Greek Cuisine: A Foodie’s Road Trip Guide

Greece, a land renowned for its ancient history, stunning landscapes, and crystal-clear waters, is also a paradise for food lovers. Greek cuisine, characterised by fresh ingredients, bold flavours, and traditional recipes passed down through generations, offers an unforgettable culinary experience.

At HelllasCar, we believe the best way to explore the rich and diverse flavours of Greece is by hitting the road. Buckle up and get ready for a delicious journey through the best local dishes, top restaurants, and bustling food markets across various regions of Greece.

Athens: The Culinary Capital

Must-Try Dishes

1. Souvlaki and Gyro: These popular street foods are a must. Souvlaki consists of skewered and grilled meat, often served in pita bread with tzatziki, tomatoes, and onions. Gyro, on the other hand, features meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, sliced, and also served in pita bread. The combination of tender meat, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki creates a perfect harmony of flavours.
   
   
2. Moussaka: A classic dish made with layers of eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce. It’s the epitome of comfort food. The rich, savoury flavours of the meat sauce contrast beautifully with the creamy béchamel and tender eggplant, creating a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying.
   
   
3. Spanakopita: This savoury pie filled with spinach and feta cheese, encased in crispy phyllo pastry, is perfect for a quick snack or light meal. The flaky layers of pastry give way to a warm, creamy filling that’s both nutritious and delicious.
4. Horiatiki (Greek Salad): No trip to Athens is complete without sampling this iconic dish. Fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and peppers are combined with chunks of feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. It’s a refreshing and healthy option that showcases the quality of Greek produce.
   
   

Best Restaurants

• Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani: This deli-restaurant offers a unique dining experience, where you can enjoy traditional meze (small dishes) and high-quality cured meats. The atmosphere is rustic and welcoming, with shelves lined with artisanal products. Don’t miss their cheese and charcuterie platters, which provide a delicious introduction to Greek flavours.
• Strofi: Located near the Acropolis, this restaurant offers not only fantastic views but also a menu filled with traditional Greek dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. The rooftop terrace provides a breathtaking backdrop for enjoying classics like grilled octopus or lamb chops.
• Varoulko Seaside: A Michelin-starred restaurant that brings modern twists to classic Greek seafood dishes. Chef Lefteris Lazarou’s innovative creations, such as cuttlefish with pesto Genovese or red mullet with beetroot risotto, elevate Greek cuisine to new heights.
• Diporto: For an authentic, no-frills experience, head to this basement taverna in the heart of Athens. With no menu and only a few daily specials, Diporto offers a glimpse into traditional Athenian dining. The hearty chickpea soup and grilled sardines are local favourites.

Food Markets

• Varvakeios Central Market: The heart of Athens’ food scene, where you can find fresh fish, meats, spices, and an array of local products. It’s a sensory overload and a must-visit for any foodie. The vibrant atmosphere, with vendors calling out their wares and the aroma of spices filling the air, makes for an unforgettable experience.
• Monastiraki Flea Market: Beyond antiques and souvenirs, this market offers a plethora of street food options and local delicacies. Try the koulouri (sesame bread rings) from street vendors or sample local honey and olive oil at specialty shops.

Peloponnese: A Journey Through History and Flavours

Must-Try Dishes

1. Lalaggia: Traditional fried dough strips, often enjoyed as a snack or with cheese and honey. These crispy treats are particularly popular in the Mani region and make for a perfect accompaniment to Greek coffee.
2. Kalamata Olives: Famous worldwide, these olives are a staple in Greek salads and a great snack on their own. Their meaty texture and rich, fruity flavour make them a true delicacy.
   
   
3. Pork with Celery and Avgolemono Sauce: A hearty dish featuring tender pork and celery, finished with a tangy egg-lemon sauce. This comforting meal is perfect for cooler evenings and showcases the region’s love for robust flavours.
4. Diples: These sweet, crispy folds of dough drizzled with honey and sprinkled with chopped nuts are a traditional dessert often served at weddings and holidays in the Peloponnese.

Best Restaurants

• Palia Istoria (Nafplio): Offers traditional Greek dishes with a modern twist, located in the charming old town of Nafplio. The restaurant’s stone walls and intimate lighting create a romantic atmosphere perfect for enjoying innovative dishes like feta cheese wrapped in phyllo with honey and sesame.
• Oinomageiremata (Kalamata): Known for its authentic regional dishes and extensive wine list featuring local varieties. Don’t miss their stuffed zucchini flowers or the grilled sardines, both local specialties.
• To Kati Allo (Patras): A cosy taverna that serves up delicious local specialties in a warm, welcoming environment. Their braised goat with herbs and their homemade spinach pie are particularly noteworthy.

