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Greek food on the menu |
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Many people only know the common Greek dishes and do not dare to order food they have not heard of. Greek cuisine is incredibly multifaceted, and it's a shame that not everyone knows about it. There is surprisingly delicious and culinary Greek food. It's just a matter of finding it. And you have to dare to try. The hardest part is finding good Greek food in restaurants located in, or around, the main tourist routes, although there are exceptions even there. I promise that you, who have not yet discovered the real Greek cuisine, will be amazed. Tavernas and restaurants in the tourist areas usually have menus with food they think we tourists want, such as moussaka and souvlaki. But at home in their own kitchens, and in the locals' favourite restaurants, Greeks eat other dishes.
Feel free to go out into the kitchen and botanize among unknown dishes. (Picture from Olympos.)
If you are lucky enough to be invited to the home of a Greek family, or have the opportunity to accompany Greeks when they go out eating, there is a good chance that you will be offered dishes you did not know about, ingredients you did not know existed and flavours you will never forget. In short: once you comes out of the moussaka closet, you'll never step into it again. Now don't think I dislike moussaka, because I don't, I love moussaka, if it's cooked correctly.
It's best to order many small dishes to share. (Picture from Andros.) |
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Choosing a taverna can be as difficult as choosing food. I usually first assess the "coziness" (excuse the expression) of the taverna. If I enjoy the environment, it might not matter so much if the food is not perfect. I usually start with a lunch visit and if the food is good, I like to go there in the evening as well. Ideally there shouldn't be a menu, I'd like to go into the kitchen and lift the pot lid myself.
I like to go into the kitchen and lift the lids. (Picture from Pylos in Peloponnese.)
If there's something I don't know what it is, I'll just ask. Then I order several different dishes, big and small. Often I try to find something I have never eaten before. Feel free to try ordering many small dishes yourself. Then everyone around the table eats together from the same food. Take the opportunity to order things you have never heard of. It doesn't matter if everyone doesn't like all the dishes.
I have only eaten Kotsi at Restaurant Armenon in Livadia on Tilos.
When you arrive on a new island, it may be a good idea to ask for local specialties, there are on most islands. It can even differ between different villages on the same island. Also ask for local cheeses. There is not only feta cheese in Greece.
A pleasant environment makes the food taste even better. (Picture from Chora in Ios.)
We almost always order different starters, both for lunch and for dinner. We sometimes eat main courses, but we usually only take one main course and fill up with starters.
Read about Greek main dishes here »
Read about Greek starters and meze here »Read about Greek menus here » |
