Greek Cuisine. The cuisine of Greece

The Greek cuisine is one of the classic mediterranean cuisines. It has been influenced by the Turkish, the Italian and even the Arabian cuisines.

Greek cooks and housewives use lots of mediterranean herbs such as oregano, rosemary, thyme, sage, and lemon. Also, garlic is widely used. Olve oil is also an important part of the Greek diet. It is used for cooking, frying and even for baking. Greeks like food out of the oven such as Moussaká (casserole dish with minced meat and aubergines) or Pastítsio (casserole with pasta and minced meat) which can be kept warm for a long time and which can also be easily re-heated. Since no place in Greece is more than 90 miles away from the sea and 1/5 of Greece consists of islands, fish and seafood of course are a popular and common part of Greek cuisine. Of course, the famous Feta, a creamy goat- and sheep-milk cheese, must not be forgotten when talking about the Greek cuisine. Bread is served throughout any meal, especially the famous pita bread.

Greek restaurants and bars

In Greece you can find several different types of restaurants and bars. They all vary in what food and drink they offer.

• The Estiatórion is similar to what we know as restaurant. An Estiatórion offers the most variety in dishes and have table cloths. Estiatórions are usually in the higher price range.
• Psistaría is a barbeque-style eating place which offers roast pork, lamb or chicken which are accompanied by salads, french fries or cheese.
• Tavérna are usually simple bars with only a small variety of meals. They focus on traditional cuisine.
• Kafeníon is the Greek version of a coffee-bar. In a Kafeníon you will find only men who, over an Ouzo or a Greek coffee (Kafé ellinikó), discuss about the world, politics and this and that.

Typical Greek meals follow western dining-standarts. They usually consist of a selection of hors d' oeuvres, hot and cold (referred to as mezedes or meze), followed by the main-course which usually consists of casserole, fish or meat often served with salad. Seasonal vegetables such as aubergines, artichokes, beans, peas, carrots, and zucchini are often cooked and served together in the casserole dishes rather than separately. Desserts are a delectable treat, including baklava (strudel leaves and walnuts) and kataifi (nuts wrapped in shredded wheat with a honey sauce) or, especially in hot summer times, fresh fruits such as large peaches, melon, watermelon, grapes and pears..

Greeks usually dine late in the evening and prefer eating outside if weather permits. During the day they usually only eat small snacks.