GUEST AUTHOR: Kärt Sikk, Spotahome Student Ambassador
Athens is known for many of its wonderful aspects - its picturesque landscapes, magnificent beaches, and warm climate. So many reasons to visit the spectacular capital of Greece.
Without a shadow of a doubt, Greek cuisine is another great way to convince you to visit Athens if you have not done so yet. While there are a bundle of foods that you could binge eat while visiting, I will tell you my five favorite that are definitely worth trying.
I have eaten in a lot of Greek restaurants (specifically in Athens, so it is extra authentic), and I can say with confidence that every time I eat out the food is simply to-die-for! Greeks sure know their way around food.
My favourite is Greek appetizers! They have an incredible variety ranging from fried zucchini to Greek meatballs. While Greek cuisine’s main course is typically grilled meats or fish, their appetizers include a lot of vegetables - perfect for vegetarians and vegans as well!
Halloumi cheese
Who doesn’t love cheese? Halloumi is typically grilled, but can also be fried, and is made from cow’s milk. This cheese is included on the menu of almost every Greek restaurant, so very accessible! It is a great appetizer and goes well with a typical Greek salad. If you are a vegetarian, it is safe for you to eat as well because it is free of rennet.
Dolmadakia
This interesting dish, which can be found in different versions all over the Middle-Eastern world, can be served both - warm and cold. There are several versions of this appetizer, but the common denominator for all of them is the grape leaf. Dolmadakia is stuffed grape leaves with a wide variety of different fillings: rice, minced meat, vegetables, and/or dill are just some of the many examples of the possible ingredients. It is also usually served with a sauce: yogurt, egg-lemon, and béarnaise sauces are the most common.
Souvlaki
Have you even been to Greece if you haven’t tasted souvlaki? The most typical of Greek food that can be found in every restaurant in Athens. Souvlaki consists of small pieces of meat, usually with an addition of vegetables, grilled on a skewer. A food tip by the Greeks: squeeze lemon on the meat to make it juicier. Most restaurants bring you a lemon along with the meat to the table. This tip applies perfectly to souvlaki to make the meat even more delicious.
Tzatziki
This is a sauce that goes with grilled meat (can be used with souvlaki) or can simply be served as a dip. One of my absolute favorites! It consists of yogurt, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs. So simple, yet so good! This is the one food from Greek cuisine that I can easily and quickly make by myself at home when I crave Greek food.
Loukoumades
Last, but not least, a typical Greek dessert! What better way to finish your grand Greek dinner than with a delicious fried ball of dough. Just like with dolmadakia, loukoumades has several versions. It is deep-fried dough soaked in either chocolate syrup, sugar syrup, or honey. The perfect sweet finish that can be paired off with the famous Greek alcoholic drink, ouzo.
What are your favorite dishes from Greek cuisine? Let us know in the comments!
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