In a place like Paros, where it seems like all you can do is relax on a beach or watch the sunset, sometimes, all you really need is good food. It's a good thing the island is in Greece, then! The country's cuisine is known as one of the heartiest in the world, with its juicy meat dishes and seafood delicacies. Once you start eating, you'll end up enjoying it more and more. Before you know it, you've already spent the entire day indulging in the best food Paros has to offer.
Saganaki
Just like any other European country, Greece has its own variations of cheese. In fact, there are even a few places within the country itself that have their own kinds of cheese, like
Crete and, of course, Paros. But for the latter, it's not so much that it has its own local cheese types, but more so how uniquely they prepare them. There's probably no other place in the world that puts honey on their cheese and fries them up to create its own delicacy. That's what you call Saganaki here. A staple in various foodie hotspots on the island, its sweet and savory flavors appeal to most locals and tourists alike.
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Petimezi
While pumpkin pie is a heavy favorite during Thanksgiving in the US, one of its most
important holidays, here in Greece, particularly in Paros, it's a common pastry. And it's one worth indulging in on a lazy afternoon on the island. Now, you're probably thinking: how can a pie be considered an everyday snack? Well, Paros' own version of pumpkin pie, known as 'Petimezi,' is more like a crescent-shaped pastry sprinkled with sesame seeds. Its flavorful pumpkin filling might prove enough for one helping, but the moment you've finished one, you'll instantly want another!
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Gouna
Of course, when it comes to common dishes on a Greek Island, seafood will always reign supreme. One of the main dinner table staples here in Paros is definitely 'Gouna,' or roasted mackerel. Although mackerel itself is already a common favorite throughout Greece, there's just something about how those in Paros prepare it that helps it stand out. Firstly, as they roast and grill it to a delectable smoky finish, they add local herbs to spice things up. And the result? A bite out of the Aegean Sea that you won't get to taste anywhere else!
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Kakavia
Up for something warm and soothing? Why not have a healthy serving of 'Kakavia' instead? The Greek/Paros equivalence to bouillabaisse, this hearty fish soup does your body, especially your taste buds, good! The dish is composed of saffron, olive oil, and onions and is oftentimes served with lemon zest and toasted bread. If you're not that big of a fan of saffron, you can always opt for cod, snapper, or goliath grouper instead. Nevertheless, no matter which fish you choose, they'll all taste just as good. Most of the time, Kakavia is a great dinner choice to help warm you up against the Mediterranean breezes.
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Octopus
Want to go a little daring with your seafood? Go for octopus! All throughout the island, especially along the coastal
central cities, you'll see some taverns actually hang octopus tentacles, both as a form of advertising and to freshen them up before cooking. Admittedly, seeing them at first glance may seem eerie at first. Heck, it may even give you the creeps. But once you order it in the form of a soup, grilled, sliced up with cheese, or served with lemon zest, you'll throw your initial worries out the window. Before you know it, you'll be ordering another helping!
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Paros Wine
Now, you'll want to pair all these delicious dishes and delicacies with a good drink, right? And while you're in Paros, there's really only one option: Paros wine. Beyond the beaches and the whitewashed towns, Paros also takes pride in its own local vineyards. They're far from the vast and luscious lands in Tuscany, Italy, but the wine they produce here are second to none! The white wine is light and bubbly, perfect for when you're downing the island's heavier delicacies. Meanwhile, the reds are rich and strong, true testaments to the local vineyards' hard work.
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Here in Paros, there are a few dishes and delicacies that you won't find anywhere else. It's not just that they're local food, it's also how they're prepared, served, and the excellent culinary experience of enjoying them on the island!
As complicated as these dishes and delicacies in Paros are, they're actually pretty easy to make. Why not prepare them yourself in your
luxury home here?
