Traditional Greek food is rich in history, flavor, and diversity. From juicy grilled meats and fresh salads to savory stews and flaky pastries, Greek recipes have something to offer every palate.
Many Greek dishes embody the essence of this incredible cuisine. From classic dishes like moussaka and Gyro to lesser-known but equally delicious options like dolmades, we deep dive into the flavors and ingredients of these culinary creations.
Whether you're a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, join us on a delicious journey through the top 10 most delicious and popular Greek dishes to try at an authentic Greek restaurant when you visit the country. We are confident you will love Greek food if you try these!
1. Souvlaki
One of our favorite Greek food options is Souvlaki. The famous Greek dish consists of small pieces of marinated meat (usually pork or chicken) skewered and grilled. The meat is seasoned with herbs and spices like garlic, lemon, and oregano and served with pita bread, vegetables, and various sauces.
Souvlaki can be served as a wrap or in a pita sandwich with toppings like tzatziki, tomato, and onion. This traditional Greek dish is widely loved for its juicy, flavorful meat and has become a staple of Greek street food and a popular choice at outdoor barbecues and events.
2. Moussaka
Moussaka is a traditional Greek dish consisting of layered slices of eggplant and minced meat (typically lamb), topped with a creamy béchamel sauce and baked to perfection. The dish is then finished with a sprinkle of grated cheese and is commonly served with fresh greens or a Greek salad.
This hearty and satisfying dish is considered one of Greece's most popular and beloved dishes. It is also a staple of Greek home cooking and taverna menus. Moussaka is also widely enjoyed throughout the Mediterranean region and the Middle East. The combination of the tender eggplant, savory meat, and velvety béchamel sauce creates a symphony of flavors and textures that has made moussaka a classic dish enjoyed for generations.
3. Dolmades
Dolmades are small parcels of vine leaves stuffed with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes ground meat. This classic Greek dish is typically served as an appetizer or a side dish and is often accompanied by a tangy lemon sauce.
The combination of tender, slightly bitter vine leaves with the flavorful filling creates a unique and delicious bite-sized snack.
4. Spanakopita
Spanakopita is a savory Greek spinach pie made of flaky phyllo pastry filled with a mixture of spinach, feta cheese, and herbs. This dish is commonly served as a snack or light meal and a popular addition to a meze platter.
The combination of the crispy pastry with the rich and salty feta cheese and fresh, earthy spinach makes spanakopita a delicious and satisfying treat.
5. Gyro
Gyro is a traditional Greek dish consisting of meat (typically pork, chicken, or lamb) that is slowly cooked on a vertical spit and then shaved into thin slices. The meat is served on warm pita bread with tomato, onion, and a tangy tzatziki sauce.
It is a popular street food in Greece and is widely enjoyed in the United States and other countries. The juicy, flavorful meat and the soft, warm pita make gyro a delicious and satisfying meal.
6. Tzatziki
Tzatziki is a creamy and tangy dip made from Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and extra virgin olive oil. This dish is a staple of Greek cuisine and is often served as an appetizer or a condiment for meat dishes like gyro and souvlaki.
The fresh and cooling flavor of the tzatziki perfectly contrasts the spicy and savory flavors of grilled meats, making it a must-try dish for anyone visiting Greece.
7. Greek salad
Greek salad is a fresh and flavorful dish consisting of fresh vegetables, including chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, feta cheese, and olives, dressed with extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice.
This dish is a staple of Greek cuisine and is commonly served as a starter or a side dish.
The combination of fresh, juicy vegetables with rich and salty feta cheese and the tangy dressing makes Greek salad a delicious and healthy option.
8. Pastitsio
Pastitsio is a baked pasta and meat staple of Greek home cooking. The dish consists of a layer of tender pasta, topped with a hearty meat sauce and a creamy béchamel sauce, then baked until golden and bubbly.
This dish is commonly served as a main course and is a favorite for special occasions and family gatherings. Tender pasta, savory meat, and rich béchamel sauce comes together to make pastitsio a comfort food that many love.
9. Feta me Meli
Feta me Meli is a simple yet delicious dish consisting of feta cheese drizzled with honey and sprinkled with sesame seeds. This dish is a staple of Greek cuisine and is often served as a snack or as a dessert.
The combination of the salty and tangy feta cheese with the sweet and sticky honey creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
10. Baklava
Baklava is a sweet and flaky pastry made from layers of phyllo pastry filled with nuts, honey, and spices. This dish is a staple of Greek and Middle Eastern cuisine and is often served as a dessert or sweet snack.
The combination of the crisp, buttery phyllo with the sweet and nutty filling creates a rich and decadent treat that many love.
Do you need a Visa to travel to Greece?
Ready to go on a Greek Foodie tour but unsure about the visa requirements to travel to Greece? We have the answer for you. Residents of these countries need to apply for a Greece Schengen visa:
| Afghanistan | Algeria | Angola | Armenia | Azerbaijan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bahrain | Bangladesh | Belarus | Belize | Benin |
| Bhutan | Bolivia | Botswana | Burkina Faso | Burma/Myanmar |
| Burundi | Cambodia | Cameroon | Cape Verde | Central African Republic |
| Chad | China | Comoros | Congo | Cote Di'Ivoire |
| Cuba | Djibouti | Dominican Republic | Ecuador | Democratic Republic of Congo |
| Egypt | Equatorial Guinea | Eritrea | Ethiopia | Fiji |
| Gabon | Gambia | Ghana | Guinea | Guinea-Bissau |
| Guyana | Haiti | India | Indonesia | Iran |
| Iraq | Jamaica | Jordan | Kazakhstan | Kenya |
| Kuwait | Kyrgyzstan | Laos | Lebanon | Lesotho |
| Liberia | Libya | Madagascar | Malawi | Maldives |
| Mali | Mauritania | Mongolia | Morocco | Mozambique |
| Nambia | Nauru | Nepal | Niger | Nigeria |
| North Korea | Oman | Pakistan | Papua New Guinea | Philippines |
| Qatar | Russia | Rwanda | Sao Tome and Principe | Saudi Arabia |
| Senegal | Sierra Leone | Somalia | South Africa | South Sudan |
| Sri Lanka | Sudan | Suriname | Swaziland | Syria |
| Tajikistan | Tanzania | Thailand | Togo | Tunisia |
| Turkey | Turkmenistan | Uganda | Ukraine | Uzbekistan |
| Vietnam | Yemen | Zambia | Zimbabwe |
We know visa applications are bothersome, so save yourself the stress and let iVisa help you apply for a Greek Schengen Visa!
If you have more questions, you can also reach out to our online customer service team who are available 24/7.
