic sun-drenched tomato fritters hailing from the Cyclades islands of Greece (Santorini being famous for them). These savory-sweet bites capture the essence ...

Tzatzíki (Greek Yogurt-Cucumber Dip)

Tzatziki Salad

Greece National Food

Tzatziki Salad stands out as a quintessential example of the culinary excellence found within Greek cuisine. This exquisite creation, rich in flavors and textures, serves ...

Starches & Sides

Dolmádhes (Stuffed Grape Leaves)

Dolmádhes (Stuffed Grape Leaves)

Greece National Food

Dolmádhes (pronounced dol-MAHDH-es) are a beloved Greek meze consisting of tender vine leaves rolled around a flavorful mix of rice and herbs. These small bundles ...

Hylopites (Chilopites)

Hylopites (Chilopites)

Greece National Food

Hylopites (also spelled hilopites or chilopites) are classic Greek egg noodles cut into small squares or diamonds. This simple pasta has roots in rural Greek ...

Kritharaki – Greek Orzo Pilaf

Kritharaki – Greek Orzo Pilaf

Greece National Food

In Greek cuisine, kritharaki (literally “little barley”) is the name given to orzo, a small rice-shaped pasta. Kritharaki pilaf transforms this humble pasta into a ...

Patates sto Fourno — Lemon-Oregano Roasted Potatoes

Patates sto Fourno — Lemon-Oregano Roasted Potatoes

Greece National Food

Patates sto fourno are Greece’s classic oven-roasted potatoes, typically cooked alongside meat roasts or on their own as a satisfying side. These wedges are tossed ...

Patates Tiganites (Greek Olive Oil Fries)

Patates Tiganites (Greek Olive Oil Fries)

Greece National Food

In Greece, patates tiganites are much more than simple French fries: they are a national obsession. These are thick-cut potatoes fried in extra virgin olive ...

Pilafi – Greek Rice Pilaf

Pilafi – Greek Rice Pilaf

Greece National Food

Pilafi (Greek rice pilaf) is a beloved staple side dish in many Greek and Cypriot households. Often baked under a roasting rack or cooked in ...

Tigania (Greek Pork Bites with Wine and Peppers)

Tigania (Greek Pork Bites with Wine and Peppers)

Greece National Food

Tigania is a classic Greek meze featuring succulent pork morsels pan-seared with vegetables and simmered in wine and herbs. This hearty dish originates from northern ...

Street Food & Snacks

Gyros (Greek Spit-Roasted Meat Wrap)

Gyros (Greek Spit-Roasted Meat Wrap)

Greece National Food

Gyros (Greek: γύρος, meaning "turn") is a classic Greek street-food wrap. Strips of spiced pork (or chicken/lamb) are stacked on a vertical spit and slow-roasted ...

Kontosouvli — Chunky Rotisserie Pork

Kontosouvli — Chunky Rotisserie Pork

Greece National Food

Kontosouvli is a beloved Greek celebration dish that evokes the festive spirit of outdoor feasts and family gatherings. Imagine large, juicy chunks of pork shoulder ...

Koulouri Thessalonikis — Sesame Bread Ring

Koulouri Thessalonikis — Sesame Bread Ring

Greece National Food

Koulouri Thessalonikis is a classic Greek street food symbol, found on every corner of Thessaloniki from dawn until dusk. It resembles a Turkish simit – ...

Loukanikó Greek Spiced Sausage (3)

Loukanikó: Greek Spiced Sausage

Greece National Food

Loukanikó (λουκάνικο) is a traditional Greek pork sausage distinguished by its bright orange and fennel seasoning. Its name simply means “sausage.” Typically sold at markets ...

Politiko Kebab – Greek Spiced Ground Meat Kebabs

Politiko Kebab – Greek Spiced Ground Meat Kebabs

Greece National Food

Politiko Kebab has its roots in the rich culinary traditions of Constantinople (Istanbul), where Greek and Anatolian flavors blended. The term Politiko (meaning “from the ...

