Traditional Greek Food Dishes You Must Try

It's safe to say that Greek food is among the tastiest you'll come across in Europe - and, when it comes to traditional Mediterranean flavors, you really can't beat Greek recipes that go back generations.

If you read our journals regularly, you'll already know that we've offered up an introduction to Greek food to tempt your taste buds. However, this time around, we're focusing on traditional Greek food - dishes that, while mimicked overseas, really can't be better than they are at home.

Greek cuisine overview

Traditional Greek cuisine is all about freshness and natural ingredients. Superfoods and vitamin-packed veggie dishes are piled high here, and there's a real emphasis on cool salads and dips to help you beat the heat.

And, even a few hours into dining in Greece, you'll likely find that meals are social affairs. The concept of meze, for example, allows friends and family to come together and enjoy small sharing plates and dips. While you're free to eat alone here, it's greatly encouraged that you split meals with the groups you're traveling with.

In terms of classic Greek ingredients, you can always expect hits of lemon, oregano, and good old extra virgin olive oil. Lamb and goat tend to be the most favoured meats of choice out here - and to enjoy the best in traditional Greek food, you don't have to book a table at a restaurant. There's a burgeoning street food scene here to tuck into.

Traditional Greek food dishes to try

If you're planning your Greece itinerary around food and drink, the SIMOVO team has more than a few different traditional dishes to recommend. Again, while our alternative guide dives deep into the absolute must-eats for beginners, we've taken the time for this article to think carefully about traditional flavors - though you're likely to find modern twists on all of the below as you explore restaurants across the region.

Moussaka

Moussaka is possibly the most famous of all traditional Greek food dishes, with tons of different twists available to try worldwide. However, you really cannot beat the real deal - a delicious combo of eggplant/aubergine, potato, meat, and bechamel sauce. Give it a go at a traditional taverna or a modern establishment across the islands or on the mainland.

Dolmades

Dolmades is another Greek classic based around stuffing vine or grape leaves with herbs, onions, rice, olive oil, and more. It's typically a vegetarian dish first and foremost, but you will also find varieties that include minced beef or lamb. Dolmades make up quite a bit of meze depending on where you dine out, so be prepared to try it as a small plate rather than a main meal.

Gyros

Gyros are staple finger foods in Greece, usually served at street food vendors or with salad on the side. It's similar to a kebab in that it is typically shaved meat and veggies served in bread, usually pita, along with some cool tzatziki (more on that shortly). Consider it a spicy take on the sandwich that puts your office lunch to shame!

Bougatsa

Bougatsa is a custard-based breakfast treat or mid-morning staple, made with crispy phyllo. Some may see it as a type of custard tart - but you can actually enjoy it with more savory fillings such as feta cheese, too (again, another Greek specialty). These pastries and pies usually go down wonderfully with a dusting of icing and a hot coffee or two. You'll forget cereal and toast ever existed.

Greek salad

Yes, funnily enough, the Greek salad certainly does have roots in the region - but there are a few different twists and regional takes depending on where you go. For example, you can usually expect juicy salad staples such as tomatoes and bell peppers, but there's lots of crunch and aromatic flavor with red onion - and again, Greek foodies can't go without their feta.

Tzatziki

If you're a dip fan, chances are you're already familiar with Tzatziki, a cool dip made from cucumber and salted yogurt. It's usually served with pita bread as part of meze, or you'll also find it served alongside meat dishes. It's a surprisingly simple Greek staple, made from various natural ingredients such as thyme, mint, lemon juice, and parsley, depending on where you travel.

Greek street food culture

Street food has exploded across the Mediterranean over the past decade, and naturally, Greece has dived into traditional foodie vending feet-first. Across cities like Athens, you'll commonly find talented chefs serving up fresh gyros and souvlaki, meaning you'll never have to look too far for an authentic take on fast food. Certainly, you'll want to leave your burgers and fries at home for a little while.

Greek street food culture is certainly rooted in the core traditional flavors and textures we've discussed above, meaning exploring different vendors is certainly one of the best ways to taste the best traditional treats that the area has to offer. Just make sure you carry cash with you to pay vendors, and that you prioritize the busiest stalls - the more popular they are, the more likely it is they will offer delicious, high-quality food.

Where to try Greek food

It's easier than ever to sample Greek food from home thanks to a boom in the cuisine taking over the West. However, while we do suggest you try some dishes at home before you travel, you really will not experience better quality traditional Greek dishes than across the region itself.

For traditional eats, we recommend hunting down small, local tavernas that specialize in meze and buffet options. However, you should also take the time to enjoy different modern restaurants to get a real taste for the balance between tradition and creative recipe building here.

And, the best part is you won't ever be without a full stomach - as traditional Greek cuisine can be enjoyed throughout the mainland and across the various islands. From coffee to pastries and gyros, be sure to build a dining itinerary while checking out our sailing guide.

Greek food travel tips

While exploring Greece's traditional cuisines should be a straightforward adventure if you're open-minded, there are still a few different tips you can put into practice so your taste buds are making the most of what's on offer. Here's some quick-fire advice from the SIMOVO team on how to manage a foodie tour of Greece and its islands.

• If you're looking for local eateries but are worried about mobile data or WiFi, load up an eSIM for Greece before you travel. SIMOVO's eSIMs allow you to connect directly to the best available mobile networks as soon as you touch down - and, your data is completely paid for upfront.
• Sample as much as you can! The idea of meze is to try lots of little things and to share in the experience. Mains go to the table center, and starters around the outside.
• Be prepared to eat later than you usually might. Locals don't always enjoy dinner until around 9pm, so save some room late in the day.
• Always prioritize locally caught seafood if you're dining along the coast!
• If you're making your own dishes while you travel, be sure to visit local, traditional markets for the freshest and highest-quality ingredients.