20 Authentic Greek Foods That Bring the Mediterranean to You

Greek food is a whole experience. The moment I tasted my first perfectly grilled souvlaki and flaky, honey-soaked baklava, I knew I was hooked. Every dish tells a story, packed with fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and centuries of tradition.

These 20 authentic Greek dishes capture the heart and soul of Mediterranean cuisine. From hearty casseroles to sweet, decadent treats, each bite transports you straight to a sun-soaked taverna by the sea.

1. Moussaka

A classic Greek casserole that brings together layers of sautéed eggplant, spiced minced meat, and a creamy béchamel sauce, all baked till golden. This dish is a staple in Greek households and tavernas, celebrated for its comforting textures and rich flavors.

Traditionally, Moussaka is prepared with lamb or beef, combined with tomatoes, onions, and a hint of cinnamon, infusing the dish with a warm, aromatic essence. The eggplants are typically fried or roasted, adding a delightful softness to each bite.

2. Souvlaki

Souvlaki is a beloved Greek street food comprising skewered and grilled meat, often pork, chicken, or lamb, seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices. The simplicity and flavor of Souvlaki make it a staple in Greek cuisine, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

This dish is typically marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano before being grilled. Each bite offers a robust taste of smoky, tender meat that pairs wonderfully with fresh pita bread or a side of tzatziki.

3. Spanakopita

This savory pastry combines the earthiness of spinach with the tanginess of feta cheese, all nestled within layers of crispy, flaky phyllo dough. Spanakopita is a testament to the Greek art of pastry making.

The filling, seasoned with dill, onions, and nutmeg, brings a burst of freshness to every bite, while the phyllo adds a satisfying crunch. This dish is often enjoyed as an appetizer or snack, celebrating the harmony of simple, wholesome ingredients.

4. Dolmades

Dolmades are a delicacy consisting of grape leaves stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes ground meat. This iconic Greek dish is a great example of balancing simple ingredients to create something extraordinary.

The preparation involves carefully wrapping the leaves around the filling, then cooking them slowly to absorb the aromatic flavors of dill, mint, and lemon. Dolmades are typically served as a meze (appetizer), often accompanied by a yogurt or lemon sauce.

5. Tzatziki

Tzatziki is a refreshing Greek dip made from strained yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and fresh dill. Its cooling properties make it a good accompaniment to grilled meats and vegetables.

Cucumber is grated and combined with thick Greek yogurt, a little olive oil, a little garlic, and lemon juice to make Tzatziki, which has a creamy, tangy flavor. This dip exudes the simplicity and freshness characteristic of Greek cuisine.

6. Pastitsio

A layered pasta dish similar to lasagna, Pastitsio features a blend of tubular pasta, rich meat sauce, and a creamy béchamel topping, baked to perfection. This comforting dish is a favorite in Greek households.

The meat sauce made with ground beef or lamb, is seasoned with cinnamon, nutmeg, and oregano, lending it a distinctly Greek flavor. The béchamel sauce, rich and velvety, forms a golden crust that adds to the dish’s allure.

7. Kleftiko

A beloved main course in Greek cuisine, Kleftiko is a traditional dish featuring slow-cooked lamb that is marinated with garlic, lemon, and herbs. All of this is then wrapped in parchment paper and baked until tender. This method preserves the juices, resulting in flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth meat.

The dish is named after the Klephts, mountain bandits who cooked their stolen lamb in earthen pits to avoid detection, giving rise to this unique cooking style. The lamb is often accompanied by vegetables like potatoes, adding to its rustic charm.

8. Gemista

Gemista, meaning “stuffed,” is a vibrant Greek dish that involves hollowing out vegetables like bell peppers and tomatoes and filling them with a fragrant mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes minced meat.

The stuffing is seasoned with fresh herbs such as parsley, mint, and dill, imparting a refreshing and aromatic flavor. Once filled, the vegetables are baked until they are tender and slightly caramelized, enhancing their natural sweetness.

9. Fasolada

A hearty bean soup, Fasolada is often referred to as the national dish of Greece. It combines white beans, tomatoes, carrots, and celery into a nourishing and aromatic broth.

The soup is seasoned with olive oil, a touch of red pepper, and bay leaves, creating a comforting and flavorful experience. Fasolada is filling and nutritious, embodying the simplicity and sustenance of Greek peasant cooking.

10. Baklava

Baklava is a rich, sweet pastry made of layers of phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup. It’s an iconic dessert in Greek and Middle Eastern cuisines.

