I’ve had Greek food in many different countries, and it has always been incredible.
And as a full-time traveler (since in 2016), I’m more than a bit shocked that I haven’t been to Greece yet. I want to appreciate their culture, but also experience the amazing cuisine in the actual country itself.
My husband and I will get distracted with countries like Turkey, Portugal, or Taiwan, and then we keep on missing this amazing place.
So until I make it there, I’m going to create a helpful guide (for you and myself) of Greek foods to try.
And if you want to put these on yours as well, for when you visit Greece, then go ahead! This guide to Greek cuisine is meant to be helpful for you too. 😊
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Contents
What is Typical Greek Food?
If you’re curious about what Greek cuisine typically consists of, then here’s a simple general guide.
Typical Foods from Greece:
- 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.
65 Greek Foods to Try
I love helping you level up in so many parts of your life, and trying new foods is one of them.
You deserve to have amazing experiences with trying incredible food, and upping your cooking skills.
And those are just some of the reasons why I made this post on Greek food. It’s an amazing cuisine, and I want to help you feel like a cooking genius. 💪
So let’s get started!
Greek Soups and Sides
1. Tiropita
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 Greek food 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’s used by Greek people to make this dish.
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2. Gyro 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.
But until you and I go to Greece, here’s a good pita bread recipe for you to try!
3. Spanakorizo
I love yummy rice side dishes, and this Greek recipe looks like 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 dish to try. 🙂
4. 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
5. Avgolemono
Greek egg lemon soup honestly sounds so elegant. Like the kind of recipe you’d have at 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!
6. Spanakopita
Oh my goodness! Can’t you just imagine sinking your teeth into this flaky yummy goodness?
With garlic, creamy feta, olive oil, and a lot more tasty spices and herbs, I think this one might be a winner when I compare it to the other Greek food.
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?”
7. Choriatiki (Greek Salad)
I know we see Greek salads at restaurants, 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!
8. Kolokithokeftedes
This is a recipe you’re going to find in most of the islands in Greece.
Translating out to ‘zucchini meatballs,’ you’re getting fritters that are filled with veggies, feta cheese, and good herbs and spices.
Also, I’ve read that they go really great tzatziki sauce, and you can have them as a meze platter.
Oh, and if you’re curious about meze plates, they’re just small plates with different delicious foods you can try. So similar to tapas from Spain.
9. Fasolada
A white bean soup that’s a staple in Greek homes, Fasolada has many different variations, depending on the family making it.
But the great thing about this dish is that you can use any vegetables you like, and garnish it in the way that you want.
Fun Fact: It’s been called by some as the “national food of the Greeks.” Can’t wait to try it myself!
10. Fried Saganaki
Fried cheese.
Do I really need to say more than that? I mean I will, but it already sounds so amazing.
I’ve had fried cheese in different countries, and I can’t wait to try the Greek version of it.
Being named after the frying pan that it’s cooked in, Saganaki is fried until melty, and has a nice golden crispiness. Sounds amazing!
11. Horta
Horta translates out to ‘wild greens’ in Greek, and is a staple in the Greek diet.
It’s a simple dish of boiled wild leafy greens, and sounds like a great side to have with your dinner.
And if you want to try it at home, then here are some of the greens you can look for:
- Amaranth greens
- Swiss chard
- Dandelion greens
- Sorrel greens
12. Tirokroketes
Tirokroketes are fried cheeseballs, and are something you’ll apparently find in many taverns in Greece.
It sounds like an easy Greek food to say yes to, since they’re golden crispy fried balls filled with melty cheese. I don’t know how you go wrong.
13. Tapenade
Made up of Kalamata olives, tapenade (or Greek olive paste) looks like it would go great with freshly baked bread!
Apparently, it’s recommended to buy olives with the pit in them, and then pit them yourself since the flavor is a lot better.
Also, you can serve it as a spread on a sandwich, add to pasta, or use as a dip.
Greek Olive Paste (Tapenade) Recipe
14. Koulouri
If you want to try a bit of Greek street food, then Koulouri might be the best recipe to try!
They’re bread rings that are covered in sesame seeds, and have a slightly chewy center.
Apparently, it’s something you’ll find on the streets of Athens or Thessaloniki, and in many Greek bakeries. Sounds like a fun snack to grab!
15. Bouyiourdi
It’s a baked feta dish, and it only has four ingredients!
For this traditional Greek recipe, you’ll get feta cheese, onions, tomatoes, and peppers.
It also sounds like a fun appetizer, or side, to have along with the main meal. And if you’re a cheese lover, then I’d say go for it!
