Cod with garlic and potato dip (Bakaliaros skordaliá)

“Bakaliaros skordaliá” is a typical recipe from Greek taverns, comparable to the famous English “fish and chips”. In this case, the battered cod is served along with a delicious mashed potato with crushed garlic, which is an unbeatable accompaniment.

Octopus with Greek fava recipe

Octopus with Greek fava, Greek fava with octopus. Separately, two very common dishes in Greek taverns. But both together in the same recipe? It was enough for me to try it just once to understand that it’s a very tasty combination that pairs perfectly.

“Briam”, the Greek version of ratatouille

“Briam” is a preparation also known as “tourlou tuorlou”, which in Greek means “all mixed”. A more than appropriate name for this mix of seasonal Mediterranean vegetables, full of color and flavor.

Which foods are worth to bring from Greece?

This is a list with some of my favorite products and ingredients that I usually bring back from every trip to Greece. I have avoided those such as fresh cheeses, since you will not be able to take them on long trips without compromising their quality. Depending on where you live, you may find here some items which are easy to get in your region. But even so, I invite you to take note of these suggestions, probably more than one will surprise you!

Keto burger with Portobello and Halloumi

A creative proposal for a delicious, low-carbohydrate hamburger. The secret is to replace the buns with Portobello mushrooms. The option turns out to be vegetarian using halloumi, but of course, the recipe also works wonderfully with beef burgers.

Eggplant salad recipe

This title may sound strange in English, but it is the exact translation of a very traditional mezze called melitzanosalata in Greek or patlican salatasi in Turkish. With few further ingredients, it can also turn into baba ganush or mutabbal, both very popular in many regions of the Middle East.

Feta and red pepper spread

This spread is a variation on the Greek tirokafteri, but using red peppers instead of chili. The result is therefore not spicy, but very tasty all the same, and ideal for those who prefer more delicate flavors.

Meat and artichokes stew

This dish with beef or lamb is a Turkish recipe, although there is also a similar Greek variant, usually accompanied by an avgolemono (literally “lemon and egg”) sauce. For many it can be an unexpected combination, but the pairing of meat and artichokes is a delight that is worth trying.

My 25 favorite Greek mezedes

“Mezedes” is the Greek equivalent of mezze in Middle Eastern countries. These are small dishes served simultaneously, similar to Spanish tapas. They can be taken both as an appetizer and as a main course, and are usually accompanied with ouzo or raki. Hundreds of dishes can be counted in this category, but I have chosen here the 25 that I consider to be the most common and that are my favourites.

Grilled Manouri with honey and sesame seeds

Manouri is a Greek cheese original from Central Macedonia region. It’s produced from the whey of sheep’s milk, sometimes combined with goat’s milk. Manouri is similar to the famous Feta, although it has a higher fat content, which makes it creamier in flavor, also leaving certain lemony notes on the palate. We can enjoy it in desserts, cakes, salads, or grilled on a mezze table.