If you know anything about Greek food, you’ll know it’s very different to what you’re probably used to in the UK. Greek cuisine has a classic Mediterranean style centred on olive oil, fresh vegetables, grains and seafood, and there’s a strong emphasis on sharing meals with friends and family.
You might have heard of dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, gyros and Greek salads, but that’s not all Greek cuisine has to offer. Pastries such as spanakopita and thick, creamy yogurt are everyday staples, as are feta, olives and oregano. In Greece, food is closely tied to family life, socialising and local traditions, and that’s reflected in the way food is made, shared and experienced.
It’s easy to see how food is one of the easiest parts of daily life to adapt to for expats moving to Greece.
What You Need to Know
- Greek food is fresh, simple and centred around olive oil, herbs, vegetables and seafood.
- Meze and sharing plates are a big part of everyday dining in Greece.
- Popular dishes include moussaka, souvlaki, gyros, Greek salad, tzatziki and spanakopita.
- Tavernas are relaxed, social places where meals are rarely rushed.
- Expect later mealtimes, seasonal ingredients and less reliance on ready meals than in the UK.
Iconic Greek Dishes and Must-Try Mezedes
Greek meals often start with mezedes – these are similar to appetisers, and tend to be small plates designed for sharing – which is why many meals in Greece turn into a long, relaxed affair. These are some of the most iconic Greek dishes and you’ll find them all over the country, regardless of where you’re going to base yourself once you’ve organised your move to Greece.
Moussaka
Moussaka is a comforting baked dish that’s made with layers of aubergine, minced meat and a rich bechamel sauce. It’s a staple in tavernas and home kitchens around Greece. One Girl Whole World describes it as being “pure comfort food” and that’s definitely true, and it’s why it’s always been a local favourite.
Souvlaki and Gyros
Souvlaki and gyros are both popular street foods, used for quick meals. They’re made using charcoal grilled meat skewers – known as souvlaki – or spit roasted meat, which goes into gyros. The meat used is usually pork or chicken, which is then served in warm pita bread with tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki.
Choriatiki
Choriatiki is what Brits know as Greek salad, and it’s a simple dish with a lot of flavour. It’s made using a mix of tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives and a slab of feta cheese, dressed with olive oil.
Tzatziki
Tzatziki is a thick yogurt dip made with cucumber, garlic and olive oil. It’s served with bread, grilled meats, or as part of a meze spread. You’ll find it absolutely everywhere in Greece.
Spanakopita and Tyropita
Spanakopita and tyropita are phyllo – sometimes spelled filo – pies filled with spinach and herbs if you’re eating spanakopita, or cheese if you’re having tyropita. They’re commonly eaten as snacks, breakfast or light lunches. Spanakopita is also a big part of the food scene in Cyprus, and both countries have a similar take on the dish.
Dolmades
Dolmades are grape leaves stuffed with rice, herbs and sometimes minced meat, often finished with lemon. Though you might have seen these in the UK, nothing beats the traditional Greek versions.
Saganaki
Saganaki is a dish centered around fried cheese, served hot and crispy, and usually as a starter. It’s simple, indulgent and popular with locals and visitors alike.
Key Ingredients in Greek Cuisine and Greek Dining Styles
Greek food is less about heavy sauces and unique flavours, and more about high quality ingredients that are cooked simply.
Olive Oil and Herbs
Olive oil is what brings Greek cooking together, especially when it’s combined with lemon, garlic, onion, oregano, thyme and dill for bold, yet natural flavours.
Vegetable Dishes
Many traditional Greek meals focus on vegetables rather than meat. Dishes known as lathera are popular – which involves vegetables being cooked slowly in olive oil – and this includes favourites like briam, a roasted combo of courgette, potato, tomato and aubergine.
Meze Culture
Much like the tapas culture in Spain, sharing food is central to Greek dining. Meals are social, unhurried and often enjoyed with ouzo, tsipouro or local wine. They’re long, enjoyable experiences that don’t feel rushed. In Greece, food is something to be enjoyed, not just a way to fuel the body and get through the day.
Seafood
Seafood is common on the islands and coastal areas of Greece. You can expect grilled octopus, calamari, sardines and fresh fish, all simply prepared with lemon and olive oil.
Greek Sweet Treats
Greek sweets are rich, comforting and often soaked in syrup or honey. Loukoumades are small, deep fried dough balls that are drizzled with honey and cinnamon, and they’re usually shared as a dessert amongst friends. Baklava and galaktoboureko are also popular; baklava layers nuts and filo pastry with syrup, and galaktoboureko boasts a creamy custard filling wrapped in crisp pastry.
Greek Tavernas and Everyday Dining
Tavernas are the most common and authentic places to eat in Greece, and they’re not to be missed. They’re relaxed, family establishments where food is served at a leisurely pace, and meals are meant to be enjoyed, not rushed. Portions are generous, prices are reasonable and it’s normal to continue to socialise long after you’ve finished your meal and the plates have been cleared. As Visit Greece explains, taverns are “deeply rooted in the history and culture of Greece” and that’s the case wherever you go.
Greek Cuisine vs. UK Cuisine
If you’re moving from the UK, you’re in for a treat, as there are a lot of delicious Greek dishes to enjoy. But you’ll notice a few key differences in food and dining culture from the moment you arrive.
- In Greece, people tend to have later mealtimes. Lunch and dinner are eaten later, especially in summer, with dinner often starting after 8pm.
- There’s a lot more sharing of dishes in Greece. Instead of individual mains, tables are filled with shared plates, and everyone tucks in.
- You won’t find as many ready meals in Greece. Fresh cooking is the norm, and local bakeries, markets and butchers play a big role.
- Meals are social events, not something to squeeze into a schedule or rush.
- Greek cuisine follows the seasons closely, with less emphasis on year round variety and a bigger focus on what’s fresh for the season.
Ready to Get Stuck Into Life in Greece?
Food is a huge part of everyday life in Greece and one of the joys of relocating. From long taverna lunches to fresh ingredients, it quickly becomes part of your routine. The sooner you organise your move, the sooner you’ll be tucking into your new favourite dishes. With the right preparation and support, including organising your international removals team, you’ll be enjoying your first meze spread before you know it. Get in touch to find out more.