Greek Main Dishes
16. 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 wanting something hearty, and don’t really care about the calories.
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17. Dolmades
Dolmades 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.
Also, you’ll find them being served as Greek meze dish!
18. Prawn Saganaki
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, I can’t wait to try it!
19. 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, and you’re all set!
20. Pastitsada
Coming from the island of Corfu, Pastitsada is a Greek dish that’s made with braised beef, and a yummy sauce. Then it’s served on thick bucatini pasta.
Apparently, it’s believed to have come from Venice, and it can either be made with beef or rooster. But for simplicity’s sake, I’m just going to share the beef version of the recipe. It looks great!
21. Chicken Souvlaki
The next three recipes are gonna be some of their barbecue dishes.
This chicken souvlaki recipe is marinated in garlic, olive oil, lemon, and herbs, so I can imagine this being a nice 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!
22. Lamb Souvlaki
This lamb souvlaki recipe is marinated for 4 hours, but it’s also recommended to let it sit overnight.
The marinade consists of a lot of spices and herbs, olive oil, and garlic and honestly, that sounds so good.
23. Pork Souvlaki
This pork souvlaki recipe is marinated in tasty herbs, olive oil, and lemon juice.
And once it’s done soaking up the tasty flavors, you can grill it on a high heat.
Also, I imagine it going great with some nice fluffy fresh pita bread, and tzatziki sauce!
24. Gyros
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. Oh, and then it’s smothered in a creamy Tzatziki sauce.
It’s a classic that either needs to be tried in Greece, or at home as soon as possible!
25. Tomatokeftedes
Coming from Santorini, this dish looks so good!
They’re essentially tomato fritters, and can be eaten as a part of a meze platter.
Basically, you make this Greek dish by mixing chopped tomatoes in with flour, and different spices and herbs. Then it’s fried, and you can have it as a tasty appetizer.
I can’t wait to travel to try this food in Greece myself!
26. Pastitsio
Being a baked pasta dish that has ground meat, and a tasty sounding béchamel sauce, it sounds amazing!
Also, this dish is a part of a larger family of baked savory pies, that can have different ingredients, and is found in many different countries.
It sounds like really good comfort food!
27. Keftethes
Keftethes are simply delicious sounding Greek meatballs.
Apparently, it’s a famous Greek appetizer, that’s commonly served as a part of a meze platter. But, you’ll also see it being eaten with tzatziki sauce, and pita bread.
28. Yemista
Yemista are stuffed tomatoes and peppers, and sound like an incredible tasting traditional dish.
So what are they stuffed with? Rice, herbs, olive oil, minced meat, and other tasty ingredients!
Also, they’re baked until they get this really nice browning, and they look so juicy and tender.
29. Yiaourti Me Meli
It sounds like a dessert, since it has Greek yogurt, honey, and walnuts, but I’m going to count it as a main since it can be made for breakfast.
Also, I saw that it was suggested to use Thyme honey (a variety made in Greece). I don’t know what that tastes like, but I can’t wait to try it.
30. Greek Kebabs
Apparently, Greek kebabs are a very tasty and easy-to-find food when traveling in the country.
You can get them as street food, or at restaurants, and they come on skewers with different types of meat (like lamb or beef), and veggies.
Sounds like an easy, on the go, meal to have!
31. Papoutsakia
Papoutsakia are stuffed eggplant, and that sounds so good.
I love eggplant dishes since the texture, and the flavors, are always amazing!
Also, this recipe has eggplant that’s stuffed with delicious spices, beef, and mashed potatoes. Then it’s topped with a delicious Béchamel sauce and cheese. I can’t wait to try it!
32. Seafood
Seafood is of course going to be a widespread food in Greece.
The country is surrounded by water, and has plenty of islands. And that means you’re going to be seeing different dishes made with octopus, prawns, squid, oysters, barbouni, and other types of fish.
So if you like seafood, then I think Greece is going to be a great place to visit!
Here’s a tasty looking Greek seafood dish that you might want to try!
33. Stifado
Stifado is a slowly cooked beef stew that looks, and sounds, very hearty and tasty.
Traditionally stifado is served with orzo pasta, fries, or rice. All of which sound like a great side!
And lastly, being made with red wine, cognac, nutmeg, olive oil, and other tasty ingredients, I can’t wait to try it this dish!
34. Giouvetsi
Giouvetsi is a Greek beef stew with orzo pasta, and it looks delicious.
It’s a very old dish that was traditionally served as a one pot meal. Back in the day, they would’ve used the village baker’s oven, since people didn’t have an oven at home.