Souvláki Grilled Pork Skewers in Pita (Greek Street Food)

Souvlaki

Greece National Food

Souvlaki is a Greek dish recognized for its simplicity, flavor, and cultural importance. It comprises skewered, grilled meat, usually pork, chicken, or lamb, flavored with ...

Greek Desserts

Baklavá Layered Walnut Phyllo Pastry in Honey Syrup

Baklavá: Layered Walnut Phyllo Pastry

Greece National Food

Baklava needs no introduction among lovers of Mediterranean sweets. This iconic Greek dessert is a symphony of flaky layers and sticky sweetness. Originating centuries ago, ...

Bougatsa (Greek Custard Pastry with Phyllo)

Bougatsa (Greek Custard Pastry with Phyllo)

Greece National Food

Bougátsa is a warm Greek pastry made of layers of flaky phyllo dough filled with a rich custard or cheese. Originating in northern Greece, it’s ...

Galaktoboúreko Greek Semolina Custard Phyllo Pastry

Galaktoboúreko: Greek Semolina Custard Phyllo Pastry

Greece National Food

Galaktoboúreko (ga-lak-toh-boo-REH-koh) is Greece’s answer to a decadent custard pie. The name literally means “milk pie,” and it lives up to its promise: a smooth, ...

Galatopita — Greek Milk Custard Pie

Galatopita — Greek Milk Custard Pie

Greece National Food

Galatopita (literally, “milk pie”) is a pure and comforting Greek dessert. Imagine a creamy custard set into a pie – but with no layers of ...

Glyka tou Koutaliou — Spoon Sweets

Glyka tou Koutaliou — Spoon Sweets

Greece National Food

Glyka tou koutaliou literally means “sweet on the spoon.” These are Greek spoon sweets – fruit (or even vegetable) preserves served by the spoonful. They ...

Hálva – Greek Semolina and Tahini Sweet

Hálva – Greek Semolina and Tahini Sweet

Greece National Food

Halva is a beloved Greek dessert known for its warm, nutty aroma and crumbly texture. Often enjoyed on clean-the-palate days and festive occasions, it combines ...

Karydopita — Walnut Syrup Cake

Karydopita — Walnut Syrup Cake

Greece National Food

Karydopita (literally "walnut pie") is a classic Greek dessert that oozes warmth and hospitality. This cake is centered on its star ingredient – walnuts – ...

Kataifi – Crisp Greek Shredded Phyllo Rolls (Nut & Honey Pastry)

Kataïfi: Shredded-Phyllo Nut Rolls

Greece National Food

Kataïfi (pronounced kah-tah-EE-fee) is a dreamy Greek pastry that looks almost like mini cinnamon rolls wrapped in shredded phyllo. It’s sister to baklava: the flavor ...

Kourabiedes — Almond shortbread coated in powdered sugar

Kourabiedes — Almond shortbread coated in powdered sugar

Greece National Food

Kourabiedes (κουραμπιέδες) are the classic Greek shortbread cookies of the holiday season, dusted heavily in powdered sugar so they resemble little powdered snowballs. These buttery ...

Loukoumádes Greek Honey-Drizzled Doughnut Holes

Loukoumádes: Greek Honey-Drizzled Doughnut Holes

Greece National Food

Loukoumádes are Greece’s answer to doughnuts – but unlike ring-shaped Western doughnuts, these are little airy puffs drizzled generously with honey. The history of loukoumades ...

Loukoumi (Greek Delight) – Traditional Chewy Candy

Loukoumi (Greek Delight) – Traditional Chewy Candy

Greece National Food

Loukoumi, sometimes called Greek Turkish Delight, is a beloved confection that epitomizes Greek hospitality. These small cubes of sweet jelly are traditionally served at the ...

Melomakarona — Honey-soaked walnut cookies

Melomakarona — Honey-soaked walnut cookies

Greece National Food

Melomakarona (μελομακάρονα) are the iconic Greek Christmas cookies that melt in your mouth and glisten with honey. These tender, egg-shaped cookies are traditionally made for ...

