Souvlaki
Means a skewer, so this is anything grilled on a skewer (lamb, chicken, pork, etc). These are great for the kids (and adults too). Sometimes these can be served in a similar style to a gyro, wrapped in pita bread with sauce and garnish. Other times just the meat on a stick.
Kebab
A kebab is an elongated piece of meat, kind of like a burger patty. It‚s meat all minced and squished together into a sausage-look-alike. These are great for the kids. A good kebab will pack a lot more flavour than you may expect.
Saganaki
Deep fried cheese. Need I say more?
Tirokroketes/Sfougata
Golden melt-in-your mouth fried cheese balls. I definitely don‚t need to say more! (From the expert – Sfougata is made with local cheese, while Tirokroketes usually has mixed cheese.)
Revithokeftedes
Similar to a Middle Eastern falafel, this is a fried chickpea ball packed with a spice blend unique to Greece.
Feta Me Meli
Feta wrapped in filo pastry oven baked and then drizzled with honey. A dessert or an entre, who knows? This is Josh‚s favourite. The delicate balance between the salty feta and sweet honey makes for an unforgettable party in your mouth.
Mousakka
It‚s like a pasta-free lasagne. Sauted eggplant, minced meat, tomato, onion, garlic, potato, bchamel sauce and grilled cheese, layered and usually covered with cheese.
Tiropites
Triangle pastries made up of filo pasty and filled with a delicious mixture of Greek cheese. So simple, yet so delicious.
Tzatziki
This has been my favourite dip since I can remember and the Greek do it so well with their awesome Greek yoghurt. Basically it is yoghurt and cucumber seasoned with garlic. Goes great with meat, vegetables, pita, or just by itself with a spoon.
Greek Salad
Famous all over the world, but the Greeks still do it better. Crunchy cucumber, juicy ripe tomato, olives, red onion and a giant slab of feta on top. Dressed with olive oil, vinegar and lemon juice. It‚s a staple with every meal.
Dolmathakia
You saw these on the menu in Israel, stuffed grape leaves. Usually these are stuffed with rice, pine nuts and fresh herbs. I like them warm.
‚ Taramosalata
This is often referred to as a salad, but is in fact a dip. One that, if I had known beforehand what it was, I wouldn‚t have tried. But I absolutely loved it. A creamy blend of pink or white fish roe (fish eggs). If you don‚t like things that taste fishy, then fear not ‚ this tastes so good, you‚ll be licking the plate. (It’s the plate on the right)
Glyka Tou Koutaliou‚ (spoon sweets)
Traditionally Greek restaurants often give complimentary dessert. We often got Greek yogurt (or crme fraiche) with fruit preserves. The strangest one we tasted was a carrot marmalade, which actually ended up being the sweetest and most delicious of them all.
Halvasi
Butter cake of semolina, raisins, almonds, served with alone or with vanilla ice cream and pomegranate syrup.