Food Markets

• Kalamata Farmers’ Market: A vibrant market where you can taste and buy the famous Kalamata olives, fresh fruits, vegetables, and local cheeses. The market is also a great place to find regional specialties like pasteli (sesame and honey bars) and local herbs.
• Nafplio Farmers’ Market: Held twice a week, this market offers a great selection of local produce, honey, and homemade pastries. It’s an excellent opportunity to interact with local producers and learn about regional ingredients.

Crete: The Island of Plenty

Must-Try Dishes

1. Dakos: A traditional Cretan salad made with barley rusks, tomatoes, feta or mizithra cheese, olives, and oregano, drizzled with olive oil. This refreshing dish perfectly captures the essence of Cretan cuisine – simple, fresh, and bursting with flavour.
   
   
2. Cretan Lamb with Stamnagathi: Tender lamb cooked with wild greens, a dish that exemplifies the simplicity and flavour of Cretan cuisine. The slightly bitter stamnagathi (a type of wild chicory) pairs beautifully with the rich, succulent lamb.
3. Sfakian Pie: A thin, cheese-filled pie often drizzled with honey, originating from the region of Sfakia. The contrast between the salty cheese and sweet honey creates a delightful flavour profile.
4. Gamopilafo: A traditional wedding rice dish cooked in lamb or goat broth, often served at celebrations. Its rich, savoury flavour makes it a favourite among locals and visitors alike.

Best Restaurants

• Peskesi (Heraklion): Focuses on farm-to-table dining with dishes that highlight Cretan ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Their extensive menu features lesser-known Cretan specialties like kalitsounia (cheese or herb pies) and apaki (smoked pork).
• Tamam (Chania): Offers a mix of Cretan and international dishes, housed in a beautiful building that once served as a Turkish bath. Don’t miss their octopus stifado or the Cretan cheese platter.
• Chrisostomos (Rethymno): Known for its wood-fired oven dishes and authentic Cretan flavours. Their slow-cooked lamb kleftiko and grilled snails are local favourites.

Food Markets

• Heraklion Central Market: Located on 1866 Street, this market is a feast for the senses, offering fresh produce, herbs, cheeses, and more. It’s an excellent place to sample Cretan delicacies like graviera cheese and thyme honey.
• Chania Municipal Market: An indoor market with a wide range of local products, including olive oil, raki, spices, and handmade goods. The market also houses several small eateries where you can enjoy fresh seafood and traditional Cretan dishes.

Thessaloniki: A Melting Pot of Flavors

Must-Try Dishes

1. Bougatsa: A sweet or savoury pastry filled with custard, cheese, or minced meat, often enjoyed for breakfast. The flaky phyllo pastry and rich filling make it a perfect start to the day.
   
   
2. Koulouri: A sesame-covered bread ring, perfect for a quick snack on the go. These chewy, slightly crunchy bread rings are a staple of Thessaloniki street food.
3. Soutzoukakia Smyrneika: Spicy meatballs in a rich tomato sauce, reflecting the city’s historical connections with Asia Minor. The combination of aromatic spices and tangy tomato sauce creates a comforting, flavorful dish.
4. Trigona Panoramatos: A syrup-soaked pastry filled with sweet cream, originating from the nearby town of Panorama. These triangle-shaped treats are a beloved local dessert.

Best Restaurants

• Molyvos: A restaurant that combines traditional Macedonian flavours with modern culinary techniques. Their contemporary take on classic dishes, like deconstructed moussaka, offers a unique dining experience.
• Ergon Agora: A trendy spot that serves up a variety of Greek meze and innovative dishes using local ingredients. The industrial-chic decor and open kitchen add to the modern dining experience.
• Nea Folia: Known for its creative approach to traditional Greek cuisine and a cosy atmosphere. Don’t miss their seafood dishes, which showcase the bounty of the nearby Aegean Sea.

Food Markets

• Modiano Market: An iconic market where you can find a vast array of local cheeses, meats, and spices, along with small eateries offering fresh food. The bustling atmosphere and aromas of spices and grilled meats make for an immersive culinary experience.
• Kapani Market: Another historic market in the city centre, perfect for exploring and sampling local delicacies. Be sure to try the local pastourma (cured beef) and various olives and pickles.
• Santorini: The Taste of the Aegean

Must-Try Dishes

1. Tomatokeftedes: Tomato fritters made with local Santorini tomatoes, known for their unique flavour due to the volcanic soil. These crispy, savoury fritters are often served as a meze and pair perfectly with a glass of local white wine.
2. Fava: A creamy yellow split pea puree, often served with onions, capers, and olive oil. This simple yet flavorful dish is a staple of Santorini cuisine and showcases the island’s agricultural heritage.
3. Apochti: A traditional pork dish, cured with sea salt and spices, then air-dried. This delicacy is often served thinly sliced as part of a meze platter.
4. Chloro Cheese: A fresh goat cheese unique to Santorini, with a slightly sour taste. It’s often used in salads or served as part of a cheese platter.

