Souvlaki
Often eaten: Lunch or dinner
Known for: All across Greece
Street foodFamily meal
Photo: Stafylis (CC BY-SA 3.0)
4 dishes to discover
Food of Greece
In Greece, meals are full of tasty and fresh ingredients that make you feel like you're part of a big family gathering. Greek food is not just about eating; it's about sharing and enjoying time with loved ones. Each dish, from delicious olives to creamy yogurt, tells a bit about the country's rich history and traditions.
Featured Dishes
Meal Culture
In Greece, food is all about enjoying time with family and friends. People like to eat slowly to savor the meal, often sharing different dishes among everyone. Fresh ingredients like olive oil, vegetables, and herbs are used in many recipes.
Eating Etiquette
In Greece, it's kind to try a little bit of everything on offer, and sharing food with others is a great way to show friendship. Before you start eating, it's common to say 'Kali Orexi!' which means 'Good Appetite!'
When People Eat It
Tzatziki
Often eaten: With meals or as a starter
Known for: All across Greece
AppetizerDip
Spanakopita
Often eaten: Lunch or snack
Known for: All across Greece
SnackBakery treat
Moussaka
Often eaten: Often served as a hearty lunch or dinner, especially for family meals
Known for: All across Greece
Hearty mealFamily dish
Make It Yourself
👩🍳 Cook together! Always ask a grown-up to help with hot or sharp steps.
SouvlakiΣουβλάκι
Makes 4 servingsIngredients
- 1 lb (450 g)Chicken or pork, cubed
- 3 tbsp (45 ml)Olive oil
- 2 tbsp (30 ml)Lemon juice
- 2 cloves, 1 tspGarlic and oregano
- 4 pitasPita bread
- 8 skewersWooden skewers
How to Make It
- 1Mix the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano in a bowl.
- 2Add the meat cubes and let them marinate for 30 minutes.
- 3Thread the meat onto soaked wooden skewers.
- 4Ask a grown-up to grill the skewers for 8–10 minutes, turning until cooked through.
- 5Warm the pita bread for a few seconds in a dry pan.
- 6Tuck the meat into the pita with tzatziki and salad.
TzatzikiΤζατζίκι
Makes about 2 cupsIngredients
- 2 cups (480 g)Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumberCucumber, grated
- 1 cloveGarlic, mashed
- 1 tbsp (15 ml)Olive oil
- 1 tbsp (15 ml)Lemon juice
- 1 tbspFresh dill
How to Make It
- 1Squeeze the grated cucumber in a clean towel to remove extra water.
- 2Put the yogurt in a bowl.
- 3Stir in the cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- 4Add the dill and a pinch of salt.
- 5Chill for 30 minutes so the flavors blend.
- 6Serve as a cool dip with pita or vegetables.
SpanakopitaΣπανακόπιτα
Makes 12 piecesIngredients
- 1 packagePhyllo pastry sheets
- 1 lb (450 g)Frozen spinach, thawed
- 1 cup (150 g)Feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 eggsEggs
- 2 stalksGreen onion
- 1/3 cup (75 g)Butter, melted
How to Make It
- 1Squeeze the spinach dry, then mix it with the feta, eggs, and green onion.
- 2Brush a baking dish with melted butter.
- 3Layer in several phyllo sheets, brushing butter between each.
- 4Spread the spinach filling on top, then cover with more buttered phyllo sheets.
- 5Ask a grown-up to score the top and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35 minutes, until golden.
- 6Cool a little, then cut into squares.
MoussakaΜουσακάς
Makes 6 servingsIngredients
- 2 eggplantsEggplant, sliced
- 1 lb (450 g)Ground beef or lamb
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml)Tomato sauce
- 1 onion, 1/2 tspOnion and cinnamon
- 2 cups, 3 tbsp, 3 tbspMilk, butter, flour (white sauce)
- 1/2 cup (50 g)Grated cheese
How to Make It
- 1Ask a grown-up to roast the eggplant slices until soft and lightly browned.
- 2Cook the onion and meat in a pan, then add the tomato sauce and cinnamon and simmer.
- 3Make a white sauce: melt butter, whisk in flour, then milk, until thick. Stir in the cheese.
- 4Layer eggplant and meat sauce in a baking dish.
- 5Pour the white sauce over the top.
- 6Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes, until golden. Let it set before slicing.
Vocabulary
If you like Italian pasta or Middle Eastern kebabs, you'll enjoy Greek food. Greek cooking is all about fresh veggies, olive oil, and delicious flavors!