6 Authentic Greek Food You Must Try

Greek food is famous for being incredibly healthy. It is based on simple yet flavorful ingredients such as honey, yoghurt, wheat, fish, meat and vegetables. One of the most common ingredients in use since ancient times is olive oil. Though honey, herbs, and vegetables are also widely used.

From the Roman invasion of Greece in 146 BC, Greek cuisine has been influenced by other cultures. In the following decades, Turkish, Venetian, Slav and also English influence mingled with traditional Greek food to create delicious and unique dishes. Here are some dishes of authentic Greek food you have to try.

# Loukoumi

This delicious dessert (more popularly known as Turkish Delight) is a confection made from starch and sugar and commonly flavoured with rosewater and bergamot, though you also get fruit and mastic-flavoured versions. Loukoumi is usually an accompaniment to coffee and is famously produced in the city of Patras, where it’s called Patrina loukoumia, but elsewhere as well.

# Moussaka

This baked Greek dish is one of the most famous. Moussaka is made with layers of fried eggplant, minced meat, potatoes, pureed tomato, and onion. It is covered with a creamy and cheesy béchamel sauce. Baked until golden brown, versions of this dish can also be found in Turkey and the Middle East. Vegetarians can opt for a meatless version.

# Horiatiki Salata

The traditional Greek salad is both healthy and delicious. While there are many variations, it usually does not use lettuce. Instead, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and bell peppers are mixed with olives and hot peppers. It is seasoned with salt, oregano, olive oil and crumbled feta cheese.

# Melomakarona

This egg-shaped Greek dessert is perfect for those with a sweet tooth. They are usually made around Christmas and are prepared with flour, olive oil, and honey. Orange zest, ground walnuts, cognac, and cinnamon can also be added before it is baked and covered in a sweet syrup and more walnuts.

# Dakos

Also known as koukouvagia, this Cretan salad consisting of a slice of dried bread or barley rusk (paximadi) soaked, and topped chopped tomatoes and crumbled feta or mizithra cheese, as well as olives. It is then flavoured with herbs.

# Spanakopita

Authentic Greek food is full of pies made with filo (or phyllo) pastry. The most common is the spinach filled spanakopita. In addition to spinach, the flaky pastry is stuffed with feta cheese and dill. It is usually eaten as a snack or an appetizer.