Authentic Greek dishes may be hard to come by in other countries so why not uncover your favourite flavours on your next trip to Greece? Using fresh, nutritious ingredients, each meal has been carefully prepared and cooked to enhance all the natural flavours on offer. Being located in the Mediterranean, Greek cooks are lucky to have access to some of the most incredible and seasonal produce available. In our guide, we dive into 7 of the most authentic Greek dishes to try the next time you are on the Sporades Islands.
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What are the Local Greek Dishes to Try on the Sporades Islands?
The Sporades islands can offer a wide selection of authentic Greek dishes to try, but it’s just working out which ones to try first. Obviously if you have the luxury of staying upon the shores of these Greek islands for multiple weeks, we are sure you could eat your way through every authentic Greek dish available. If however you are limited on time, here are six dishes you must try before returning home.
Souvlaki
Souvlaki is a popular street food in Greece, consisting of small pieces of grilled meat and pita bread. Typically, the meat used may be a selection of pork, chicken or lamb. This authentic Greek dish is traditionally served on a skewer, layered with mixed vegetables and wrapped in a warm pita bread. Not only is it delicious, it can be a convenient meal if on the go.
Gyros
Gyros is an authentic Greek dish with similar elements to Souvlaki. The difference between these two meals is that gyros have sliced meat, where a souvlaki presents the meat on a skewer. The sliced meat within a gyros is typically pork, chicken or lamb cooked on a spit cooker and served in a pita bread. To accompany the Greek dish, you will often have a selection of vegetables and tzatziki sauce on top.
Moussaka
Moussaka is an authentic Greek dish which will be found throughout Greece, not just on the Sporades islands. This classic hot dish is made with layers of:
- Eggplant,
- Potatoes,
- Ground meat (usually lamb or beef)
Then topped with a creamy béchamel sauce and baked in the oven. Some may even call it a Greek lasagna, but don’t tell the Italian!
Dolmades
Dolmades are grape leaves stuffed with a filling of:
- Rice,
- Herbs,
- Ground meat (usually lamb or beef)
Which is then served with a side of tzatziki sauce. This authentic Greek dish is truly one to try when you are next visiting the Sporades islands.
Baklava
Baklava is an authentic Greek dessert served throughout the country. This dessert is a sweet pastry made with layers of:
- Phyllo dough (also spelled filo or fillo)
- Nuts (usually pistachios or walnuts)
- Honey or syrup
It is a popular dessert in Greece and is often served with a side of ice cream or yoghurt.
Greek salad
Often served as a side dish or as a topping to sandwiches or burgers, a Greek salad is a must try when on the Sporades islands. This authentic Greek dish is made with:
- Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Onions
- Olives
- Feta cheese
- Olive oil
Tzatziki
While not an authentic dish of sorts, tzatziki is a popular Greek sauce used to accompany a wide selection of meals. Traditionally, you may find tzatziki served with grilled meats and vegetables, as well as pita bread or chips. The ingredients to create this sauce include yoghurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill.
What Makes Greek Food Popular?
It could be argued that what makes Greek food so popular is the hospitality. The Greeks love food and love to feed others, which is why you will never leave a venue feeling hungry.
The other aspect which makes people favour authentic Greek food is the use of fresh ingredients. Luckily Greece is located within a hot climate, just under four hours away from the UK via direct flights from London, so the selection of fresh Mediterranean fruit and vegetables are endless. But it’s not just the freshness of the ingredients, it’s how the locals blend the flavours together to create such unique combinations. Often using a range of sweet, citrus flavours with more savoury cheeses and herbs can create the perfect balance in any dish. Be sure to try a selection of these authentic Greek dishes when you next venture to the Sporades islands.
Explore the Flavours of Greece
Discovering new flavours to tickle your tastebuds can be one way to remember your holiday to Greece. But why stop there? You can experience authentic, local dishes all over the world. From the Italian islands and Portugal to the USA and Asia, each can provide rich flavours you can bring home to try and recreate for loved ones. To stay up to date with the latest posts from Virtual Wanderlust, you can follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.
