20 Greek Dishes You Need to Try
- GetGreece
- 4 days ago
- 7 min read
A list of Greek Food You Need to Try
If you think Greek food begins and ends with a gyro wrapped in foil, you are missing out on one of the most vibrant, sun-drenched cuisines on the planet. Greek cooking is all about high-quality ingredients, a heavy hand with the olive oil, and flavors that manage to be both incredibly comforting and surprisingly fresh.
From the crispy layers of phyllo dough to slow-roasted meats that fall apart at the touch of a fork, here are 20 Greeks dishes that define the Greek table, that you need to try.
Moussaka
This is the undisputed heavyweight champion of Greek comfort food. Moussaka is a labor of love, constructed from layers of sautéed eggplant, spiced minced meat (usually lamb or beef) simmered in a tomato base, and topped with a thick, decadent blanket of creamy béchamel sauce. It is baked until the top is golden brown and the flavors have melded into a rich, savory masterpiece.
Pastitsio
Think of this as the Greek answer to lasagna, but with a unique Mediterranean twist. Pastitsio features layers of tubular pasta and a deeply aromatic meat sauce seasoned with hints of cinnamon and cloves. The entire dish is smothered in a silky layer of baked béchamel that creates a custardy finish. It is a staple at Sunday family dinners across Greece.
Spanakopita
Spanakopita is the ultimate savory snack and perhaps Greece's most famous export in the pastry world. It’s a flaky, buttery phyllo pastry stuffed with a mixture of spinach, salty feta cheese, onions, and fresh herbs like dill. Whether served as a large tray-baked pie or small triangular pockets, the crunch of the pastry against the tangy filling is perfection.
Souvlaki
The king of Greek street food and a masterclass in simplicity. Souvlaki consists of small pieces of meat, usually pork or chicken, that have been marinated in lemon juice, olive oil, and oregano before being grilled over hot coals. It can be served straight off the skewer or wrapped in a warm pita with tomatoes, onions, and plenty of sauce.
Tzatziki
You can’t have a Greek feast without this cool, refreshing dip. Tzatziki is made from thick, strained Greek yogurt mixed with grated cucumber, plenty of garlic, fresh lemon juice, and herbs like dill or mint. It serves as the perfect creamy counterpoint to grilled meats and warm bread, acting as both a sauce and a palate cleanser.
Dolmades
These are tender grape leaves wrapped into small cylinders and stuffed with a herbaceous rice mixture. Some versions on dolmades include minced meat, while others are strictly vegetarian (known as yalantzi). They are often braised in a lemon-heavy broth, giving them a bright, citrusy punch that makes them an irresistible appetizer.
Gemista
Gemista, which literally means "filled with," is a vibrant dish of bell peppers and tomatoes hollowed out and stuffed with a seasoned rice and herb mixture. The vegetables are roasted in a pan with potatoes until they become soft and caramelized, and the rice inside absorbs all the sweet juices from the vegetables.
Kleftiko
This dish has a fascinating history, named after the "Klephts" (bandits) who would cook stolen meat in sealed underground pits to hide the smoke. Today, Kleftiko is lamb slow-roasted in parchment paper with garlic, lemon, and herbs. The parchment traps the steam, resulting in meat that is so tender it literally falls off the bone.
Fasolada
Often cited as the national dish of Greece, Fasolada is a humble white bean soup that punches far above its weight class. It’s a hearty, healthy mixture of white beans, celery, carrots, and onions, all brought together with a very generous amount of high-quality extra virgin olive oil added at the end of the cooking process.
Horiatiki
Commonly known as the "Village Salad," the Horiatiki is the benchmark of Greek freshness. You won't find any lettuce here; instead, it's a rustic mix of chunky tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, red onions, kalamata olives, and a massive slab of feta cheese seasoned with dried oregano. It’s the taste of a Greek summer in a bowl.
Keftedes
These juicy Greek meatballs are a favorite at any meze gathering. They are seasoned heavily with fresh mint, oregano, and garlic, then lightly dredged in flour and fried until they develop a crisp outer crust while remaining tender on the inside. They are often served with a side of tzatziki for dipping.
Gigantes
"Gigantes" translates to giants, referring to the large white runner beans used in this dish. They are baked in a rich, thick tomato sauce flavored with garlic, parsley, and sometimes a hint of cinnamon. It’s a hearty vegetarian dish that is often served as part of a larger spread or as a satisfying main course.
