Kefalonia, just like many other Greek islands, has its own identity. You can't say that this island is the sort of 'you've seen one, you've seen them all' type of destination. You'd be surprised at what this place offers that you won't find anywhere else. Not the least of which are its food. Although Kefalonia serves traditional Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, it does have a few dishes, delicacies, and even desserts that are unique. Some are homegrown treats you won't get to enjoy anywhere else, while others are the island's own local twists to Greek cuisine staples.
Feta of Kefalonia
As far as Greek cheeses go,
those from Crete aren't the only ones worth indulging in. Here in Kefalonia, the Feta cheese from the island is its most popular delicacy. Its own local version originates all the way to the Homeric era, making it one of the oldest types of Greek and European cheese in the world. Its most distinct quality is that it often tastes less salty than typical Feta cheese. The locals commonly soak it in fresh water for a period of time before taking it out. Not only does this lessen the salty taste, it also decreases the fat content by a substantial percentage too!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Horiatiki
Now that you know about Kefalonia's own Feta cheese, you can now venture into other dishes of the island, many of which contain the cheese too. One of the more popular ones is Horiatiki, a famous salad in Greek cuisine. It includes tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, peppers, and black olives all soaked with homemade olive oil. This dish is such a Greek menu staple that you'll also find it in
foodie hotspots in Santorini,
Athens, and more. But what makes it such a local favorite in Kefalonia? The island's own Feta cheese, of course!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Get The Recipe By Clicking
Here
Tiropita
Now, how about ending all this cheese talk with a local snack that's filled with the stuff? Tiropita! Greece's own puff pastry, the Tiropita is a delectable cheese-filled snack that most foodie places on the island offer. They either serve it as an appetizer before the main course or even as their own comfort food paired with delicious Greek coffee. It's also a well-known street food treat, easy to find in stalls, local bakeries, and the like. If you're up for something light yet flavorful, especially for breakfast this is your go-to snack! Fortunately, it's easy to make yourself too!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Get The Recipe By Clicking
Here
Melitzanosalata
Sometimes, in Greek and Mediterranean cuisines, the most flavorful aren't exactly dishes themselves. Take Melitzanosalata, for instance. The eggplant dip, even on its own, will already fill your stomach even before the main course arrives. In fact, for some, this is their main course already! Especially when they dip in some freshly-baked pita bread for that full Mediterranean culinary experience. Imagine going to a beach in Kefalonia and brings this tip as a snack. Whether you use pita bread or even potato chips to scoop it all up, it'd taste great nonetheless!
Source: Flickr.com/ Alpha
Bifteki
Who wants to get meaty for the main course? Here in Kefalonia, the most common choice for a hearty lunch or a rich dinner is none other than a nice helping of Bifteki! Although the Greek culinary staple may look like steak at times, they're actually just grilled meatballs filled with cheese (preferable Feta of Kefalonia!), onions, and seasoned with lots of pepper. If it's cooked right, slicing it up and letting the melted cheese ooze out is such a sight to behold! Ultimately, Bisteki is the type of flavorful dish that pairs great with a bottle of raki or even a nice and luxurious bottle of red!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Get The Recipe By Clicking
Here
Mousakas
Want another dish that will instantly fill you up even with the first helping? Try Mousakas next! It's Greece's answer to Italy's lasagna. Layers upon layers of ground beef, melted cheese, eggplants, potatoes, and sauce make up this dinner table favorite. As all these flavors swirl in your mouth, you further understand the culinary magic that this island shares. That's how good Mousakas is! It's the best dish t order when you're finally back from a busy day in Kefalonia and you want to end the night with a fulfilling dinner. And if you're starving, your first bite will feel like heaven!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Baklavà
Speaking of heavenly tastes, as far as dessert is gone, there's nothing sweeter than Baklavà in Kefalonia. The Mediterranean, which is also a favorite in other parts of the region like
Turkey, Armenia, and the Middle East, has a rich sweetness to it that's something else. It's far from the likes of, say,
French pastries, where the lightness of their tastes is part of their charm. With Baklavà, the taste is so rich, it's easy to get overwhelmed at first. But then, as the sweetness kicks in and the aftertaste settles, you'll find yourself craving for more!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Get The Recipe By Clicking
Here
Don't underestimate Kefalonia especially when it comes to food. The island offers its own unique delicacies and spins on Greek dishes that will leave you wanting more. Who knows? Your next favorite food might just come from this island!
Craving for any of these amazing Kefalonia delicacies? Some of them are easy to prepare in your own
luxury home! Why not try it?
