Most Common Meals in Greek Communities

Greek meals are built on olive oil, fresh vegetables, feta cheese, lamb, and bread. Sharing food is an act of philoxenia (love of strangers).

1. Horiatiki (Greek Village Salad)

• The most common salad in Greece

• Tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, green pepper, olives, feta cheese

• No lettuce. No vinegar (only olive oil and oregano).

• Feta is served as one large block on top

• Eaten at every lunch and dinner

• Olive oil is poured generously

• Sometimes capers added (island version)

2. Moussaka (Layered Eggplant Casserole)

• The most famous Greek baked dish

• Layers of eggplant, spiced minced meat (lamb or beef), and creamy béchamel sauce

• Similar to lasagna but with eggplant instead of pasta

• Takes 2-3 hours to prepare

• Served as main course for lunch or dinner

• Always served warm (not hot)

• Every family has their secret spice blend

3. Souvlaki and Gyros (Grilled Meat Wraps)

• Most common street food in Greece

• Souvlaki: meat chunks on skewer, grilled over charcoal

• Gyros: meat roasted on vertical rotisserie, sliced thin

• Served in warm pita bread with tomato, onion, tzatziki, and fries

• Eaten for lunch, dinner, or late-night snack

• Very cheap and very filling

• Pork and chicken are most common (lamb is rare for souvlaki)

4. Tzatziki (Yogurt and Cucumber Dip)

• Served with almost every meal

• Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, dill or mint

• Used as dip for bread, sauce for souvlaki, or side for grilled meat

• Very easy to make (10 minutes)

• Each family adds different herb (dill vs mint)

• Must be very cold when served

• Never use non-Greek yogurt (too watery)

5. Fasolada (White Bean Soup)

• Called the "national dish of Greece"

• White beans cooked with carrots, celery, tomato, and olive oil

• Served with feta cheese and bread

• Poor families ate this during winter and hard times

• Now eaten by everyone for comfort

• Very cheap and very healthy

• Orthodox Christians eat this during fasting periods (no meat)