You're probably unaware of it yet but Greece's traditional cuisine is a lot more diverse than you think. While it bears a lot of similarities to other Mediterranean cuisines and has a handful of popular dishes that define Greek food, each and every place in the country has its own local food. This rings true to Hydra too, a small island in the Attica region. Since Hydra is so close to Athens, it's easy to assume that they have the same cuisine. But they don't! Hydra highlights a few standout dishes and delicacies, many of which the island has put its own spin on.
Kokoretsi
In Greece, lamb meat is a common delicacy. Various places throughout the country turn it into all sorts of delicacies and here in Hydra, they're most famous for Kokoretsi. Not to be mistaken with Turkey's own version of Kokoretsi, which consists of goat meat, Hydra's own take on the delicacy is made up of lamb pluck, lace fat, and intestines. Just by that description alone, it might already sound unappetizing for those unfamiliar with Greek cuisine, however, with how the finished dish looks—finely grilled and evenly sliced, you won't help but want to try it at first glance.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Ptyx
Paidakia
Another lamb delicacy that's common and popular in Hydra is Paidakia. Simply put, Paidakia is a type of lamb chop that comes from the Greek Islands. Marinated in olive oil, mustard, garlic, peppercorn, fresh thyme, and finished off with some lemon zest, it brings out all the flavors of the Mediterranean in one sumptuous dish. It's also commonly served with roasted or mashed potatoes, allowing the light flavor and tasty texture of the latter to lighten up the lamb chops' intense taste. If you head to any of the foodie hotspots on the island, you'll find that Paidakia is among their common bestsellers!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
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Moussaka
Moussaka is another common dish among the Greek Islands. They eat it in
Kefalonia, Santorini, Athens, and more. Not to mention nearby Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries too like Turkey, Levant, Bulgaria, and the like. A scrumptious dish that's made out of ground meat, potatoes, and eggplant, one helping is enough to have you feeling full for a long time. Not to mention that it also has a distinct flavor that you can only find in this part of the world. Now, what makes it such a favorite in Hydra? The island's delicious eggplants and potatoes help make the Moussaka even more delicious than ever before!
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Chicken Avgolemono
Now, if you want to indulge in lighter meat, say, poultry, ask for some Chicken Avgolemono instead! This creamy concoction is both healthy and airy, filling you up with the right vitamins and nutrients all while cleansing your palate. A quick explanation of what Chicken Avgolemono is all about is that it's a creamy version of your typical chicken soup with some lemon zest. Some also add sauteed carrots, onions, and bell peppers to give it an extra kick. And although the soup itself is cream, it doesn't contain any cream or milk at all. It's the eggs that make it light, white, and delicate.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Mussel Salad
Of course, since Hydra is a Greek island, you can expect some scrumptious seafood to make it onto this list. However, not that it's a bad thing or anything but seafood is already so common in other places like
Paros,
Kefalonia, Santorini, and the like that one can't say that it's unique to Hydra. There is, however, a local seafood dish that's more popular on this island than on all the others: Mussel Salad! Just as its name says, this healthy and hearty dish consists of steamed mussels mixed with fruits and vegetables and finished off with some light yet flavorful olive oil dressing. Sounds delicious, doesn't it?
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Keik me Giaourti
Now, for some dessert! Here in Hydra, beyond the famous baklava treat, the common nougat candy (which is more common in
Corfu than Hydra), and the holiday rice pudding called '
rizogalo,' Keik me Giaourti is the ultimate local sweet! It's a type of honey-ladened poundcake commonly served with Greek yogurt. Most of the time, the locals also include a bit of flavor into it, mostly the fruit variety such as orange, lemon, and the like. And whether it's a
holiday or not, it's the best kind of dessert to serve after a hearty meal.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Just like in other places in Greece, Hydra has its own local menu of traditional dishes and unique delicacies. From the hearty meats to the delightful sweets, try each and every one of them when you're here!
If your
luxury home has a great kitchen, you might even be able to make these local Hydra dishes yourself!
