9 must-try dishes when in Cyprus

Foodies are in for a real treat when holidaying in Cyprus! Sampling on local dishes is always a real adventure when travelling and Cyprus will surely awaken your senses and satisfy your palate. Due to the island’s Greek, Middle Eastern and Turkish influences in its long history, the Cypriot cuisine offers a variety of scrumptious dishes and culinary specialities! Mezedes are like a combo variety of small dishes filled with different Cyprus delights. Mezedes are served at traditional tavernas and are made for sharing with good company and include samples of dips, starters and main dishes.

Let’s take a look at 9 dishes you must try!

Afelia is a dish made from cubed-cut pork, cooked with red wine and coriander seeds!

Halloumi cheese is the island’s designated cheese and comes in different forms. You have your village halloumi or freshly made halloumi; you’ve got your salty halloumi or unsalted version. No matter what – Halloumi is a must!

Souvlaki (kebab) is the island’s most preferred and known speciality. Pieces of meat on skewers, served in Cypriot pitta with salad and tahini! It’s a true lip-smacking culinary experience!

Sheftalia resembles small-sized sausages as they are made using a mixture of pork and lamb meat, parsley, onions and salt and pepper. The spicy mixture is wrapped with a lamb’s membrane and cooked on charcoal. They are simply amazing!

Housewives gather together is a kitchen and make Gemista while gossiping and drinking Cyprus coffee. Gemista are fresh vegetables stuffed with herbed minced meat, rice and a mixture of spices!

You haven’t tasted anything unless you’ve tasted a traditional Cyprus Tava. Tava is made of chunks of lamb, vegetables, rice and lots of spices like artisia, baked in a traditional Cyprus oven for hours. It is delicious to say the least!

Koupepia are made of vine leaves wrapped around a mixture of minced meat, rice and spices. The dish is usually accompanied with traditional Cyprus yoghurt. The taste of this dish exceeds the expectations of even the most discerning food junkies!

Kleftiko is another lamb dish baked in a traditional Cyprus oven till soft and tender. Typically, the meat is baked with potatoes and seasoned with various spices and aromas. A bite of kleftiko will make your day!

These are some of the top Cyprus dishes you’ll try when in Cyprus! In which of the fabulous Louis Hotels in Cyprus have you chosen for your holiday?