Greece
Food Safety Tips
Essential food safety information to help you enjoy Greece's cuisine safely and confidently.
Be cautious with tap water on islands
While tap water is generally safe in mainland cities, some Greek islands have water quality issues. Consider bottled water on islands.
Check seafood freshness
When ordering seafood, especially in coastal areas, ensure it is fresh and properly stored.
Be aware of unpasteurized dairy products
Traditional cheese-making in Greece sometimes uses unpasteurized milk. Ask about pasteurization if you have concerns.
Dietary Options
vegetarian
HIGH AVAILABILITYGreek cuisine offers numerous vegetarian options, including vegetable-based appetizers (mezedes), salads, and legume dishes.
vegan
MEDIUM AVAILABILITYVegan options are available, especially during fasting periods of the Greek Orthodox calendar, but dairy is common in many dishes.
gluten-free
MEDIUM AVAILABILITYMany traditional Greek dishes are naturally gluten-free, though phyllo dough and bread are common in Greek cuisine.
Common Allergens
Dairy
HIGH PREVALENCECheese, particularly feta, is ubiquitous in Greek cuisine.
COMMONLY FOUND IN:
Nuts
HIGH PREVALENCENuts are common in Greek desserts and some savory dishes.
COMMONLY FOUND IN:
Gluten
MEDIUM PREVALENCEWheat-based products like phyllo dough and pita bread are common.
COMMONLY FOUND IN:
Shellfish
MEDIUM PREVALENCESeafood, including shellfish, is common in coastal areas and islands.
COMMONLY FOUND IN:
Essential Food Experiences
These iconic dishes represent the must-have culinary experiences that define Greece's food culture for travelers.
Moussaka
Layered casserole with eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce, baked to perfection.
Souvlaki
Grilled skewers of marinated meat (usually pork or chicken) served with pita, tzatziki, and vegetables.
Greek Salad (Horiatiki)
Fresh salad with tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onions, feta cheese, and Kalamata olives, dressed with olive oil and oregano.
Spanakopita
Savory pie made with layers of phyllo dough filled with spinach and feta cheese.
Baklava
Sweet pastry made of layers of phyllo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup.
Dolmades
Grape leaves stuffed with rice, herbs, and sometimes minced meat, served warm or cold.
Regional Specialties & Local Favorites
Discover the authentic regional dishes and local favorites that showcase Greece's diverse culinary traditions.
Moussaka
A rich layered casserole featuring eggplant, minced meat (usually lamb), tomato sauce, and topped with creamy béchamel sauce.
Allergens:
Souvlaki
Skewered and grilled meat, typically served in a pita wrap with tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce, a favorite Greek street food.
Allergens:
Greek Salad
Traditional Horiatiki salad with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, olives, and a substantial piece of feta cheese.
Allergens:
Baklava
Sweet dessert made of layers of phyllo pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup, a signature Greek treat.
Allergens:
Tzatziki
Creamy yogurt dip with cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and herbs, served with almost every meal and perfect for dipping bread or vegetables.
Allergens:
Regional Cuisine Highlights
Explore the diverse culinary landscapes across different regions of Greece.
Crete
Cretan cuisine emphasizes fresh, local ingredients, including olive oil, wild greens, herbs, and cheeses. Dishes often feature lamb or goat, and seafood is prominent in coastal areas. Known for its healthy and flavorful dishes.
Cultural Significance:
Cretan cuisine reflects the island's agricultural heritage and its history of self-sufficiency.
Signature Dishes:
- Dakos
- Kalitsounia
- Gamopilafo
Key Ingredients:
Macedonia
Macedonian cuisine is influenced by its mountainous terrain and proximity to the Balkans. Dishes often feature hearty meats, potatoes, and dairy products. Spices like paprika and cumin are common, adding warmth and depth of flavor.
Cultural Significance:
Macedonian cuisine reflects the region's history of cultural exchange and its diverse culinary influences.
Signature Dishes:
- Boureki
- Tavche Gravche
- Melitzanosalata
Key Ingredients:
Peloponnese
Peloponnesian cuisine highlights the region's agricultural abundance, with an emphasis on fresh produce, olive oil, and seafood. Dishes often feature artichokes, citrus fruits, and local cheeses. Known for its simple yet flavorful preparations.
Cultural Significance:
Peloponnesian cuisine reflects the region's rich history and its connection to the land and sea.
Signature Dishes:
- Hilopites
- Goges
- Lalagia
Key Ingredients:
Sweet Delights & Desserts
Indulge in Greece's traditional sweet treats and desserts.
Μπακλαβάς (Baklava)
A rich, sweet pastry made of layers of filo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey. A popular dessert throughout Greece and the Middle East, often served during celebrations.
Γαλακτομπούρεκο (Galaktoboureko)
A creamy custard pie made with layers of filo dough and a semolina-based custard filling, often flavored with lemon or orange zest. A classic Greek dessert enjoyed warm or cold.
Ρυζόγαλο (Rizogalo)
A creamy rice pudding flavored with cinnamon and lemon zest. A comforting and traditional dessert often served chilled.
Traditional Beverages
Discover Greece's traditional drinks, from locally produced spirits to regional wines.
Ούζο (Ouzo)
A dry anise-flavored aperitif, typically served with water or ice. It turns milky white when mixed with water due to the anethole in anise. A popular alcoholic beverage enjoyed throughout Greece.
Τσίπουρο (Tsipouro)
A strong grape brandy produced from pomace (the residue of winemaking). It can be clear or aged in oak barrels, resulting in a smoother, amber-colored spirit. Often enjoyed as an aperitif or digestif.
Ρετσίνα (Retsina)
A Greek white or rosé wine flavored with Aleppo pine resin. This unique flavor dates back to ancient times and adds a distinctive character to the wine.
Soft Beverages
Discover Greece's traditional non-alcoholic drinks, from local teas to refreshing juices.
Ελληνικός καφές (Ellinikos Kafes)
Traditional Greek coffee, prepared in a small, long-handled pot called a briki. Finely ground coffee is simmered with water and sugar, creating a strong, flavorful brew with a thick layer of foam on top.
Φραπέ (Frappe)
A popular iced coffee drink made with instant coffee, water, sugar, and sometimes milk. It's frothed to create a thick, foamy texture and served cold.
Χυμός πορτοκάλι (Xymos Portokalli)
Freshly squeezed orange juice, a common and refreshing beverage enjoyed throughout Greece, especially during breakfast.