Traveling to Greece? Don’t Miss These 6 Must-Try Dishes!

Traveling to Greece isn’t just about enjoying the blue sea and ancient historic buildings. Greece is a paradise for food lovers, too. Rich in Mediterranean culture, Greek cuisine offers fresh, authentic, and colorful flavors. From mouthwatering meat dishes to fresh vegetable and herbs blends, here are 6 Greek specialties you can't miss during your visit!

 1. Moussaka

Born from the adaptation of the Arab dish Musaqqâ. According to My Greek Odyssey, modern Moussaka was crafted in the 1920s by a Greek chef named Nikolaos Tselementes. In big cities like Athens and Sifnos, this dish symbolizes Greek cuisine. Layers of eggplant, spiced minced meat, and béchamel sauce are the hallmark of this dish. Besides being nutritious and filling, the creamy béchamel sauce adds a unique texture.

Also Read: Traveling to Italy? Treat Your Taste Buds with These Local Delights!

2. Gyro

This dish originates from several regions across Athens and Thessaloniki. It features lamb—sometimes chicken or beef—roasted vertically, then wrapped in pita bread with tzatziki sauce. It's combined with fresh vegetables like tomatoes and pickled onions. This food is usually sold as street food and served with fries.

3. Souvlaki

This is a classic Greek dish found all over the country, especially in Athens. It consists of chunks of chicken, goat, or lamb that are marinated with lemon juice, oregano, and garlic. The meat is then grilled on skewers and served with pita bread and fresh salad. 

4. Spanakopita

Spanakopita is an iconic spinach pie from Athens and the Aegean islands. It's made from thin filo pastry filled with chopped spinach, feta cheese, green onions, and dill leaves. Its thin and crispy texture pairs perfectly with fresh vegetables. It’s perfect as a snack or light breakfast side. 

5. Imam Bayildi

This Ottoman-era dish has found its way into Greek kitchens since the Byzantine era. This dish uses eggplant stuffed with onions, tomatoes, and plenty of olive oil, then slowly baked until tender. Imam Bayildi literally means ‘the imam fainted’, supposedly because the dish was so delicious it made the imam swoon upon tasting it.

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6. Dakos

This traditional salad comes from Crete Island and is often known as Greece's version of bruschetta. It's made from bread topped with fresh tomatoes, feta cheese (sometimes mizithra cheese), oregano, olive oil, and olive pieces. Some recipes also include eggplant, tomatoes, and mushrooms. It has a fresh taste and is perfectly matched with crispy, savory bread.

Each dish carries centuries of history and a unique blend of cultural influences. When visiting Greece, savor the stories behind its cuisine. From Moussaka to fresh Dakos, every dish is a portal to Mediterranean culture and tradition. Are you ready to explore the flavors of Greece? Create your complete culinary itinerary and use Travel Insurance from MSIG Indonesia to make your food adventure even more comfortable and hassle-free!