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Greek Foods

May I have suggestions as to what we should eat in Greece that may be new to Americans along with what fruits or vegetables we might see at a local market that doesn't need to be prepared?

Posted by
7448 posts

Not a whole lot very different based on ones experience of course. If you at all like lamb or even not sure try that. Rarer is young goat, but very good. Lots of meats in pitas, various forms from whole cuts, to stacked "steaks" to what we normally think of as Gyro meat, a meatloaf type mixture. All on a spit, all sliced off to serve, all great. Seafood can vary, most common would be a mixture of smallish fishes, cleaned, cooked whole usually fried. Octopus is common on the islands, squid and shimp can be found too. Vegetables are really overlooked by tourists, but you can get some wonderful spinach, various greens, and beets in season are great. We were there once in September and street vendors were selling the fruit from the prickly pear cactus.

Posted by
73 posts

There were many things that were so good to eat. Don't be afraid to be adventurous as the food is wonderful! My favorites for simple, easy food are Kebabs and all the wonderful grilled shaved meats that you'll see on spits everywhere...it's a cheap takeout! You'll pay more if you sit down at a table to eat than if you just stand, order and go.

My new favorite thing (that I didn't know I'd enjoy as much as I did) was Greek Yogurt with fruit and walnuts/honey! OMG!!! I dare you to try to find it at home!

Posted by
7448 posts

Ohhh...didn't mention the yogurt! Yes try the yogurt with honey. In the States, Fage brand is available and very good, but eating it in my kitchen for some reason is not the same as on the waterfront in Naxos. You can also attempt to make your own if brave.

Posted by
1158 posts

Greek food is very different than American food.
Pits sandwiches, stuffed wine leaves (those are great), mousaka (not sure about the spelling) yogourt -very different taste then US one.Olives-my favorite.
They put a lot of olive oil in salads, so you might want to ask about this if you don't like it.
Also one of my favorite drinks is something called cafee frapee. It's instant coffee+ cold water or milk + rum if you like, all stirred up with an electrical mixer at high speed.
Fruit and vegetables are pretty much like here.

Posted by
1383 posts

Charlene

Something that no-one has mentioned yet are poikiles (the Greek word for 'various'.) You'll often find these in cafe/bars, as opposed to restaurants. They are a selection of various things on the menu, and therefore vary from place to place: some cold meat, some cheese, a couple of dips, plus other bits and pieces. A good way to try various things. They are designed to be shared, and you can order one for two people or whatever.

When in Athens a good place to sample these is the bottom of Adrianou betweeen Monastiraki and Thisseo metro stations. Turn right out of Monastiraki station and Hadrian's library is on your left. Turn first right down Adrianou and about half way down on your right, just before the entrance to the agora, is a great place to sit and try a poikilies.

On holidays and weekends Greeks eat these at lunch with a little bottle of ouzo (a karafaki) but if you are tempted to follow them you can write the afternoon off!

Cheers
Alan