I have been to so may countries since my husband and I started traveling full-time in 2016, but I’m a bit shocked to say that I haven’t been to Greece yet.
We’ve talked about it, we’ve even made plans, but for some reason, this incredible country keeps on getting missed. We’ll get distracted with Turkey, Portugal, or Taiwan, and then we keep on missing Greece.
So, until I make it there, I’m going to create a Greek food bucket list right here of traditional (not Greek-inspired) dishes to try.
And if you want to put these on your bucket list for when you visit Greece as well, then go ahead. They honestly all look incredible, and I can’t wait to try them all!
Side Note: There’s a free bucket list printable at the bottom! 🙂
Contents
But First, What is Typical Greek Food?
If you’re curious about what Greek Food typically consists of, then here’s an easy to remember list.
Of course, there are many other things they eat, but this is just a general idea so you can know how to better explore Greek cuisine. 🙂
Typical Greek Foods:
- Grilled meats like goat, pork, or lamb.
- Fresh fish, octopus, and calamari.
- Cheeses such as teta, graviera, or mizithra.
- Baklava and honey.
- Kolokythokeftedes (grilled veggie fritters).
- Moussaka (creamy meat, veggie, and potato bake).
- Dolmades (stuffed vine leaves).
- Olives.
- Olive oil.
- Dips and sauces such as taramasalata, tzatziki, fava, and melitzanosalata.
Alright, now let’s get into the good stuff. 😉
34 Greek Recipes to Try
1. Taramasalata with Bread
There’s something so comforting about having freshly baked pita bread and dipping it into a tangy, creamy, savory Greek dip such as Taramasalata. Made with cod roe, olive oil, soaked bread, lemon, and more, I would enjoy making this for a get together. Also, I think that anything topped with olive oil tastes incredible; I love how all of the flavors soaked into the bread taste.
Taramasalata with Bread Recipe
2. Greek Halva Cake
I grew up on store bought cakes, and I’m going to be honest right now, I didn’t really like them. It always felt like the cakes were a bit dry and the frosting too sugary sweet.
But I would eat this Greek dessert in a heartbeat. It looks so moist and the ingredients for it sound incredible! With olive oil, honey, walnuts, semolina (a type of flour), cinnamon, and more, this would be a cake I wouldn’t have any second thought on.
Also, I could see myself eating this with a hot cup of creamy coffee. I see no problems with this recipe. 👌
3. Greek Pita Bread (Gyro Bread)
I don’t always feel like restaurant quality pita bread is going to beat out homemade pita bread.
There’s just something so nice about having traditional flat bread coming fresh off the skillet for your dinner.
But I’m also going to assume that the pita bread in Greece, whether homemade or in a restaurant, probably beats out our personal recipes.
So until you and I go to Greece, here’s a good recipe so you can have comforting hot pita bread for dinner tonight. 🙂
Greek Pita Bread (Gyro Bread) Recipe
4. Greek Kormos
Unless you don’t like chocolate, I don’t see how this traditional Greek food is a problem.
I also think that this is the kind of sweet you’d see cut up on a dessert charcuterie board for a fun get-together! 😊
Oh, and there are cookies in it! I mean, I’m pretty sure I could personally eat this all in one sitting and not complain. 🤷♀️
Chocolate Salami – Greek Kormos/Mosaiko Recipe
5. Tiropita (Greek Cheese Pie)
I absolutely love flakey pastries, and especially if they’re savory. There’s just something so nice about sinking your teeth into a creamy, flaky, hand held pie.
Oh, and this Tirpotia recipe has three cheeses in it; cottage, feta, and Parmesan. Now I’m not personally gonna complain about anything that has Parmesan in it, but if you’re wondering whether that makes this a traditional recipe, it does! While Parmesan is an Italian cheese, it is used by Greek people to make this dish.
Tiropita (Greek Cheese Pie) Recipe
6. Baklava
More flakey yummy goodness! I absolutely ADORE baklava!
It’s soaked in delicious syrups which kind of just fill your entire mouth with each bite. I’ve personally had baklava syrups with rose in them, which is honestly divine, and I never use the word ‘divine.’
But, for this recipe, the syrup consists of honey, lemon peel, cloves, and cinnamon, which I’m sure makes this Greek dessert taste incredible!
7. Moussaka
Essentially moussaka is a comfort food recipe. It’s an eggplant, meat, and veggie bake with a tomato sauce. Then it’s topped with potatoes and a creamy Bechamel sauce. It’s the kind of Greek dish you eat when you’re feeling like having something hearty and don’t really care about the calories.
8. Galaktoboureko Recipe
Galaktoboureko is a popular Greek dessert dish and for a good reason.
Made with flaky phyllo dough and custard, I would probably eat an entire batch of this and gain 30 pounds.
But here’s what sold me on this dessert (besides the fact that it looks incredible): the custard is made up of heavy cream, vanilla bean powder, sugar, egg yolks and more. It sounds so incredibly rich and good and while I’ve never read it being made for Christmas, I could totally see myself baking this for that special holiday.
