Greek food culture is an interesting mix between European and Mediterranean cuisines. I had the opportunity to try a number of Greek dishes and simply love the range of different foods very much. Here are my top favourites!
Greek Yogurt
Sold in supermarkets all over the world, Greek Yogurt is a must-try in Greece! If you are looking for a cafe in Athens, it would be the one at Meliartos. The other mention-worthy is Vitrin Cafe Creperie in Oia, Santorini. My preferred way of eating it is with honey and fruits, this is easily achieved with a quick supermarket trip.
Perfect way to start the morning
Here’s what you get at supermarkets if you DIY
Vitrin Cafe Creperie
Can’t miss their crepes if you are at Vitrin Cafe Creperie
Greek BBQ Meat
When it comes to barbecued meat, the Greeks are 100% superb. More often than not, their portion for 1 is actually big enough for 2. The trick to getting a good meal involves avoiding the touristy areas where prices can be really high while the quality may not be quite up to par.
Their seafood is super fresh thanks to Athens’ proximity to the sea
And nothing beats having a bottle of white wine to complement
This BBQ platter from All That Jatz only cost us EUR 10 though it was stated for one, it certainly fed two people very generously
Batter-fried Zucchini
Their traditional dessert on the house, a great way to finish our meal!
Greek Salad
This can be served as a side to a main dish. Greek salad is made with pieces of tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, red onion, feta cheese, and olives, typically seasoned with salt and oregano, and dressed with olive oil. The tomatoes in Santorini are known for their sweet taste due to the volcanic soil, don’t miss it in Santorini!
Gyros
Street eats in Greece are the norm for your average citizen. They are delicious and can be as cheap as EUR 2-3 for one serving of Gyros.
Moussaka
This is a Mediterranean dish that is very popular in Greece. Not my favourite but everyone should try it at least once! The taste is akin to a very cheesy lasagne combined with a sauce that has many interesting spices (not chilli spicy, not to worry!), coupled with a side of fries and a coleslaw look-alike.
Drinking places
There are plenty of bars around Athens but check out Brettos, one of the oldest bars around. Another place to check out for a good view of the Acropolis is the roof top restaurant/bar of Byron Hotel.
Brettos is famous among the locals
View from the top of Byron Hotel in the day
View at night