Eat like a Greek

Greeks are real foodies, they literally live to eat! We also know that it is only natural since Greek cuisine is lip-licking divine! Those travelling to the Greek islands may wonder where they should eat, say a tavern or an ouzeri? The question popping into potential traveller’s mind should actually be ‘where not to eat? We have put together eatery joints you all must try when travelling anywhere in Greece! Pretty soon you’ll live to devour the food, just like the Greeks-it’s contagious.

Souvlatzidika (kebab) seem to sprout everywhere in Greece, something like McDonald’s in the USA. Those looking to get a taste of original Greek souvlaki and gyro will have no trouble finding a spot, they are everywhere. Most usually have one or two tables outside where you can wait till your order is ready. Original gyro is roasted on a vertical split and not in an oven. Now the question is, what to order? Get one souvlaki and one gyro with all the topping and extra tzantziki!

A Greek Taverna (tavern) is a haven for every foodie! Greeks are renowned for their filoxenia (hospitality), and this is the reasons taverns were created. Hundreds of years ago, Greeks were as hospitable as they are today, and opened their homes to passer-by and travellers seeking some food and rest. The spread of dishes covered the table, and the Greek family and their new friend feasted over the housewife’s specialities. The idea caught on, and tavernas became a thing and spread. Today tavernas are as popular as they were in the past. Friends and family gather to have mezedes-a variety of small Greek dishes. So those looking to get a real experience the best of Greece must visit a traditional tavern. Make sure you have worked up an appetite before popping by and Kali Orexi (Bon appetite).

Ouzeri is the place to drink ouzo (a sweet alcoholic drink made from anise). During the Ottoman’s rule, house owners used to produce ouzo in their homes, and every afternoon they opened their homes to the public where people gathered and paid one drachma for a glass of ouzo! Housewives would whip something up for the guests to accompany the drinking-and the Greek mezedes we know and love today were born! The ouzeris were a big hit at the time, and soon became a place where Turks and Greeks met to have a drink and a bite to eat. Slowly, the men began playing backgammon, smoke their pipes and play music, like the bouzouki. Ouzeris are still popular today, where like taverns people have mezedes and listen to Greek music-usually live bouzouki or rembetika.

There you have it folks, three places you must dine at when in Greece!