Greek food rapidly moved into number one position for my husband and came close to my undeniable adoration of Mexican. What was it exactly that made us fall in love? Well massive apologies in advance, but this is going to make your mouth water. Big time!
There were a few foods in Greece that had strange names for our English tongues, but were so delicious we made a point to remember the name. I decided to compile a list for you so when you are relaxing by the sparkling waters of a Greek island your tummy won’t feel left out. Or if you can't make it - at least cook it!
1. Gyro
In Greece they have Gyros, Souvlaki and Kebab, which where I am from is pretty much the same thing so we asked our guide to explain the difference to us. A Gyro is when the meat is roasted vertically turning on the spit. Slices of it are then placed in pita with typical accessories – sauce (tzatziki), tomatoes, onions, lettuce and often french fries/chips. They are cheap and so yummy! But very messy for kids, try the alternative.
We stayed at the Oscar Hotel Athens which was just around the corner from a Stathmos Larisis metro station and walking distance to street vendors selling delicious gyros. Read more reviews...
2. Souvlaki
Means a skewer, so this is anything grilled on a skewer (lamb, chicken, pork, etc). These are great for the kids (and adults too). Sometimes these can be served in a similar style to a gyro, wrapped in pita bread with sauce and garnish. Other times just the meat on a stick.
3. Kebab
A kebab is an elongated piece of meat, kind of like a burger patty. It’s meat all minced and squished together into a sausage-look-alike. These are great for the kids. A good kebab will pack a lot more flavour than you may expect.
4. Saganaki
Deep fried cheese. Need I say more?
This photo was taken on the island of Kythnos, one of our absolute favourite islands of all time.
5. Tirokroketes/Sfougata
Golden melt-in-your mouth fried cheese balls. I definitely don’t need to say more! (From the expert - Sfougata is made with local cheese, while Tirokroketes usually has mixed cheese.)
6. Revithokeftedes
Similar to a Middle Eastern falafel, this is a fried chickpea ball packed with a spice blend unique to Greece.
7. Feta Me Meli
Feta wrapped in filo pastry oven baked and then drizzled with honey. A dessert or an entrée, who knows? This is Josh’s favourite. The delicate balance between the salty feta and sweet honey makes for an unforgettable party in your mouth.
8. Mousakka
It’s like a pasta-free lasagne. Sautéed eggplant, minced meat, tomato, onion, garlic, potato, béchamel sauce and grilled cheese, layered and usually covered with cheese.
9. Tiropites
Triangle pastries made up of filo pasty and filled with a delicious mixture of Greek cheese. So simple, yet so delicious.
10. Tzatziki
This has been my favourite dip since I can remember and the Greek do it so well with their awesome Greek yoghurt. Basically it is yoghurt and cucumber seasoned with garlic. Goes great with meat, vegetables, pita, or just by itself with a spoon.
11. Greek Salad
Famous all over the world, but the Greeks still do it better. Crunchy cucumber, juicy ripe tomato, olives, red onion and a giant slab of feta on top. Dressed with olive oil, vinegar and lemon juice. It’s a staple with every meal.
12. Olives & Olive Oil
Most restaurants on the Greek islands make their own oil from their own olives. Greeks have been cultivating olives for millennia. Local olives accompany most Greek meals and most dishes drizzled with olive oil. Why wouldn’t you?
13. Dolmathakia
You saw these on the menu in Israel, stuffed grape leaves. Usually these are stuffed with rice, pine nuts and fresh herbs. I like them warm.
14. Taramosalata
This is often referred to as a salad, but is in fact a dip. One that, if I had known beforehand what it was, I wouldn’t have tried. But I absolutely loved it. A creamy blend of pink or white fish roe (fish eggs). If you don’t like things that taste fishy, then fear not – this tastes so good, you’ll be licking the plate. (It's the plate on the right)
16. Spanakopita
We were offered these all over Greece. Filo pastry pies stuffed with spinach and feta cheese. Available in a variety of different shapes and sizes. A Greek favourite.
17. Loukoumades
For those who are waiting for the sweets, try these. Basically it’s a Greek fried donut balls soaked in honey or syrup and sprinkled with cinnamon. Josh crammed a fistful of these in his mouth.Irresistible.
18. Vanilla Submarine
The name describes this perfectly it’s a spoonful of vanilla fondant submerged in a glass of water. You lick it like a lollipop and then drink the sweetened water that’s left over. Way too much sweetness for me, but Josh and Mia had no trouble polishing theirs off.
Tip: Not many folks in Greece have heard of this. We found the Vanilla Submarine in Chora on the island of Sifnos.
19. Glyka Tou Koutaliou (spoon sweets)
Traditionally Greek restaurants often give complimentary dessert. We often got Greek yogurt (or crème fraiche) with fruit preserves. The strangest one we tasted was a carrot marmalade, which actually ended up being the sweetest and most delicious of them all.
20. Halvasi
Butter cake of semolina, raisins, almonds, served with alone or with vanilla ice cream and pomegranate syrup.
Bonus: Pies of Kythnos
A delicious shortbread type pasty filled with a cheese and honey that almost takes like cheesecake combined with a quiche. My description is really not doing it justice. It’s just plain yum! This dish is unique to Kythnos and a must try.
Ok, if your keyboard hasn’t short-circuited by now due to your salivation, then well done! It’s easy to see why we now love Greek food so much. Now that you know the lingo, head over to our food tour series of the Greek islands: Kythnos, Sifnos, Milos, Ios and Paros.
While in Athens we stayed at several hotels. You can check Athens hotel prices by clicking here.
Hello, my name is Jack Sparrow. I'm a 50 year old self-employed Pirate from the Caribbean. 
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