Pasteli Greek Honey-Sesame Bars

Pasteli — Greek Sesame & Honey Bars

Greece National Food

Pasteli (παστέλι) is an ancient Greek sweet made from sesame seeds and honey – essentially the world’s original energy bar. Its history stretches back to ...

Portokalopita — Syrupy Orange Phyllo Cake

Portokalopita — Syrupy Orange Phyllo Cake

Greece National Food

Portokalopita is a storied Greek dessert built around two beloved ingredients: orange and phyllo pastry. In this cake, layers of dry, flaky phyllo scraps mingle ...

Revani — Syrup-Soaked Semolina Sponge Cake, Light and Moist (1)

Revani — Syrup-Soaked Semolina Sponge Cake

Greece National Food

Revani (also spelled “ravani”) is a beloved Greek syrup cake with Ottoman roots. It is made from semolina flour, which gives it a delicate crumb ...

Rizogalo — Greek Rice Pudding

Rizogalo — Greek Rice Pudding

Greece National Food

Rizogalo (ρυζόγαλο) is a velvety Greek rice pudding, simple yet deeply comforting. The name itself means “rice and milk” – reflecting its basic ingredients. Imagine ...

Tsoureki — Sweet braided bread

Tsoureki — Sweet braided bread

Greece National Food

Tsoureki is a fragrant, sweet braided bread that marks the celebration of Greek Orthodox Easter. Traditionally baked on Holy Thursday and enjoyed on Easter Sunday, ...

Drinks and Beverages

Ellinikos Kafes — Greek Coffee

Ellinikos Kafes — Greek Coffee

Greece National Food

Ellinikos kafes, meaning simply “Greek coffee,” is a rich and aromatic brew that anchors social rituals throughout Greece. This is not filtered drip or modern ...

Frappé — Shaken Instant Iced Coffee

Frappé — Shaken Instant Iced Coffee

Greece National Food

The Greek frappé is an iconic summer drink: an iced coffee with a high-velocity foam. Invented in 1957 at the Thessaloniki International Fair, this serendipitous ...

Freddo Cappuccino — Freddo espresso topped with cold frothed milk

Freddo Cappuccino — Freddo espresso topped with cold frothed milk

Greece National Food

The freddo cappuccino is a playful twist on the freddo espresso that adds a layer of silky, cold-milk foam on top, creating a creamy cap ...

Freddo Espresso — Ice-shaken espresso, the modern go-to cold coffee

Freddo Espresso — Ice-shaken espresso

Greece National Food

A Greek freddo espresso is a simple yet elegant cold coffee beverage made by shaking a double shot of espresso with ice until it froths. ...

Mastiha Liqueur — Sweet Chios Mastic Spirit

Greece National Food

Mastiha is a sweet, aromatic liqueur that captures the essence of Chios, the Greek island famed for its mastic trees. Made from the fragrant resin ...

Ouzo — Anise-flavored spirit

Ouzo — Anise-flavored spirit

Greece National Food

Greece’s national spirit, ouzo, evokes the sea breeze and convivial taverns of the islands. This clear, liquorice-scented aperitif is as central to Greek mealtime rituals ...

Rakomelo — Spiced Honey-Raki Liqueur

Rakomelo — Spiced Honey-Raki Liqueur

Greece National Food

Rakomelo is a traditional Cretan drink whose name literally means “raki with honey.” This cozy beverage blends strong grape spirit (tsikoudia or tsipouro) with natural ...

Retsina – Traditional Greek Pine-Resin Wine

Retsina – Traditional Greek Pine-Resin Wine

Greece National Food

A glass of Retsina offers a vibrant taste of Greece’s past and present. This traditional Greek white wine is fermented with Aleppo pine resin, yielding ...

Tsipouro (TsikoudiaRaki) — Grape pomace spirit, sipped neat with meze nationwide

Tsipouro (Tsikoudia/Raki)

Greece National Food

Tsipouro is Greece’s homegrown brandy, distilled from the humble grape pomace left after winemaking. Often called Greek grappa, it is a clear, potent spirit traditionally ...