For someone who is used to the Latin Alphabet, learning even basic Greek words and their spelling is hard. Sure , you’ve probably remembered some letters from the Physics classes, but putting them together in a word or sentence is well…hard. Therefore, the Greek restaurant and taverna owners are meeting travelers half way and often use English spellings for Greek words on their menus. While it looks “familiar”, the words are still…unknown , if you haven’t done any research before.

Of course, in all touristy places you’ll find the menu both in Greek and English, so you’ll know you order. However, I always say that it’s best to venture off the beaten path and look a place with the menu in Greek. You’ll know that’s where mostly locals eat and the food is authentic.

So, here are some of the most used words explained.

Psomia – breads
Orektika – appetizers
Mezethes, mezedes – little plates with various appetizers, one of the well-known features of the Greek cuisine. They can comprise Dolmades , feta cheese and plenty other savory dishes
Salates – salads
Soupes – soups
Hortarika – usually leafy vegetables
Khorta – wild greens
Lahanika – the rest of the vegetables
Prota Piata – first courses
Kyria Piata – main courses
Kreatika – meat dishes
Poulerika – poultry dishes
Psaria – fish
Thalassina – seafood
Macaronia – Greek pasta
Epithorpia, epidorpia – desserts
Glyka – sweets
Pagota – ice cream
Frouta – fruit
Krasia – wines
Garides – shrimp
Kafes – coffee
Kalamaria – squid
Kalamata – Classic Greek olive
Souvlakia – Skewered lamb (sometimes made with chicken, too)
Tahini – Sesame paste
Spanakopita – spinach pie
Tsoureki – Easter bread
Pastitsio – lamb and pasta casserole
Keftedakia– meatballs

Now that you know what (at least some) words from the menu mean, the question remains what to eat in Greece . The country has a vibrant cuisine, varying from region to region and from season to season. It’s neither spicy nor bland , but it’s flavorful like any Mediterranean cuisine. But it has a long history and the traditional dishes make any taverna proud to have a special recipe.

Olive oil is the main fat used in Greek cooking, while the olives are always added to the salads and other dishes. Lemons, pine nuts and tomatoes are also staples in the Greek cuisine.

Lamb is the main meat used in Greek dishes and is traditionally associated with rosemary. Thankfully, for those who don’t enjoy lamb (yours truly included), chicken is also used in dishes and the fish is absolutely amazing. The meats are seasoned with garlic, onions, dill, mint, parsley and basil.

Cheese and yogurt are also important in the Greek cuisine. Feta cheese is known all over the world for its pungent taste and it’s used in salads, grilled or in meat dishes. Yogurt is the main ingredient in tzatziki and is also part of many other sauces.

Pastries with layers of filo dough are very popular. And generally, deserts are an important part of the Greek menu. And let’s not forget ouzo , the clear liqueur known for its anise flavor.

Recipes on LooknWalk Greece:

• Tzatziki
• Souvlaki
• Dolmades
• Classical Greek Salad
• Moussaka
• Kakavia
• Fassolatha
• Magiritsa
• Salads for the Summer
• Christmas Menu
• How to make Baklava
• Greek Sweets

More about Greek Food:
>>Best Greek Islands for Food
>>Food and Drink
>>Foods to Enjoy during the Winter in Greece
>>Easter Food
>>Cretan Cuisine

Photo credits: Menu , Taverna Mezedes