The preparation involves brushing each layer of phyllo with butter, then layering with a mixture of finely chopped walnuts, almonds, or pistachios. Once baked, a syrup made from honey, sugar, and lemon is drizzled over the pastry, allowing it to soak into the layers.

11. Gyro

Probably the most popular Greek street food, gyro, consists of meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, which is then wrapped in pita bread with tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce. This dish combines the flavors of savory meat with fresh vegetables and creamy sauce.

The meat, typically pork or chicken, is seasoned with a mixture of herbs and spices, and then slowly cooked to maintain its juiciness. The combination of warm, crispy bread and tender, flavorful meat creates a satisfying meal.

12. Horiatiki Salad (Greek Salad)

Horiatiki Salad, commonly known as Greek Salad, is a refreshing medley of ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, and feta cheese. Drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with oregano, this salad captures the essence of Greek cuisine’s simplicity and flavor.

The vegetables are cut into large chunks, allowing each ingredient to shine in its natural taste. The feta cheese, often placed as a whole piece atop the salad, adds a creamy, slightly tangy contrast to the crisp vegetables.

13. Saganaki

A popular Greek appetizer, Saganaki is made with a slice of cheese, typically graviera or kefalotyri, pan-fried to achieve a golden, crispy crust. This dish is named after the small two-handled frying pan used in its preparation.

The cheese is lightly coated with flour before being fried, creating a deliciously crunchy exterior while keeping the inside soft and gooey. A squeeze of lemon juice adds a refreshing tang to the rich, savory taste.

14. Avgolemono Soup

Avgolemono Soup is a classic Greek dish made with chicken broth, rice or orzo, and an egg-lemon mixture that gives it a creamy, tangy flavor. This soup is beloved for its comforting and refreshing characteristics.

The preparation involves slowly adding the egg-lemon mixture to the hot broth, creating a silky texture without curdling the eggs. The addition of chicken and rice makes it a hearty, satisfying meal.

15. Loukoumades

Loukoumades are small, golden-brown doughnuts drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon. These delightful pastries are a beloved Greek dessert enjoyed by people of all ages.

The dough balls are deep-fried until crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, then coated with sweet honey syrup and sometimes topped with crushed walnuts or sesame seeds for added texture.

16. Stifado

This hearty Greek stew is made with beef or rabbit, pearl onions, and a savory tomato sauce. This dish is known for its rich, complex flavors, achieved through slow cooking and aromatic spices.

The meat is marinated in red wine, vinegar, and spices like cinnamon and cloves, infusing it with a deep, robust taste. The addition of pearl onions adds a subtle sweetness that complements the savory sauce. Stifado is often prepared for special occasions and family gatherings.

17. Kolokithokeftedes

Kolokithokeftedes are delectable zucchini fritters, seasoned with fresh herbs and spices, then fried to crispy perfection. These fritters are a popular meze in Greek cuisine, known for their light, savory flavor.

The mixture typically includes grated zucchini, feta cheese, mint, and dill, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that capture the essence of Mediterranean cooking. The fritters are fried until golden brown, offering a delightful crunch with each bite.

18. Tiropita

Tiropita is a savory pie made with layers of flaky phyllo pastry and a creamy cheese filling, typically feta or a combination of cheeses. This dish is a staple in Greek bakeries and homes.

The cheese filling is seasoned with eggs and a hint of nutmeg, creating a rich and flavorful taste that pairs perfectly with the crisp phyllo layers. Each bite reveals a delightful contrast between the crunchy exterior and the soft, cheesy interior.

19. Briam

This traditional Greek dish features a medley of roasted vegetables, including zucchini, potatoes, and tomatoes, seasoned with olive oil and fresh herbs. This dish highlights the simplicity and flavor of Greek vegetarian cuisine.

The vegetables are sliced and layered, then baked until they are tender and caramelized, allowing their natural sweetness to shine. The olive oil and herbs infuse the dish with a fragrant aroma that is both inviting and satisfying.

20. Galaktoboureko

Galaktoboureko is a decadent Greek dessert consisting of semolina custard layered between sheets of phyllo pastry and soaked in a citrus-infused syrup. This sweet treat is a favorite at Greek celebrations.

The custard is rich and creamy, made with milk, eggs, and semolina, creating a smooth texture that contrasts beautifully with the flaky phyllo layers. Once baked, the dessert is drenched in syrup made from sugar, water, and lemon or orange zest.