These are the dishes that are at the top of the request list for lovers of Greek food. From simple to elaborate, they are the classic dishes that delight Greek food enthusiasts the world over. Come explore the rich culinary traditions of Greece as you sample the best of Greek food.
1. Moussaka
Perhaps the most widely recognized of all Greek dishes, this oven-baked casserole of layered eggplant and spiced meat filling topped with a creamy bechamel will be the highlght of any Greek meal.
2. Tiropites - Phyllo Cheese Triangles
These finger-friendly triangles are made with phyllo pastry sheets and filled with a delicious mixture of Greek cheeses.
3. Baklava
A perennial favorite, this classic Greek pastry is made with flaky phyllo dough layered with a cinnamon-spiced nut filling, and bathed in sweet syrup. It’s crunchy and sweet and very decadent.
4. Horta Vrasta - Boiled Leafy Greens
Greeks love their leafy greens and for good reason - they are healthy and delicious. Packed with nutrients and flavor, these greens will compliment any meal. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and enjoy.
5. Chicken Soup Avgolemono
The ultimate in Greek comfort food, this soup is hearty and delicious and a staple of any Greek household. A traditional chicken soup finished with a creamy egg-lemon flavor, it is sure to become a family favorite.
6. Tzatziki - Creamy Cucumber-Yogurt Dip
A tangy cucumber dip flavored with garlic is the perfect compliment to grilled meats and vegetables. It's served on the side with warm pita bread triangles for dipping, and is also used as a condiment for souvlaki.
7. Pastitsio
Three essential components make up this dish - pasta, meat filling, and a creamy bechamel sauce which are layered in a pan and baked to golden perfection. You might dirty a few pots and pans making it, but it will be so worth the effort.
8. Galaktoboureko - Custard Phyllo Pie
Hard to pronounce, but so easy to eat! This custard filled phyllo pie is my favorite Greek dessert. It's rich and creamy and so delicious that you will want to make it again and again.
9. Fassolatha - Classic White Bean Soup
A staple of any Greek household, this classic white bean soup is on the menu at least once a week in our household. You can keep it simple or embellish with extra vegetables, either way, you'll find yourself returning to this hearty bean soup recipe again and again.
10. Spanakopita - Spinach Pie
Greeks will make almost anything into a pita or pie - especially fresh greens like spinach. This tasty pita happens to be so popular, it's popping up in mainstream grocery store freezers everywhere you turn. Why buy the frozen stuff when you can make your very own mouthwatering pan?
11. Youvetsi - Beef Stew with Orzo
A traditional beef stew in a rich tomato sauce that's baked in a clay oven with delicious orzo pasta and topped with a heap of grated kefalotyri cheese. A hearty and delicious one pot meal that will comfort and delight young and old.
12. Stuffed Grape Leaves - Dolmathakia
Stuffed with rice, pine nuts, and fresh herbs, dolmathakia (dol-mah-THAH-kya) take a little bit of time to prepare, but the end result is so worth the effort. These make great appetizers and can be served warm or cold.
13. Taramosalata - Carp Roe Spread
The Greek meze (meh-ZEH) or appetizer table would not be complete without this traditional spread. Serve with plenty of fresh bread for dipping.
14. Fassolakia Lathera - Green Beans in Tomato Sauce
Vegetable dishes that are cooked with olive oil and tomatoes are referred to as lathera (lah-the-RAH) in Greek, because the key ingredient is flavorful olive oil, or “lathi.” This is a great way to prepare fresh green beans as a side dish or a vegetarian main meal.
15. Melomakarona - Honey Walnut Cookies
Delicious walnut cookies bathed in a cinnamon flavored honey syrup and then topped with more chopped walnuts. A classic Christmas offering, this cookie is unlike anything you've tasted before.
16. Pork Souvlaki - Grilled Pork Skewers
Souvlaki (soo-vlah-kee) is the term used to describe “little skewers” of meat that are marinated in a wonderful red wine marinade and then grilled. Serve this with delicious tzatziki on the side.
17. Domates Yemistes - Stuffed Tomatoes with Meat and Rice
A Greek staple of the summer season when tomatoes are abundant and at their peak. You can also use the same filling for peppers, zucchini, or any other vegetables that may be available.
18. Tsoureki - Greek Easter Bread
The traditional bread of Greek Easter, Tsoureki is a rich yeast bread flavored with orange and a delightful spice called Mahlab (also called Mahlepi) that is ground from the pits of wild cherries.
19. Keftethes - Greek Meatballs
Keftethes (keh-FTEH-thes) are savory Greek meatballs that are served as an appetizer or meze (meh-ZEH). The traditional recipe calls for frying the meatballs, but I've found that this baked version is quite good and just a bit healthier.
20. Kourabiethes - Almond Shortbread Cookies
A Greek family celebration wouldn’t be complete without the delightful buttery goodness of Kourabiethes (koo-rah-BYEH-thes).
These are very rich cookies (as are most shortbread cookies) yet somehow lighter and melt-in- your-mouth good. Be sure to make extra because these will go fast!
