One of the most popular and iconic foods in Greece is **Moussaka**. Moussaka is a hearty and flavorful dish made with layers of minced or ground meat (usually beef or lamb), eggplant slices, and a creamy béchamel sauce. It’s often seasoned with herbs and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, which give it a distinctive and delicious flavor. The dish is baked until it forms a golden-brown crust on top.
Other popular Greek dishes include:
1. Souvlaki: Grilled skewers of marinated meat, often served with pita bread, tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce.
2. Gyros: Similar to souvlaki, but the meat is typically roasted on a vertical rotisserie and shaved off for serving in pita bread.
3. Greek Salad (Horiatiki): A refreshing salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, feta cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil and oregano.
4. Tzatziki: A yogurt-based sauce or dip made with cucumber, garlic, and herbs. It’s commonly served with grilled meats or as a dip for bread.
5. Spanakopita: A savory pastry filled with spinach, feta cheese, onions, and herbs, encased in layers of flaky phyllo dough.
6. Dolmades: Grape leaves stuffed with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes ground meat.
7. Taramasalata: A creamy dip made from fish roe, breadcrumbs, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.
8. Pastitsio: A baked pasta dish with layers of macaroni, seasoned meat, and a béchamel sauce, somewhat similar to Moussaka.
9. Saganaki: A popular appetizer made by frying cheese (often Kasseri or Feta) in a small skillet and serving it with lemon.
10. Baklava: A sweet pastry made of layers of phyllo dough, nuts (usually walnuts or pistachios), honey, and spices.
Greek cuisine is known for its use of fresh and high-quality ingredients, as well as its emphasis on herbs and spices to enhance flavors. While these dishes are some of the most popular in Greece, the country offers a wide variety of regional specialties and local delicacies to explore.
