Eating in Greece - a pleasure to be enjoyed

Greek cuisine is unpretentious and relaxed with great importance given to the use of fresh ingredients. Flavors are kept simple, using a great variety of locally grown herbs, a lot of fresh vegetables and, of course, the excellent Greek olive oil.

Meals are special occassions whether Greeks are eating at home or are enjoying the specialities of a taverna in the company of family and friends. A taverna or restaurant where you see a lot of Greeks eating is always a good sign - do use them in preference to the more 'tourist' geared establishments.

If you would like to try some Greek food at home, have a look at our easy Greek recipies. We will be adding a new recipe each month. Here, we give you some general information and tips so that you can make the most of Greek food and drink in your next visit.

Fast food in Greece

Even fast food in Greece is of a high standard. In most cities, except the traditional souvlakia you will find many places serving freshly baked Greek pastries (cheese or spinach pastries are excellent) or imaginative sandwitches and bagettes. The Greek equivalent to burger-bars beats some well-known international brands every time and you will find some of the best pizzas you have ever eaten, in Greece.

Tea and coffee in Greece

Tea is not very common as a beverage in Greece, often drunk only when one has a sore throat or a cold! As a result, if you are a tea drinker, you may be disappointed with what you get, especially if you ask for tea with milk. Try instead a lemon tea with honey - it's more refreshing (and if you are asked if you have a cold, just say yes!).

Coffee is very popular in Greece and you get a large variety to choose from. Beware, however, Greeks like their coffee strong!
Traditionally Greek coffee is served in small cups and is very aromatic. When you order, you will be asked how you like it:
- gliko (sweet) has 2 sugars to 1 spoon of coffee
- metrio (medium) has 1 sugar to 1 spoon of coffee
- sketo (plain) has no sugar.

In summer, try Frapé - an iced instant coffee in a long glass. Delicious! You can have it with milk as well. (If you like to try it at home, follow our instructions on the left.)

To get a cup of hot instant coffee, you have to ask for it by the brand name and specify zesto (hot). If you drink it white, beware: a lot of small cafes serve it with evaporated milk. Unless you are in a small village, you are better off to ask for a Galiko (French) coffee which is filtered. Italian cappuccino coffee is also popular in Greece but with a twist: cinnamon instead of chocolate on top! Give it a try.

Milk in Greece

Milk in Greece is less fat than in other countries, so semi-skimmed tastes more like skimmed. Evaporated milk is used a lot - if you don't like it in your tea or coffee, check when you order.

HOW TO MAKE COFFEE FRAPE

You will need a shaker - if you don't have one, use an empty jar of instant coffee, it's just as good.

• Put in the shaker a heaped teaspoon of instant coffee, a few ice cubes, sugar to taste and a cup of water.

• Close the lid tightly and shake until it froths.

• Pour in a tall glass. If you like it with milk, add some to the shaker, shake again, then pour the milk over the coffee.

• Drink it with a straw.