The Basics of Good Greek Cuisine

Opa! Who doesn’t love Greek cuisine?

Greek cuisine is not just delicious—it’s been made more famous than ever due to the healthy Mediterranean diet. Keep reading to explore why people worldwide love Greek food, highlight twelve must-try Greek dishes, and look at the ingredients that make Greek cuisine uniquely flavorful and nutritious. 

Why People Love Greek Food

People everywhere love Greek food, and it’s easy to see why! Greek meals are tasty and filled with fresh, healthy ingredients that make you feel good. Imagine sitting down to a meal that’s comforting and good for you—that’s Greek food!

A big part of why Greek cuisine is so famous is its role in the Mediterranean diet. The ingredients, like olive oil, fresh vegetables, and seafood, are all about balance and wellness. Many of these ingredients contain antioxidants, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Increasing Greek staples in your diet—olive oil, herbs, seafood, fruits, and veggies—can help your body fight off chronic disease.

Eating in Greece is also about enjoying time with family and friends. Meals are often shared around a big table, with many different dishes to try, making eating a fun and social event. So next time you dive into a plate of moussaka or some crispy souvlaki, remember, it’s more than just food; it’s a slice of Greek life!

12 Greek Dishes to Try (and Love)

If you have never eaten Greek food before, you are in for a delight. But when you look at the menu at any Greek or Mediterranean restaurant, you might be overwhelmed by the variety of choices. So, what should you pick? Well, all of them!

Just kidding. Hopefully, this list of twelve popular Greek dishes will help you narrow your selection (and create a checklist of what to try the next time you visit).

• Tzatziki – A refreshing yogurt and cucumber dip.
• Souvlaki – Grilled meat skewers.
• Moussaka – A rich baked dish layered with eggplant, meat, and béchamel sauce.
• Spanakopita – Savory spinach and feta pie wrapped in flaky phyllo dough.
• Dolmadakia – Grape leaves stuffed with rice and herbs.
• Saganaki – Fried cheese, often flambéed and served hot.
• Baklava – Sweet pastry made of layers of phyllo, filled with chopped nuts and honey.
• Fasolada is a traditional bean soup considered Greece’s national dish.
• Kleftiko – Slow-cooked lamb.
• Choriatiki – Classic Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta.
• Pastitsio – Greek pasta bake with layers of pasta, meat sauce, and creamy béchamel.
• Loukoumades – Honey-soaked doughnut-like pastries.

Visit the Seaport for the Ultimate Greek Cuisine Experience

Is your mouth watering? We bet it is! If you’re ready to try the most amazing Greek food and see why so many people love it, visit Committee in the Seaport. You’re in for a culinary experience that will have you wanting a return trip for more.