9. Dolma with Meat (Stuffed Grape Leaves)
Greek dolma are what you have when you want to a ton of flavor and yummy ingredients all in one bite. They’re grape leaves wrapped around minced meat, rice, and tasty herbs like rosemary, dill, and mint. Of course, there are other ingredients, but I don’t think you need much more of a description in order to want to try it.
At least I don’t, I could see myself eating at least 10 of these. 😂
10. Koulourakia Greek Easter Cookies
I love seeing how other countries celebrate certain holidays, and one of them is Easter. There are so many sweet baking traditions around this holiday, and I think these Greek Easter cookies look so cute and tasty!
Also, with orange, vanilla, and cognac, I could see these cookies having a very rich flavor!
Koulourakia Greek Easter Cookies Recipes
11. Soutzoukakia (Greek Meatballs)
With garlic, minced beef, and red wine, I honestly don’t think you need much more convincing to eat this delicious Greek dish.
I mean can’t you imagine just serving this up on a hot plate of rice and digging in? It honestly looks so good!
12. Portokalopita – Greek Orange Phyllo Cake
More phyllo, but I’m not complaining!
This Greek cake is soaked in syrup which means it’s gonna be extra moist and a burst of flavor with each bite.
And on top of that, it has orange, brandy, and cinnamon which means this is gonna be one decadent dessert!
Portokalopita – Greek Orange Phyllo Cake Recipe
13. Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce
I feel like gyros are one of the essential foods from Greece that a lot of us want to try. And it’s hard to go wrong! Flavorful meat and veggies, wrapped in a soft and fluffy flat bread, and then smothered in a creamy Tzatziki sauce.
It’s the kind of fun dish you make when you want to impress your family with your amazing cooking skills and probably the kind that makes the entire home smell amazing! I guess what I’m saying is, you should probably try this recipe this week. 😘
Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
14. Greek Ekmek Kataifi
Originating in Turkey, Greek style Ekmek Kataifi has a base layer of syrup soaked shredded phyllo, and is topped with a custard-like cream. Oh and of course whipped cream and nuts!
15. Classic Spanakopita Recipe (Greek Spinach Pie)
Oh my goodness! Can’t you just imagine sinking your teeth into this flaky yummy goodness?
With garlic, creamy feta, olive oil, spinach, and a lot more tasty spices and herbs and other ingredients, I think this one might be a winner when I compare it to the other Greek food recipes.
Now don’t get me wrong, they all look good, but there’s something about having a savory flaky creamy dish and then having the panicked feeling of, “Will I be able to stop eating these?”
16. Prawn Saganaki (Greek Prawns with Feta)
Ever since I was a little kid, I LOVED getting prawns at a restaurant. Now traditionally, that would be at a Chinese restaurant; you know the kind where they’re huge, dipped in batter, and then deep fried? Yeah, those are SO good.
But, now that I know that they have their own prawn recipe (with cheese no less!) in Greece, this is officially on my bucket list. I can’t wait to try this!
17. Tirokafteri (Spicy Whipped Feta Dip)
Ok, I feel like eggplant is that veggie people joke about in cartoons and TV shows all the time. Like it’s this horrible thing to eat and it’s weird and no one likes it.
But after having gone to easter Europe and tasted some incredible egg plant dishes, I have been converted.
There is literally nothing wrong with them, in fact, I’m confused how they even got a bad wrap. They take on a lot of the flavor of whatever you spice them with and they make great creamy fillings and dips, so I’m all for trying this Greek feta dip recipe! 🙂
18. Greek Salad
I know we see Greek salads at the restaurant, but they actually do eat Greek salads in Greece. This isn’t just some “Greek-inspired” recipe. Nope, it’s a tasty concoction of yummy veggies, cheese, and a nice olive oil and wine vinegar mixture.
I honestly do find Greek salads super refreshing and they’re a great burst of flavor when made right! I think they’re the kind of salad you eat on hot summer days when you want to feel refreshed and good.
19. Greek Fava
I really love good veggie dips and this Greek Fava made up of yellow split-peas and garlic and olive oil and so many more good ingredients, sounds like a great one to make. And whether it’s just for a party or you want something tasty at home, then it’s a good one to try!
I personally see myself eating a bucketload of this when I travel to Greece or just making it at home and storing some in the fridge to eat all week long!
20. Soutzoukakia
I really love yummy bakes and this Greek soutzoukakia sounds amazing!
Also, this dish is common in other countries such as Turkey, but that makes complete sense since Turkey and Greece are practically neighbors. 🤷♀️
You bake lightly fried meatballs, potatoes, pepper, spices, and tomatoes in a dish, pair it with a side of your choice (I’m seeing it paired with rice in a few other recipes) and you’re all set!
The person who made this specific Greek recipe said that it’s also a good dish to have during the summer since the tomatoes will be ripe and juicy and great for cooking.
21. Beef Pastitsada
Pastitsada is a Greek beef stew recipe where you brown the beef in a pan, then slow cook it with olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, onions, and more.
She says that you can top it on pasta, but it’s also served with polenta in Greece. Now I don’t know about you, but I think polenta is AMAZING and I could see it going great with this recipe.
