Guide to Food and Drink in Greece

It’s Vintage But Still Religiously Slurped: Why is Frappe So Adored?

Greek Frappe is famous worldwide. But what is this coffee which Greeks drink with so much pleasure?

By Maria Athanasopoulou

It’s a cold instant coffee with foam on top and you will find it on the menu of every cafe throughout the country. Invented by accident in 1957, it was created by Dimitris Vakondios from Thessaloniki.

Its great success is due to its addictive flavour- plus the fact that it can easily be prepared in your own kitchen- which has made it a hit in Greek households.

A simple shaker is the only utensil required to make a Frappe. Sugar, coffee (Greece’s Nescafe), and a quarter of a glass of water are poured into a shaker, and after shaking it well you add several ice cubes, more water and some milk (optional). Your Greek Frappe is ready. Remember to always serve it in a tall glass.

Today, a Freddo Cappuccino is also very popular (the younger generation by far prefer this style) but the Greek frappe is still the most well-known cold coffee not only in Greece but amongst Hellenes abroad who can order it in Greek-owned cafes anywhere in the world and are also able to make it at home. In recent years it has been introduced in other countries too, mostly by those who have spent time in Greece during summer, had a taste of the Greek Frappe, loved it, and took the concept back home.

One of the most “classic” scenes defining a relaxing getaway in Greece over the warmer months, is catching large groups of people at seaside cafes, enjoying the sun, sea, and sand, with a tall glass of Frappe in hand. This beverage really has become synonymous with beach culture and warm weather. If you have already tried it, regardless of whether you love it or not, you have most likely been fascinated by its unique taste- as it truly is an original cold coffee concept. If you have not tried it yet, then I recommend you do so, and discover what this popular type of Greek coffee is all about!

Maria Athanasopoulou is the founder of the tourism marketing company Respond On-Demand, co-founder of the non-profit company Top Tourism, Chairwoman of the World Food Travel Association, Ambassador in Greece of Evintra and Ambassador in Greece and Cyprus of World Gourmet Society. She likes exploring new places and cultures and loves discovering unexplored tourism destinations. During her trips, she does her best to find out and present the most interesting aspects of the destination she has just visited.

Recipe for Homemade Greek Pizza

We love pizza (who doesn’t) and our simple and light Greek version is homemade dough topped with fresh tomato, crumbled Feta, and a pinch of oregano before lightly being drizzled with olive oil!

Ingredients

For dough:

300 x grams all-purpose flour

5 x grams of dry yeast

1/4 x tablespoon salt

pinch of sugar

1/2 x tablespoon olive oil

1 x cup warm water

Topping:

3 x tomatoes, sliced

300 grams Feta, grated

1 x teaspoon of dried oregano

pepper to taste

1 x teaspoon olive oil

Method

-Place flour, yeast, and sugar in a bowl.

-Make a hole in the centre and add salt, water, and olive oil.

-Knead the mixture with your hands, until you get a smooth dough.

-If it seems too wet sprinkle with some flour, or if too dry, add some more warm water.

-Place cling wrap over the bowl and allow to sit for 20 minutes for the dough to rise.

-In the meantime, preheat your oven to 250 degrees Celsius.

-Place baking paper sheet on a baking tray and drizzle with olive oil.

-After 20 minutes, place dough on the baking sheet and form it into a round shape base.

-Place your feta cheese on the base and then spread the tomatoes evenly.

-Drizzle the olive oil, sprinkle oregano, and season with pepper.

-Bake your pizza for around 20 minutes or until it’s golden brown.

Images by IN+SIGHTS GREECE © (Copyright)

Recipe for Grape Spoon Sweet

Glyko tou Koutaliou (spoon sweet) is Greece’s traditional homemade fruit preserve that is served after a meal or with coffee.

It can be stored for months in sterilised jars, which means you always have a delicious homemade treat on hand.

You can make it using quince, pear, lemons, and other fruit. Here we share my mum’s grape sweet spoon recipe, which tastes amazing on its own or you may prefer to pair it with a dollop of vanilla bean ice cream, yoghurt, or flaked almonds.

Ingredients

1 kilo seedless grapes (red or white)

500 grams white sugar

1/2 cup of water

1/2 lemon, juiced

2 x leaves of Arbaroriza (lemon geranium)

Method

-Remove grapes from the stem and wash thoroughly. Dry and set aside.

-Place sugar and water in a large pot over high heat and bring to a full boil (about 10 minutes).

-Add your grapes and allow to simmer. Add Arbaroriza leaves and reduce heat to medium and cook for about an hour, uncovered. Stir occasionally.

-After about an hour, when the syrup has thickened, add the lemon juice and stir. Cook for another few minutes.

-Allow to completely cool.

-Spoon into sterilised jars with airtight lids and store in a cool place.