But now it can be made more easily, and it’s great for a cold winters day.
35. Kleftiko
Kleftiko is Greek lamb cooked in parchment paper.
It’s a traditional recipe made with slow cooked lamb, that’s been marinated in garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice.
In the past, it would’ve been cooked in a pit in the ground, which was used to trap in the smoke. So I can only imagine that the flavors would taste amazing. 👌
36. Briam
Briam is a recipe that’s a bit similar to ratatouille.
And this just means you’re going to be seeing slices of veggies like zucchini, eggplant, and potato, that are layered in a dish to bake.
It’s very simple, and sounds like a hearty and healthy dish to top with olive oil and pepper.
37. Gigantes
Gigantes are baked giant beans.
They’re baked until soft, and absorb all the delicious juices from the tomatoes and other seasonings.
It’s a classic recipe, and if you can’t find gigantes beans at an international food store, you can always try butter beans.
38. Skordostoumbi
Skordostoumbi is a garlicky Greek baked eggplant dish.
It apparently has a bit of a sweet and sour flavor, because of the vinegar that’s added to the sauce, and that sounds so good. 👍
Also, with other ingredients like lots of garlic, feta, honey, and tomatoes, I think this is a great Greek food to have for dinner.
39. Imam Bayildi
Imam Bayildi is probably pure comfort food, and apparently it’s not too hard to make.
Being a classic of Ottoman cuisine, you’ll get some delicious herbs and spices, garlic, caramelized onions, and other tasty ingredients.
It sounds like a great baked Greek food to make.
40. Makaronia Me Kima
If you like spaghetti, then you might like the Greek version called Makaronia Me Kima.
The direct translation of the recipe comes out to, ‘spaghetti with ground meat,’ and apparently it’s been compared to spaghetti Bolognese.
However, it’s supposed to be much thicker, and more similar to chili. Also you get tasty spices like cinnamon, which sounds incredible. 👌
41. Paidakia
If you like lamb, then these marinated lamb chops might be a great place to start.
They can be grilled or baked, and are traditionally marinated in olive oil, thyme, lemon, garlic, mustard, and other tasty ingredients.
Also, you should apparently add the potatoes into the same pan, so that they can take on the juices of the meat.
42. Kotopita
Looking like another tasty comfort food, Kotopita is a Greek chicken pie, and it’s wrapped in phyllo dough!
That sounds so much better than normal baked savory pies, and I can only imagine the amazing crunch you get from the layers.
Also, it’s apparently meant to be creamy, but not runny, so that the phyllo pastry won’t be ruined.
Greek Sauces and Dips
43. Taramasalata
There’s something so comforting about having freshly baked pita bread, and dipping it into a tangy, creamy, savory dip. And taramasalata sounds like a great one to try!
Made with cod roe, olive oil, soaked bread, lemon, and more, I would enjoy making this for a get together.
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44. Tirokafteri
After having gone to different European countries, and tasting some incredible eggplant dishes, I can’t wait to try this dip.
Eggplant can take on a lot of the flavor of whatever you spice them with, so I’m all for trying this Greek feta dip recipe! 🙂
45. Greek Fava
I really love good veggie dips, and this Fava made up of yellow split-peas, garlic, and olive oil, sounds like a great one to make.
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!
46. Tzatziki Sauce
I feel like this is the sauce EVERYONE knows when it comes to Greek cuisine.
It’s the one people probably search for the most, and it’s kind of essential. It goes with a lot of recipes, and adds a nice creaminess.
Made up of ingredients like Greek yogurt, dill, garlic, cucumber, pepper, and olive oil, it’s so simple, but also a very tasty sounding.
47. Melitzanosalata
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.
48. Tahini Sauce
Many of us like to use tahini in different sauces and salads dressings, but the Greeks will put it in a different variety of dishes.
So for instance, you’ll see it commonly used in lagana bread, or accompanying honey or jam on some bread.
Fun Fact: When you visit Greece, you’ll see ready-made jars of tahini that are mixed with honey, or cocoa, in the breakfast isles of different Greek supermarkets. I would love to try that!
Greek Desserts
49. Halva
This Greek cake 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 would try instantly.
Also, I could see myself eating this with a hot cup of creamy coffee. ☕️
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50. 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, and it’s incredible.
But, for this recipe, the syrup consists of honey, lemon peel, cloves, and cinnamon, which I’m sure makes this dessert taste so good!
51. Galaktoboureko
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: The custard is made up of heavy cream, vanilla bean powder, sugar, egg yolks and more. It sounds so incredibly rich and good!