I feel like polenta is such a good side to have with any comfort food, and if you haven’t had it, it’s super easy to make. It’s just simple corn meal and water (or milk), that’s it. And maybe some salt and other spices, but that up to you!
22. Tzatziki Sauce
I feel like this is the sauce EVERYONE knows when it comes to Greek food.
It’s the one people search for probably the most and it is kind of essential. It goes with a lot of recipes and adds a nice creaminess to anything tangy or spicy.
Made up of Greek yogurt, dill, garlic, cucumber, pepper, olive oil, and lemon it’s so simple but also a very tasty recipe to make.
Also, I feel like Tzatziki is a great sauce to have on a hot day with your food; it kind of gives it a bit of a refreshing creamy touch to a recipe.
23. Chicken Souvlaki
The next three recipes are gonna be some of their barbecue dishes.
This chicken recipe is marinated in garlic, olive oil, lemon, and herbs, so I can imagine this being a burst of flavor!
Also, if you want a new alternative to the normal American BBQ, then this tasty Greek recipe is probably a great option!
24. Lamb Souvlaki
Oh my goodness, I love lamb, and a lamb kebab recipe is exactly what I need. I can just imagine how juicy and tender and flavorful this is!
This one is also marinated, and it takes 4 hours to finish marinating, but she also says that overnight is best.
The marinade consists of a lot of spices and herbs, olive oil, and garlic and honestly, that sounds so good. And I love how this person pairs it with rice and fries and a fresh looking salad. This looks like such a good spring or summer recipe! Or if I’m being honest with myself, I’d probably try it anytime of the year. 🤷♀️
25. Pork Souvlaki
This one is also marinated in a very similar way with garlic, herbs, and lemon, so I’m guessing that it’s a marinade flavor where you just can’t go wrong!
I also imagine this going great with some nice fluffy fresh pita bread and tzatziki sauce!
26. Melitzanosalata (Greek Eggplant Dip)
Oh my goodness, more eggplant and I am not complaining!
This honestly looks so good and I could imagine this being a dip where I sink my pita bread in deep and get an oversized amount dripping onto my plate. And I would have no shame about it.
27. Loukoumades
I need this. Right now.
I am seriously weak for deep fried dough goodness and these honey doused Greek donuts look absolutely perfect!
Oh also, these are popular in Cyprus and Egypt as well; I really think it’s so cool how recipes get around and get adopted by different cultures. 😊
28. Spanakorizo
I love yummy rice side dishes, and this one looks like such a pretty and tasty recipe to place on your table!
Also, it doesn’t look very hard or intimidating to try, so if you want to make something that seems relatively simple this coming week, then it might be a fun Greek recipe to give a try! 🙂
29. Greek Green Beans Fasolakia
Another good side dish whether you’re having a huge Greek dinner spread or just want to try something new.
Also, it looks like a fun and tasty way to get your veggies in. 😉
But with that aside, even though I’m not a huge green bean lover, I would definitely give this recipe which includes ingredients like potatoes, herbs, and olive oil a try!
Greek Green Beans Fasolakia Recipe
30. Greek Egg Lemon Soup (Avgolemono)
Greek egg lemon soup honestly sounds so elegant. Like the kind of recipe you’d have in a fancy restaurant.
It looks so creamy and rich and I love that it incorporates rice (or orzo!).
And I know parmesan cheese isn’t Greek, but it could pair nicely with this, but don’t quote me, I haven’t tried it yet!
Greek Egg Lemon Soup (Avgolemono) Recipe
31. Greek Butter Cookies
Greek butter cookies… let just how good that sounds sink in for a moment.
These cookies honestly look like I could eat 20 of them with no regrets.
So if you want a yummy new dessert recipe to try this week, then I think these might be worth a try.
32. Kourabiedes (Greek Christmas Cookies)
Cookies kind of seem essential during the holidays, so I’m all for trying a Greek Christmas cookie at some point soon!
It’s described as having a delicate texture with a sweet almond flavor. Also, there’s no chilling which means you can make them pretty quick!
33. Melomakarona (Greek Christmas Cookie Recipe)
Another Greek Christmas cookie recipe! Sorry, but I couldn’t resist, these looked SO good!
Made with honey, spices, and walnuts, I could eat a whole batch by myself. Ok, I probably couldn’t do that since my stomach isn’t that big, but I would at least try. 🤷♀️
34. Greek Meze Plates
I love cuisines that have a whole bunch of smaller plates filled with delicious foods to choose from. So think dim sum for Chinese or tapas for Spain.
And that means I am definitely up for trying some tasty meze plates when I go to Greece! Or maybe I’ll just try to make some at home in the future because it really does look like a lot of fun to try!
Greek Meze Plates Guide and Recipes
Here’s Your Free Greek Food Bucket List!
Have fun with this printable checklist for when you travel to Greece or try making these recipes at home. 😊
Copy & paste this 100% off discount code: MYGREEKFOODBUCKETLIST
I’m starting to think that maybe going to Greece is a dangerous idea with how much of their food I would be eating every day.
It honestly looks so good though, and each and every one of these dishes will be on my Greek Food Bucket List.
So, what would be on your personal bucket list for when you travel to Greece? I’d love to know!