Images by IN+SIGHTS GREECE © (Copyright)

Glyko tou Koutaliou Grape spoon sweet Greek desserts Greek food Greek recipes Greek sweets Recipe grape spoon sweet spoon sweets

Recipe for Classic Greek Lamb Roast

Nothing beats a delicious Greek lamb roast. It’s perfect for entertaining and what’s even better is it’s extremely easy to prepare. Here’s our easy-to-follow recipe that is guaranteed to be a hit in your home!

Ingredients

1 leg of lamb (roughly 2.5kg)

10 x potatoes

8 cloves of garlic, peeled

1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/3 cup olive oil

3 tbsp dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

A drop of white wine

1 x cup water

Method

-Preheat your oven to 180°C.

-Place your lamb in a deep baking dish and cut several slits onto the lamb on all sides using a sharp knife.

-Add a drop of white wine over the meat and insert cloves of garlic into the slits.

-Season well with salt and pepper.

– Cut potatoes into rustic size pieces and place them around the meat.

-Season potatoes with salt and pepper.

-Add water to the bottom of the dish.

-Pour over lemon juice and olive oil.

-Season with oregano and mix together.

-Cover baking dish with baking paper and aluminum foil and make sure it’s tightly wrapped.

-Cook for 2.5 hours, turning once halfway through. If the liquid evaporates you can add a little more water to ensure the meat and potatoes do not stick.

-Remove the covering and roast for a further 30 minutes to get some nice browning on top.

Greek Yogurt Cheesecake Recipe

Greek yoghurt cheesecake mousse incorporates all the elements of a classic cheesecake however it has a delightful Greek twist.

In the base, Kelly from The Hellenic Odyssey adds some typical nuts of the Greek cuisine such as almonds and walnuts which add another intensity of flavour and crunch to the base.

Insights Greece - Greek Yogurt Cheesecake Recipe

“It is basically a cheesecake meets mousse meets Greek yoghurt. It is so light and airy due to the use of the swiss meringue instead of condensed milk which is commonly used,” says Kelly.

Ingredients

Base

200g sweet plain biscuit crumbs

50g almonds and walnuts coarse crumb mix

150g butter, melted

Filling

500g block cream cheese softened

2 egg whites

125ml thickened cream

150g sugar (75g for swiss meringue & 75g for whipped cream)

125g thick Greek yoghurt

1/3 cup lemon juice

1 tsp vanilla essence or vanilla sugar

Method

-Combine biscuits, crumbs and butter and press into the base of a 20cm springform pan. Chill for 10 minutes.

-Beat the cream cheese using an electric mixer until it becomes smooth.

-Whip the cream and 75g of the sugar to stiff peaks.

-Beat the eggs whites and sugar over a bain-marie until the mix reaches 70 degrees and then set it aside.

-Add the yoghurt to the whipped cream mixture and stir to combine, then add the cream cheese, lemon juice and the vanilla and stir well to combine. Finally, add the swiss meringue but make sure to combine it gently and very carefully so that it still remains airy.

For more amazing recipes check out The Hellenic Odyssey and follow them here on Instagram.

cheesecake recipe Greek desserts Greek food Greek recipes Greek sweets Greek yoghurt Greek yoghurt cheesecake

Traditional Greek Taverna: Where the Locals Go to Eat

When it comes to types of eating establishments, the French are known for their bistros, Italians for trattorias, the Spanish for tapas bars, the British for their pubs, and the Greeks head out with family and friends to a great local taverna, which can be found in every city, village, and island around Greece.

Not to be confused with a tavern, a taverna is a small, authentic Greek restaurant, characterised by rustic décor, relaxed atmosphere, and a limited, seasonal menu that is reasonably priced.

It is referred to as the traditional public eating house of Greek cuisine and is known to be an integral part of Greek culture. The styling is simple (checkered tablecloths, rustic tables and chairs) and they are owned and run by local families.

Greek tavernas generally have a limited amount of food on the menu and serve up what the chef has cooked fresh on the day. Here you can expect to find Greek dishes such as Moussaka, Pastitsio, Dolmades, and Gemista. Most places also include a range of grilled meat, fish and seafood, some sides, and of course a variety of dips, salads, as well as homemade sweets.

As for vegetarians and vegans, you will be delighted with the range on offer, which includes Xorta (wild greens), Padzaria (beetroot), Kolokithia (zucchinis) Gigandes (broad beans), and other seasonal vegetables. Keep in mind the local taverna is also the best place to taste local dishes and delicacies from each region.

You will also find that many tavernas located by the sea specialise in seafood and are called Psarotavernas, or Fish Tavernas. Others on the mainland may offer more meat and there is also the Hasapotaverna (the butcher’s taverna) which specialises in meat only.

This is where you will get to meet and mingle with the locals, so it really is worth a try!