52. Koulourakia
I love seeing how other countries celebrate certain holidays, and one of them is Easter. There are so many fun 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!
53. Portokalopita
More phyllo, but I’m not complaining!
This 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!
54. 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, it’s finished with some whipped cream and nuts!
55. Loukoumades
I need this. Right now.
I am seriously weak for deep fried doughy goodness, and these honey doused donuts look absolutely perfect!
Fun Fact: These are also popular in Cyprus and Egypt. I really think it’s so cool how recipes get around, and get adopted by different cultures. 😊
56. Kormos
Unless you don’t like chocolate, I don’t see how this traditional Greek dessert 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! 😊
57. Kourabiedes
Greek butter cookies… let just how good that sounds, sink in for a moment.
And if you want a yummy new dessert recipe to try for the holidays (or just because), then I think these might be worth a try.
58. Melomakarona
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. 🤷♀️
59. Amygdalota
Amygdalota are almond cookies, and are a very much loved traditional dessert.
Think of it like the Greek version of a macaroon, except they sound like they’re a lot easier to make, since they only have four ingredients.
Also, they can come in different shapes like pears or balls, and can be flavored with things like orange flower water, or rosewater.
60. Bougatsa
Bougatsa is a custard pie, that’s made with phyllo and cinnamon.
It’s creamy and flaky, and topped with some delicious cinnamon and powdered sugar.
The traditional Greek way of making this dessert is to use good quality butter on the phyllo sheets, which gives it a much more rich flavor.
I honestly can’t wait to try this one!
61. Feta Me Mel
Feta me mel is an amazing Greek food that has phyllo pastry stuffed with feta cheese, and then is drizzled in a honey sauce.
I love sweet and salty, so this one sounds like an amazing dessert. 👌
Traditionally however, this dish is shallow fried, but baking will work as well if you want it to be a little healthier.
62. Pasteli
Pasteli is a Greek sesame honey bar, and it sounds like a very tasty snack!
It has just two ingredients, honey and sesame seeds, and it takes around 10 minutes to make.
But how do you get the honey to take on the form of a bar? You caramelize it, and let it cool down. Pretty simple!
63. Revani
Revani is a Greek sponge cake.
It’s buttery, golden, and has this amazing sounding orange and cinnamon sugar syrup.
There are different variations of this traditional dessert. So for instance, you’ll find a coconut based revani, and a semolina revani from the region of Veroia.
But with whatever version you try, I’m sure it’s going to taste amazing!
Greek Drinks
64. Frappe
Frappes are a popular coffee drinks that are made from instant coffee, and started in Greece.
With instant coffee, water, sugar, and milk, it was invented by Dimitris Vakondios, who was a Nescafe representative in 1957.
He had made it at an international fare, and apparently, he couldn’t find any hot water to mix with his instant coffee during a break.
So he ended up using his employer’s shaker to shake it up with some cold water and ice cubes. And that’s how this tasty drink began!
65. Ellinikos
When I see ellinikos, it reminds me a bit of Turkish coffee with how it’s made.
It’s a strong coffee that has some foam at the top, and grounds sitting at the bottom of the cup.
It’s not filtered, and is made with a special pot, called a briki, which is a copper coffee pot with a long handle.
Also, there are four different types:
Sketos: Plain, no sugar.
Metrios: Medium sweet.
Glykos: Normal sweet.
Vary glykos: An extra strong and sweet coffee.
Greek Foods FAQ
Some great traditional greek foods to try would be feta me mel, souvlaki, gyros, and dolmades.
Dolmades would be a very good example of a common Greek dish. They’re grape leaves filled with spiced minced meat, and rice. And when visiting Greece, you can have them be a part of a meze platter.
Moussaka sounds like it might be the tastiest Greek dish. It has ingredients like eggplant, meat, and veggies. Then it’s baked with a tomato sauce, and topped with potatoes, and a creamy Béchamel sauce. It really does sound like a rich and comforting Greek recipe.
A good example of a typical Greek snack would be Koulouri, which is a bread ring with sesame seeds. You’ll see it being sold as a street food in many parts of Greece!
Free Greek Food Printable!
Have fun with this printable checklist for when you travel to Greece, or try making these recipes at home. 😊
Copy & Paste this 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 I really can’t wait to try all of this Greek food!
So, what would you like to try when you travel to Greece? I’d love to know!
Chasing Foxes was started in 2016 as a way for Grace and her husband, Silas, to start traveling. However, they started to realize that they had a passion for improving themselves, and wanted to help others level up their lives as well. So whether it's with cooking, travel, or staying healthy, they want to help you better your life bit by bit, as they do the same.