Best Restaurants

• Selene: A fine dining restaurant that focuses on local ingredients and traditional recipes, offering a modern twist. Their tasting menu is a culinary journey through Santorini’s gastronomic heritage.
• Metaxi Mas (Exo Gonia): Known for its authentic Greek dishes and stunning views over the island. Their slow-cooked lamb and seafood dishes are particularly noteworthy.
• Koukoumavlos (Fira): Offers a creative menu that blends traditional Greek flavours with international influences. The innovative presentations and flavour combinations make for a memorable dining experience.

Food Markets

• Fira Market: Although small, this market offers fresh produce, local cheeses, and other regional specialties. It’s a great place to pick up ingredients for a picnic or to sample local products.
• Local Wineries: Santorini is famous for its wine, so visiting local wineries like Santo Wines or Venetsanos Winery is a must for tasting the unique volcanic wines. The island’s assyrtiko grape produces crisp, mineral-rich white wines that pair perfectly with seafood.

Personal Tips for a Greek Culinary Road Trip

1. Plan Your Route: Start by mapping out your journey. Greece has an excellent network of roads connecting major cities and islands. Renting a car from HelllasCar gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. Consider starting in Athens, then heading to the Peloponnese before island-hopping to Crete and Santorini.
2. Stay Local: Opt for family-run tavernas and restaurants. These establishments often provide the most authentic culinary experiences. Don’t be afraid to ask locals for recommendations – they often know the best hidden gems.
3. Embrace the Season: Greek cuisine is heavily influenced by seasonal ingredients. In the summer, enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables, while in the winter, savour hearty stews and soups. Spring is perfect for trying dishes with wild greens, while autumn offers a bounty of grapes and figs.
4. Visit Food Festivals: Time your trip to coincide with local food festivals. These events are a great way to sample a variety of dishes and learn about regional culinary traditions. For example, the Santorini Food and Wine Festival in September or the Cretan Diet Festival in July offer unique insights into local gastronomy.
5. Take Cooking Classes: Enhance your experience by taking a cooking class. Many regions offer classes where you can learn to prepare traditional Greek dishes. It’s a great way to bring a taste of Greece back home with you.
6. Explore Local Markets: Make a point to visit local markets in each region you visit. These markets are not only great for finding fresh ingredients and local specialties but also offer a glimpse into daily Greek life.
7. Try the Street Food: Don’t overlook street food options. From gyros and souvlaki to koulouri and loukoumades (honey-drenched dough balls), street food offers a quick and delicious way to experience local flavours.
8. Pair Food with Local Wines: Greece has a rich wine-making tradition, with many unique local varieties. Try to pair your meals with regional wines for a complete gastronomic experience.
9. Respect Mealtime Customs: Greeks typically eat late, with lunch around 2-3 pm and dinner after 9 pm. Embracing this schedule will allow you to dine alongside locals and fully immerse yourself in the Greek culinary culture.
10. Learn Some Food-Related Greek Phrases: A few key phrases can go a long way in enhancing your culinary adventure. Learn to say “Nostimo!” (Delicious!) or “Yamas!” (Cheers!) to show your appreciation.

 

As you travel from region to region, you’ll notice how the landscape influences the local cuisine. The sun-drenched islands offer an abundance of fresh seafood and unique vegetables, while the mountainous mainland regions specialise in hearty meat dishes and pungent cheeses.

 

Don’t forget to bring back some edible souvenirs from your journey. A bottle of extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata, a jar of thyme honey from Crete, or a bag of pistachios from Aegina can help you relive your Greek culinary adventure long after you’ve returned home.

 

As you navigate the roads of Greece with HelllasCar, let your taste buds be your guide. The beauty of a road trip is the freedom it offers – the ability to stop at that small taverna perched on a cliff, or to follow the tantalising aroma wafting from a village bakery.

 

From the first bite of warm, feta-topped bread to the last sip of ouzo under the stars, your Greek culinary road trip promises to be an adventure you’ll savour for years to come.

 

Kali orexi and kalo taxidi! (Bon appétit and have a good trip!)