Avgolemono
This isn't just a soup; it's a technique. Avgolemono is a silky, comforting chicken broth and rice soup thickened with a unique emulsion of eggs and lemon juice. The result is a creamy, frothy texture and a bright, tart flavor profile that is the ultimate cure-all for a cold day or a sore throat.
Briam
Briam is the Greek version of a roasted vegetable medley, similar to ratatouille but with a distinct Mediterranean character. It usually features thin slices of zucchini, potatoes, eggplant, and red onions roasted with plenty of garlic, parsley, and olive oil until the vegetables are tender and the edges are slightly charred.
Saganaki
Named after the small two-handled frying pan (saganaki) it’s prepared in, this is essentially fried cheese. A firm, salty cheese like Graviera or Kefalograviera is seared until the outside is golden and crispy while the inside becomes gooey and bubbly. A squeeze of fresh lemon over the top right before serving is essential.
Stifado
Stifado is a classic Greek stew that is easily recognized by its use of whole baby shallots. Usually made with beef or rabbit, the meat is slow-cooked in a sauce of red wine, tomatoes, and a distinct blend of warm spices including cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. It is a deeply savory, warming dish perfect for the cooler months.
Loukoumades
Often described as Greek donuts, loukoumades are small, airy fried dough balls that are golden and crunchy on the outside. Immediately after frying, they are drizzled with hot honey syrup and sprinkled with cinnamon and crushed walnuts. They are best eaten warm and are a staple of Greek festivals and bakeries.
Baklava
Perhaps the most famous dessert in the Mediterranean, Greek Baklava is a decadent treat. It features dozens of layers of paper-thin phyllo pastry, each brushed with butter and layered with a mixture of spiced walnuts or pistachios. After baking, the whole tray is soaked in a honey-based syrup that makes every bite sweet and crunchy.
Youvetsi
Youvetsi is a beloved one-pot meal that combines tender pieces of meat (lamb or beef) with orzo pasta (manestra). The dish is slow-baked in a tomato-based sauce until the orzo absorbs all the flavorful juices from the meat. It is traditionally served topped with a generous dusting of grated Kefalotyri cheese.
Galaktoboureko
For many Greeks, Galaktoboureko is the ultimate dessert. It consists of a creamy semolina custard sandwiched between layers of crispy, buttered phyllo pastry. Once it comes out of the oven, a cold citrus-infused syrup is poured over the hot pastry, ensuring it stays crunchy while the custard remains silky and soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Greek food healthy?
Greek cuisine is a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, focusing on heart-healthy fats like olive oil, plenty of legumes, fresh vegetables, and lean proteins like fish and poultry. The use of fresh herbs instead of heavy salt or processed sauces also contributes to its nutritional profile.
Is Greek food spicy?
Generally, no. Greek food focuses on aromatic spices like oregano, thyme, rosemary, cinnamon, and cloves rather than "heat" from peppers. You will find plenty of bold flavors from garlic and lemon, but it is rarely spicy in the way Mexican or Indian cuisines are.
What is the most important ingredient in Greek cooking?
Without a doubt, it is extra virgin olive oil. It is used for sautéing, baking, and as a finishing drizzle on almost every dish. Quality matters here, as the oil provides a significant portion of the flavor profile in Greek recipes.
Are there many vegetarian options in Greek cuisine?
Yes, Greece has a long tradition of "Ladera" dishes (dishes cooked in oil) which are naturally vegetarian. Because of religious fasting traditions, many Greek recipes like Spanakopita, Gemista, and Gigantes Plaki are meat-free and incredibly satisfying.
What cheese is used most in Greece?
While Feta is the most famous, Greeks use a wide variety of cheeses. Graviera is a popular hard cheese, Mizithra is a creamy whey cheese, and Kefalotyri is often used for grating over pasta or frying for Saganaki.
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Conclusion
Greek cuisine is more than just food, it is a celebration of the land and the sea. Whether you are enjoying a simple village salad or a complex baked Moussaka, the philosophy remains the same: use what is fresh, share it with people you love, and never be stingy with the olive oil. These 20 dishes offer a perfect roadmap for anyone looking to explore the authentic flavors of Greece from their own kitchen.
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This article was written by the staff at GetGreece.
