15 Traditional Greek Dishes You Must Try

Last Updated: December 21, 2023

What is the first thing that comes to mind, except the islands when thinking of Greece? If your reply is the traditional delicious Greek dishes then this article is for you. Greek cuisine is hearty, mouthwatering and I dare say, one of the best in the world. The dishes below have origins from different regions in Greece including the islands, so next time you visit Greece, you’ll be able to order like a local. Without further ado, here are 15 Traditional Greek Dishes you simply Must Try! 

15. GREEK DOLMADES – STUFFED VINE LEAVES 

Ntolmadakia is a refreshing dish and we usually ordered in tavernas as a starter. The vegetarian version and the most common one is made of stuffed vine leaves with rice and herbs. You will find that some people also like to add minced meat in the stuffing, which makes this traditional Greek dish even more irresistible.

14. YUVARLAKIA (MEATBALL SOUP)

Traditional Greek dishes change depending on the region. From meat to fish and from vegetarian dishes to an array of dips, the food is a wholesome experience in itself. Yuvarlakia is meatballs made of minced meat and rice and served in avgolemono sauce. A delicious white sauce cooked with eggs and lots of lemon juice. This dish is not very easy to find in restaurants but if you do, don’t miss your chance to try it.

13. MOUSSAKA

My favorite dish of all time! Greeks will be quick to tell you that moussaka is best enjoyed homemade. It is a hearty dish made with layers of aubergines, minced meat, and bechamel sauce. In some regions of Greece, the recipe also includes layers of potatoes and zucchini. I can’t recommend this dish enough.

12. SPANAKOPITA & TIROPITA 

We LOVE pies in Greece. You will find so many varieties of pies during your visit, but the all time favorites are spanakopita (spinach pie) and tiropita (cheese pie). This is the go to breakfast for many Greeks, so I’d suggest that you do it the Greek way and start your morning with a frappe (cold frothy coffee) and a pie. That ought to keep your appetite satisfied until lunch time.

11. GYRO (GYROS PITA)  

Gyros is the most popular Greek “street-food”. Pork meat served in pita bread with fries; onion, tzatziki, and tomato. I’m literally drooling while writing this. It quickly becomes an addiction so be prepared to add a few centimeters around your waist during your visit to Greece. You can add or remove ingredients in pita gyros, such as onion, lettuce or even replace the tzatziki with a sauce of your choice or plain yogurt. Nothing beats however the traditional recipe.

10. PASTITSIO  

This is also one of the traditional Greek dishes that are best enjoyed when cooked homemade. Pastitsio is thick pasta layered with minced meat and topped with rich bechamel sauce. Each bite will be better than the last and you’ll soon find yourself googling the recipe so you’ll be able to cook this delicious food back home.

READ ALSO: ZAROS, CRETE: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW AND THINGS TO DO

9. GREEK SALAD (XORIATIKI SALATA)

This one needs no introductions. Greek salad is possibly the most popular dish and everyone’s favorite. Imagine sitting by the sea during a hot Greek summer and enjoying a refreshing salad made of tomatoes; onion, cucumber, Kalamata olives, green peppers, and feta cheese. All the ingredients in this salad complement each other perfectly but the real secret lies in the virgin olive oil and the freshly sourced vegetables.

8. TZATZIKI  

Tzatziki is the first dish that most people pick from the menu at a taverna. It is a simple yogurt dip, with cucumber and garlic which I guarantee you, you’ll end up devouring in one go. The best way to eat it is with fresh bread but really and truly this flavorsome dip goes with every dish.

7. ZUCCHINI FRITTERS (KOLOKITHOKEFTEDES) 

Zucchini fritters are usually made with – you guessed it – zucchinis, a few bits of feta, and various herbs. It is one of the traditional Greek dishes that are more commonly found on the island of Crete. They are usually ordered as starters and are light and perfect for dipping in your tzatziki sauce.

6. GREEK SEAFOOD & FISH 

Do not, I repeat, DO NOT leave Greece without trying the seafood, especially if you’re visiting the Greek islands. The fish and seafood are locally sourced in most islands in Greece and they are absolutely mouthwatering. Order a mixed platter where you can sample a variety of seafood, or simply pick your favorite from the menu and accompany them with a Greek salad and tzatziki.

5. TOMATO BALLS (TOMATOKEFTEDES) 

Santorini may be famous to most for its breathtaking views but trust me, the food is also remarkable and nothing short of scrumptious. Tomatokeftedes is a simple appetizer made of crushed tomatoes in the shape of balls and fried in oil. It is Santorini’s local delicacy and one that you simply must try.

4. APAKI

If you happen to visit Crete, this will be your opportunity to try some of the traditional Greek dishes found only on this beautiful island. Apaki is one of them; a smoked pork loin, marinated in various spices. Usually enjoyed as a meze with a shot of Cretan raki (a local alcoholic spirit).

3. GEMISTA (GREEK STUFFED VEGETABLES)

Gemista is stuffed vegetables with rice and sometimes ground meat. Traditionally, our grandmothers would use any vegetable that can be stuffed to cook this dish. The most common ones, however, are tomatoes and peppers. Be sure to try them with a side of feta cheese or even Greek yogurt.

2. DAKOS

This is another Cretan dish that you will find at each and every taverna you go to. It is perfect usually in summer but I personally cannot resist it no matter the season of the year. A rusk bread, topped with mashed tomatoes and feta, seasoned with olive oil, salt, and oregano. Sometimes, the simpler the dish, the better.

1. XORTA (HORTA)

I’ve noticed that many people who visit Greece, tend to avoid this dish as it looks plain and perhaps not as appetizing as most traditional Greek dishes. Xorta (Horta) are leafy greens boiled in water; drained and seasoned simply with olive oil, salt, and lots of lemon juice. It doesn’t sound like much but trust me, they make a perfect refreshing starter dish during a hot summer day. It is noteworthy also that they are very nutritious as they contain a lot of vitamins and antioxidants.