Last year, I went on a business trip to Athens and Kefalonia, which turned out to be delightful. Now, let’s dive into the food. Compiling this list was quite a challenge, given the sheer variety of delicious dishes Greece offers. Nevertheless, these standouts were truly memorable.

Moussaka

Moussaka is a beloved Greek dish made with layers of ground meat, fried eggplant, and mashed potatoes, all topped with a creamy béchamel sauce and baked to perfection. It’s similar to lasagna and is a must-try when visiting Greece. For those following a vegan diet, a vegan version is sometimes available. I had moussaka in both Ithaca and Kefalonia, but the Kefalonia version stood out due to the exceptional quality of the ingredients.

Koulouri

Koulouri, a popular Greek breakfast item, consists of sesame-covered bread rings. These can be found at small street carts or as part of hotel breakfast buffets in cities like Athens. While it may not be everyone’s top pick, trying koulouri at least once is a staple experience in the Greek breakfast scene. I encountered koulouri frequently, including at the Elektra hotel in Athens.

Loukoumades

Loukoumades are delightful Greek desserts made of small, fried doughnut-like balls soaked in honey syrup and topped with cinnamon or crushed walnuts. These bite-sized treats are a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. They’re commonly found in bakeries and restaurants throughout Greece, especially during festivals and holidays. I loved these addictive treats and highly recommend them if you get the chance!

Souvlaki

For a delicious and filling meal, look no further than souvlaki! This popular Greek dish features grilled meat skewers, typically beef, chicken, or pork, served with tzatziki, pita bread, and salad. Whether you’re in Athens, Cape Town, or anywhere else, you’re likely to find this mouthwatering dish. It was the first thing I had for supper upon arriving in Athens, and it’s easy to see why this simple yet satisfying meal is beloved worldwide.

Dolmades

Dolmades are a tasty Greek side dish made by stuffing vine or grape leaves with seasoned rice and sometimes meat. They are folded and steamed to perfection. I first tried dolmades in Kefalonia. While I haven’t tried the meat-filled versions yet, they’re definitely on my list.

Spanakopita

Greeks are fond of their pies, and spanakopita is a classic. This pie features layers of flaky phyllo pastry filled with feta cheese, spinach, and dill. Another favorite is tyropita, which wraps a savory cheese filling in crunchy phyllo pastry.

Gyros

Similar to a kebab, gyros is a traditional Greek sandwich made with rotisserie-cooked meat (usually chicken, pork, lamb, or beef) wrapped in flatbread or pita with salad, onions, and sauces.

Baklava

Found throughout Greece, Turkey, and the Middle East, baklava is a sweet pastry layered with nuts and soaked in honey-like syrup. I had baklava in Germany before, but if you’ve never tried it, it’s a must-taste treat.

Tiropita

iropita is made with flaky phyllo pastry wrapped into a triangular shape with a rich cheese filling. Some versions are drizzled with honey, adding an extra touch of sweetness.

Saganaki

Saganaki is fried Greek cheese served as a block and is one of my new favorites. Although I didn’t manage to snap a photo before it was devoured, it’s a must-try appetizer. You can find a recipe for it here.

Fresh fish

Having grown up with a family fishery business, I know good fish when I taste it. The seafood in Greece, including calamari, shrimp, and prawns, was top-notch. Just a note—calamari is sometimes served as tentacles rather than chopped.

Choriatki

Choriatiki, or Greek salad, features a hefty block of feta cheese atop olives, tomatoes, cucumber, and onions, dressed with olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. It’s a refreshing and satisfying dish that’s different from the chopped feta often found in South Africa. For a homemade version, check out this recipe.

Gigantes

Gigantes are large beans cooked in tomato sauce, offering a healthy meal option. I enjoyed these at Oddy’s in Kefalonia, though they weren’t as popular with my dining companions.

Lamb dishes

Greek lamb is exceptional, with juicy and tender meat. I had a memorable lamb dish on Ithaca Island, which featured white and wild rice. It reheated well, making it a great meal to enjoy again.

Tzatziki

Tzatziki, a popular Greek dip, pairs perfectly with veggies and meat. Made from Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh mint, it’s easy to make at home. There’s also a version with grated carrot that I encountered in Kefalonia.

Fried veggies

any vegetables in Greece are either baked or fried, and I indulged in the deep-fried varieties. Though not the healthiest choice, they were a treat I savored during my trip.

Ekmek Kataifi

Ekmek Kataifi is a dessert made from shredded phyllo dough drenched in syrup, topped with custard and whipped cream. I enjoyed this sweet treat thanks to my coworkers who brought it to our meal.

Stuffed bread

I had a delightful bread stuffed with olives and roasted red peppers. I couldn’t find the Greek name for it, so if anyone knows, please share!

Greek Pizza

I got lost in Athens trying to find a pizza place and stumbled upon the changing of the guard—an unexpected bonus since I didn’t get another chance to see it. After walking in circles, I ended up taking a 5-minute Uber ride. Maybe it was the relief of finally arriving and my extreme hunger, but that pizza was incredible. It had the perfect amount of cheese and a thin, satisfying crust. It was just what I needed to remind me of home.

Ice Cream

Greek ice cream, especially the creamy varieties, hit the spot. I enjoyed both a solo treat after a forest walk and a complimentary dessert with coworkers.

And that’s a wrap—or should I say, a gyro? If you’ve been to Greece, I’d love to hear about your favourite dishes. I spent almost two weeks split between Athens and Kefalonia, but it wasn’t enough to explore all the culinary delights. Let me know your recommendations, as I’m always on the lookout for Greek restaurants in Cape Town where I might find your suggestions.

And that’s a wrap, or should I say a gyro? If you’ve been to Greece, what did you enjoy eating? I spent almost two weeks divided between Athens and Kefalonia, but it wasn’t enough time to go island-hopping and try all the different foods. I’d love to hear from you since there are lots of Greek restaurants in Cape Town where I can hopefully find your suggestions.