What do you know about Greek food? That it's delicious? Of course! That it's rich? Yes! That it's flavorful? You're right on the nose! There's a lot of great things to say about this country's cuisine, so much so that half of why traveling to Greece is so worthwhile is getting to taste its awesome food. But do note, however, that the food in one part of the country isn't the same as all the others. Take Crete, for instance, which is one of the bigger Greek Islands. This paradise offers a few delicacies that feature tastes and flavors that are all the island's own!
Cretan Cheeses
You can't go to Greece, or any other European country for that matter, without eating cheese. From
the French to
the Swiss, this continent sure does love cheese. And yes, even on the beautiful island of Crete in Greece, they have their own unique selection of the dairy delicacy. Usually made out of sheep's or goat's milk, they offer the true flavors of the island. There's
Graviera, for instance, which is a sweet type of cheese that only gets better with age.
Myzithra, on the other hand, has a mild flavor that works well on its own.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Kalitsounia (Cretan Cheese Pies)
While simply slicing up these Cretan cheeses and pairing them with wine is good enough, the locals here have something else in mind. You'll find that, in various
towns in Crete, bakers, mothers, and grandmothers all Kalitsounia, also known as Cretan cheese pies. A sort of empanada filled with cheese, it's a popular snack and comfort food on the island. And while most cheese pies are often savory, Kalitsounia are mostly sweet, especially when filled with either
mizithra or malaka cheese. On a lazy afternoon, they make for a great treat to pair a cup of coffee with, especially when they're drizzled with honey!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Get The Recipe By Clicking
Here
Sfakianes Pites
It's no secret that pita bread is a major mainstay in Greek cuisine. They dip in various sauces, put all sorts of filling in them, and at times, simply eat them as they are. Here in Crete, particularly in the southern part of the island, they have their own variation called '
Sfakianes Pites.' Made with a little bit of raki, it has a slightly heavier taste but it's still light overall. As to what they pair these pies with, the southern Cretans often eat them with cheese, honey, or even both. The mix of sweet and savory tastes makes for an exciting mouthful!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Get The Recipe By Clicking
Here
Hirina Apakia (Smoked Pork)
Who knew that pork would be such a common delicacy among the islands in the Mediterranean? In Sardinia, Italy, for example, a whole entire roasted suckling pig called
Porcetto Arrosto is one of
their main local dishes. Here in Crete, on the other hand, it's smoked pork called
Hirina Apakia. What's so fascinating about it is that it takes multiple days to prepare it just right. You have to marinate it in vinegar for a period of time, then cook it over a fire that burns with herbs such as rosemary, sage, and bay. This will certainly bring out its flavor!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Lamb with Stamnagathi
Similarly with any other place in Greece. lamb is also a common delicacy here in Crete. But, of course, the way they serve it is truly all their own. On the island of Crete, you'll find that in many great restaurants here, they serve lamb with
Stamnagathi. It's a kind of wild green that's grown on the island, sauteed in olive oil and oregano to bring out its earthy flavor. Once set with the lamb, the entire dish is then drenched in mouthwatering
avgolemono sauce or simply doused in lemon zest.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Get The Recipe By Clicking
Here
Gamopilafo
What many of you might think of as rice pudding, the Cretans call '
Gamopilafo.' Commonly served during weddings here, this is a light risotto dish that has a meaty taste despite not having any meat in it at all. That's because the broth of the dish, often made out of the simmering of a chicken, goat, lamb, and the like, gives it its flavor. Add to that boiled fresh goat’s milk and some lemon zest and you've got yourself a whirlwind of flavors with every spoonful. It's no wonder they serve such a dish at weddings!
Source: Flickr.com/ Robert
Raki
Finally, you can't forget the raki! Whether it's an important
Greek holiday or just an ordinary day in general, you can bet that the Cretans are scarfing down bottles of raki. This Greek wine, a sort of brandy that's distilled from local grapes, is the most common beverage next to water. In fact, a lot of the older Cretans practically treat it as water, drinking it day to night and with every meal. And since
Greek social customs dictate that it's often rude to refuse food and drink offered to you, you're expected to drink raki while you're here as well!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
If you thought that Crete was simply another old Greek Island out there, you're sadly mistaken. The food on the island alone proves that Crete has its own identity. The locals here embrace, preserve, and share their own culture, and boy is it delicious!
The great thing about local Crete food is that many of them are also easy to make in your own
luxury home here! Why not try making them yourself and see how they turn out?
