For many individuals, being able to travel is a rare chance that gives them great opportunities to delve into new environments, discover other cultures and gather one-of-a-kind experiences that will all be cherished for all time. For food lovers, though, traveling is not only about fun, learning and gathering memories. It is also about experiencing the tastes of local delicacies and gaining first-hand insight about unique fares from specific nations. Greek visitors will surely be able to indulge themselves in superb Mediterranean foods which are evocative of Ancient Greece with a modern twist on flavors. Yet it is regrettable that only a few are able to truly experience local gastronomy because of their fear of eating something ‘wrong.’ Greece, like most tourist destinations, offers a variety of food choices to cater to different palettes, but it is easier for people to patronize places they are familiar with, such as the usual burger place or cafes. One must always remember that in order to understand a culture distinct from one’s own, a person must be open to new experiences. Embracing another culture is not just about taking pictures or buying souvenirs; it is also about tasting exceptional food and delicacies.
Greek food is recognized worldwide as a cuisine that offers variety, savory blends and great nutrition. That is why its gastronomy is identified as one that is very healthy and nourishing. Greeks love food and traditional fare is often central in family gatherings, further illustrating how food is ingrained in Greek culture and history. Though centuries have passed, the basics in Greek cooking remain the same, but with a bit of modern interpretations. Still, olive oil is the most widely used ingredient of all time.
Traditional Greek food is often served in tavernas. So, it will be to your advantage if you do choose to visit a Greek tavern that primarily caters to locals. Restaurants that cater to locals are great choices if one wants to try out authentic Greek cuisine. Here, you will not be given a menu in 30 languages, which is a good sign since this is a signal that you will not be served the very common ‘steak and chips.’ Instead, expect distinct Mediterranean fare that you will surely remember. A great way to start your Greek food trip is to order mezes or mezedakia, which are like tapas. These are fun Greek appetizers that one can have as a starter or as part of a main course. Mezes are best paired with traditional spirits, like ouzo. Tsatsiki is a widely appreciated starter. Tourists and locals alike love this dish made from yoghurt, garlic and cucumbers.
Greek cooking offers an array of food choices to choose from – from meat dishes, fish dishes to other traditional fare. There are a number of well-known Greek foods, such as, Moussaka which is a type of casserole that uses tomatoes, eggplant, and minced meat. Giouvarlakia is a meat ball soup dish, and Dolmades is a kind of foodstuff wherein vegetable leaves are stuffed with a filling made from rice, meat and grain. Britzoles or pork chops and Britzoles Mosharises or veal are types of grilled meats; while Souvlaki is a meat kebab. Also, since Greece is composed of emerald isles surrounded by the sea’s bounty, one can expect offerings of various types of fish dishes. Fish recipes, however, are oftentimes overlooked by tourists because of misunderstandings in spellings that confuses eaters on what type of fish are available. In Greek restaurants and taverns, one can usually find Tsipoura or sea bream, Maridaki also known as the Atlantic Whitebait fish and the Kolioi or mackerel. Other selections of seafood commonly served in Greece are: Kalamaris or squid; Htapodi or octopus, which is usually boiled or grilled; Gavros, a certain type of anchovy; and Galeos, which is a kind of fillet generally served with a side of garlic salad and beetroot. Fish lovers may also like traditional Greek fish soup such as Kakavia which contains some of the most delicious fish with a mixture of vegetables such as onions, carrots, potatoes and celery with the all important Greek ingredient, olive oil. Widely recognized Greek desserts include the traditional Greek yoghurt with honey and the Baklava.
Sampling Greek fare is not simply another part of one’s travel experience. It is, more importantly, a very valuable approach if one wants to gain genuine understanding about Greek culture and history.
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