What is Greek cuisine?

Greek cuisine is a vibrant culinary tradition that forms an integral part of the Mediterranean diet. It is characterized by the use of locally grown ingredients such as olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, and zucchini. The cuisine incorporates a variety of ingredients including vegetables, grains, fish, and various types of meat including pork, poultry, veal, beef, lamb, rabbit, and goat. Other key ingredients include pasta, cheeses, lemon juice, herbs, olives, yogurt, and bread made of wheat. Barley is also used, particularly for paximathia, a type of bread. Desserts commonly feature nuts, honey, fruits, sesame, and filo pastries.

The cuisine offers a wide array of dishes including salads, spreads, sauces, breads, appetizers, cold cuts, pitas, soups, egg dishes, and pasta. Notable dishes include the Greek salad, Dakos, and a variety of breads such as Daktyla and Paximadi. Appetizers and cold cuts include Apáki, a Cretan smoked pork or chicken served cold, and Loukaniko, a sausage made from pork or lamb.

History of Greek cuisine

The history of Greek cuisine is deeply rooted in the culture of Greece, tracing back to ancient times and influencing culinary practices across Europe and beyond. The ancient Greeks established a frugal diet based on the "Mediterranean triad" of wheat, olive oil, and wine, with fish being more common than meat. This dietary trend persisted in Cyprus until recent technological advancements made meat more accessible. Wine and olive oil have always been central to Greek cuisine, with the spread of grapes and olive trees in the Mediterranean and further afield being linked to Greek colonization.

Ancient Greek meals were typically divided into three: Ariston (the early meal), Dorpon (the late meal), and Deipnon (which could be either, without reference to time). Breakfast often consisted of barley bread dipped in wine, sometimes complemented by figs, dates, or olives. Lunch was taken around noon or early afternoon, and dinner, the most important meal of the day, was generally taken at nightfall.

Unique characteristics of Greek cuisine restaurants

Size

The size of a Greek restaurant is not typically determined by the type of cuisine it serves, but rather by factors like the business model, location, target market, and owner's preference. Traditionally, many Greek restaurants, especially in Greece, are smaller, family-owned establishments, reflecting the country's cultural emphasis on family and close-knit communities. These restaurants, known as "tavernas," often have a cozy, intimate atmosphere. On the other hand, in urban areas or outside Greece, you can find larger Greek restaurants that cater to a broader audience.

Atmosphere

Greek restaurants often embody a warm, welcoming, and familial atmosphere, reflecting the Greek culture's emphasis on hospitality and community. The decor typically includes elements of Mediterranean aesthetics, such as blue and white color schemes, rustic furniture, and nautical themes. Outdoor seating is common, often with a view or in a garden setting, to mimic the Greek tradition of al fresco dining. Live music, particularly traditional Greek music, and even dancing, can be part of the dining experience.

Menu

Greek cuisine is characterized by its simplicity and reliance on fresh, high-quality ingredients. The menu often includes dishes like moussaka (a layered eggplant and meat dish), souvlaki (grilled meat skewers), and spanakopita (spinach pie). Seafood is also a staple in Greek cuisine due to Greece's extensive coastline. Olive oil, feta cheese, olives, and herbs like oregano and rosemary are commonly used in Greek dishes.

Service

In Greek restaurants, it's common to experience a warm, family-like atmosphere, with an emphasis on leisurely dining. Meals are often multi-course and shared among the table, reflecting the Greek concept of "parea" or gathering.

Alcohol

A staple in Greek dining is Ouzo, a dry anise-flavored aperitif. It is traditionally served neat, without ice, and often accompanies meze, small dishes served at the start of meals. Another popular Greek alcohol is Retsina, a white or rosé wine with a distinct pine flavor, typically served with seafood or other light dishes.

What items are typically on Greek cuisine menus?

Appetizers

Greek cuisine offers a variety of appetizers such as Tzatziki ($1.19 ~ $10.39), Dolmades ($4.12 ~ $10.97), Spanakopita ($6.01 ~ $15.96), and Taramasalata ($8.93 ~ $13.63).

Salads

Greek salads like Greek Salad, Horiatiki, and Maroulosalata are popular, with prices ranging from $7.00 to $18.00.

Soups

Greek soups like Avgolemono and Fasolada are common, with prices estimated to range from $5.00 to $10.00.

Main Dishes

Main dishes in Greek cuisine include Moussaka, Souvlaki, Pastitsio, Stifado, and Gyros. The price range for these items varies from $7.00 to $24.97.

Seafood

Seafood dishes like Grilled Octopus, Fried Calamari, and Bakaliaros are popular in Greek cuisine, with prices estimated to range from $9.93 to $30.00.

Desserts

Desserts in Greek cuisine include Baklava, Loukoumades, Galaktoboureko, and Kourabiedes, with prices ranging from $1.80 to $10.03.

Drinks

Greek cuisine offers a variety of drinks like Ouzo, Retsina, Metaxa, and Greek Coffee, with prices range from $3.13 to $15.00.

Is Greek cuisine popular for breakfast, lunch, and dinner?

Greek cuisine is popular for all meals of the day, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For breakfast, traditional Greek dishes such as spanakopita (spinach pie) and bougatsa (custard-filled pastry) are enjoyed by many. Greek yogurt with honey and nuts is also a common breakfast item. Lunch in Greece often consists of lighter fare, such as salads, souvlaki (grilled meat skewers), and gyros. Dinner is typically the largest meal of the day in Greek culture, often featuring multiple courses.

Is Greek cuisine popular for food delivery?

Yes, Greek cuisine is indeed popular for food delivery. The popularity of Greek food for delivery can be attributed to its diverse, flavorful, and healthy offerings. Dishes like gyros, souvlaki, moussaka, and Greek salads are not only delicious but also travel well, making them ideal for delivery.

What are the most popular Greek cuisine chains?

In the United States, 'Mr. D's Greek Delicacies' in Seattle, “Niko Niko's” in Houston, Texas, and “Olga's Kitchen” in Ann Arbor, Michigan are some of the notable ones. Internationally, “Jimmy Grants” and “Stalactites” are well-liked in Melbourne, Australia, and “Jimmy the Greek” is a recognized chain in Canada. In Greece, the leading fast food chain is “Goody's Burger House”, which also has branches in North Macedonia, Albania, Armenia, Australia, Kosovo, Russia, Cyprus, Romania, and Saudi Arabia.

References

• Greek cuisine
• List of Greek dishes
• Ancient Greek cuisine
• Greek-American cuisine
• List of Greek restaurants

More resources

• Food Delivery Trends And Restaurant Insights