Greece travel Greek culture Greek food Greek lifestyle Greek restaurant Greek tavern taverna tavernas in Greece

Why Greece’s Simple Koulouri is Such a Popular Snack

If you’ve ever been to any of Greece’s largest cities, surely you would have come across a Koulouri stand, selling a round-shaped bread, sprinkled with sesame seeds.

And if you’ve ever wondered what’s so good about it? It’s jam-packed with valuable carbohydrates and proteins, making it the country’s most popular breakfast on the run for both locals and visitors. As for the taste? When you take a bite, its crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside texture will undoubtedly leave you wanting more!

Although it can be found in most regions of Greece, the Koulouri is most loved by Thessalonikians and Athenians, and in both cities, you are guaranteed to find a Koulouri stand on every second street corner. It’s standard to watch locals running around town, biting on a Koulouri as they go about their daily activities, as it really is the ideal snack at any time of the day.

Insights Greece - Why Greece’s Simple Koulouri is Such a Popular Snack

This super simple treat, which was traditionally made in a ring form has slowly evolved over the years and now comes in a variety of flavours including meat and cheese varieties, as well as multi-seed, tahini, and whole wheat options. Certain bakeries have gone even fancier, creating twisted and braided versions.

If it seems too simple for your liking, you can always cut the Koulouri in half and add cheese, or spread some of your favourite jam or honey over it.

Just make sure you head out early to grab your Koulouri, as it’s best enjoyed fresh and you’ll avoid disappointment, as they do sell out quickly!

Athens Greek bread Greek food healthy snacks koulouri Thessaloniki

Tribal-Chic Tortuga Beach Bar & Restaurant in Naxos

By Gina Lionatos

As you drive down the dirt road of Plaka Beach in Naxos towards Tortuga beach bar and restaurant, you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve laid eyes on a desert oasis…if it wasn’t for the white sand and sparkling turquoise water of the Aegean Sea to your other side.

A tribal-chic vision with accents of bamboo, cactus, wicker, and muted copper tones, Tortuga has been designed to immediately relax the eye and transport you into an exceptional Summer experience. Attached to the chic rooms of Naxian on the Beach and with its own beach bar, hours could easily roll into days underneath the bamboo-canopied sunbeds. Up from the beach, the dining experience becomes the focus, with a fresh and modern take on Mediterranean cuisine.

Insights Greece - Tribal-Chic Tortuga Beach Bar & Restaurant in Naxos

Type of cuisine: Modern, Seafood, Mediterranean.

Type of eatery: Casual yet chic, with a focus on fine food.

The low down…Whether you’ve stepped off the beach in your kaftan or dressed up to enjoy dinner and cocktails, Tortuga offers a unique dining experience that you won’t find elsewhere on the island of Naxos.

Décor/ Ambience: Tribal-luxe. Think long golden reeds blowing in the wind, bamboo walls, and an eclectic array of cushions and furnishings.

Entrees: Try the scallops with pumpkin and celeriac puree or the tuna tartare.

Mains: The orzo with prawns is memorable, for all the right reasons. Meat-fiends will love the Beef tagliata.

Something to drink: To quench that Summer thirst, try the gin-based Naxian Side or the Tortuga Spritz.

Order our fave dish: The ceviche is tangy and fresh, featuring locally caught fish of the day.

Price range: Tortuga’s pimped-up beach snacks (think salads, tacos, and club sandwiches) start from 10 €. At the restaurant, entrees start from 12 €, and mains are mostly priced between 15 to 40 €.

Location: Plaka, Naxian on the Beach

Opening Hours: 11 am to 11 pm

Greece travel Greek holiday Greek islands Naxos Naxos beach Naxos beach bar Naxos island Tortuga Tortuga bar and restaurant Tortuga Beach Bar

Greek Frappe is famous worldwide. But what is this coffee which Greeks drink with so much pleasure?

We love pizza (who doesn’t) and our simple and light Greek version is homemade dough topped with fresh tomato, crumbled Feta, and a pinch of oregano before lightly being drizzled with olive oil!

Glyko tou Koutaliou (spoon sweet) is Greece’s traditional homemade fruit preserve that is served after a meal or with coffee.

Nothing beats a delicious Greek lamb roast. It’s perfect for entertaining and what’s even better is it’s extremely easy to prepare. Here’s our easy-to-follow recipe that is guaranteed to be a hit in your home!

Greek yoghurt cheesecake mousse incorporates all the elements of a classic cheesecake however it has a delightful Greek twist.

If you’ve ever been to any of Greece’s largest cities, surely you would have come across a Koulouri stand, selling a round-shaped bread, sprinkled with sesame seeds.

As you drive down the dirt road of Plaka Beach in Naxos towards Tortuga beach bar and restaurant, you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve laid eyes on a desert oasis…if it wasn’t for the white sand and sparkling turquoise water of the Aegean Sea to your other side.

The Athens Guide