Greece is the homeland of democracy, modern history and exquisite cuisine. Although you probably had a chance to taste some Greek specialties abroad, it shouldn’t prevent you to enjoy an authentic experience. Without tasting gourmet specialties on this short list, you cannot say you’ve been to Greece.
Gyros (Gyro)
Gyros is fast food number one in Greece. Basic gyros comprises grilled pork or chicken meat (depending on your choice), tzatziki salad (will be mentioned later), French fries, onion and tomato, all wrapped in a tortilla. In general, you’ll be offered additional ingredients, but most people are satisfied with the basic one. Given that you aren’t a couple of days starved, one gyros should be enough for one meal. Any drink fits nicely with gyros, soft drinks in particular.
Tzatziki
Tzatziki is probably the tastiest Greek salad ever. You can have Tzatziki as an addition to any meal or simply by itself, you’ll be delighted with it either way. The main ingredients of Tzatziki are finely chopped cucumber, garlic, strained yogurt and olive oil, with a couple of other additions occasionally (lemon juice, vinegar, etc.). The mixture is just perfectly salted and spiced, and you’ll find it on the menu of any restaurant and household, and most fast food booths.
Souvlaki
Souvlaki is another popular Greek dish that consists of grilled pork or chicken meat, fried potatoes and onion most often. The meat is finely chopped and traditionally served on a stick. Souvlaki is less adipose than gyros, and you might need two portions of this Greek specialty if your appetite is average.
Tsipouro
Tsipouro beverage is a counterpart of famous Ouzo, used as an appetizer and as a closure of delicious meal. Tsipouro is a distilled beverage, made of grapes and flavorings such as anise, mastic, nutmeg, and others. The taste is sharp and the best way to enjoy Tsipouro is with the small quantity of ice.
Olives
Wherever you go in Greece, you’ll see olive plantations more often than not. Greek olives are internationally noted for its quality thanks to a long tradition and favorable environment for production. Olives are another unavoidable part of Greek cuisine, and certainly the healthiest. Olives are served plump, dried, stuffed with paprika, etc., and popular olive oil, which improves the flavor of any food and can be used as a sunscreen, is as popular as fresh olives.