Discovering the Best Greek Dishes: An Unforgettable Culinary Journey
When it comes to dining in a Greek restaurant, the menu can feel overwhelming, especially with so many delicious options. In this culinary adventure, we explored the top dishes that Greeks truly love, thanks to a collaboration with Grubhub and three delightful local experts—Alexia, Yula, and Jana. Let’s embark on a flavorful journey through the heart of Greek cuisine!
The Greek Dilemma: Beyond Greek Salad and Baklava
Many of us might automatically gravitate towards the classic Greek salad and baklava when ordering Greek food. However, as we learned from the experts, these dishes only scratch the surface of the rich flavors and diverse choices that Greek cuisine offers. In this episode, we uncovered an array of must-try dishes straight from those who know Greek food best.
A Taste of Tradition: A Vegetarian Delight
Kicking things off, one of our culinary experts, Yula, introduced us to "Gigantes Plaki," a traditional dish featuring giant beans baked in a tomato sauce. This vegetarian option not only captivates with its creamy texture but can also easily be made vegan by omitting cheese. For anyone skeptical about beans as an exciting dish, the flavors will surely change your perspective—coated in a rich sauce, these beans become a comforting masterpiece.
Bread: The Perfect Companion
One of the highlights of dining at a Greek restaurant is the abundant supply of soft, fluffy bread that accompanies the meal. The warmth and texture of this bread serve as the ideal vehicle to scoop up the delicious beans, presenting a perfect opportunity to create a delightful "bean sandwich." It’s the kind of comfort food that leaves you satisfied and smiling!
Embracing Eggplant: Imam Bayildi
Next up, we explored "Imam Bayildi," a dish influenced by Middle Eastern flavors featuring eggplants stuffed with onions, baked with a rich tomato sauce. Lightly topped with feta or graviera cheese, it presents a harmonious blend of savory and slightly sweet notes. Even novice eggplant fans can’t resist this dish, as the caramelized onions and aromatic spices shine through.
Shrimp Saganaki: A Taste of the Sea
As we moved to the main dishes, we couldn’t resist the allure of "Shrimp Saganaki." This delightful dish pairs succulent shrimp with melted cheese, creating a savory treat infused with fresh tomato sauce. It perfectly evokes memories of seaside restaurant meals with family in Greece. The combination of flavors is nothing short of heavenly—a true testament to the brilliance of Greek cuisine.
Breaking Stereotypes: Bright Flavors of Greece
One of the greatest surprises throughout this culinary exploration was the vibrant and fresh nature of Greek dishes. Contrary to the common stereotype that Greek food is heavy and meaty, the flavors we encountered were bold, bright, and predominantly vegetable-driven. This revelation encourages any diner to venture beyond their typical choices!
The Hearty Comfort of Moussaka
For those seeking a heavier dish, nothing compares to the classic Greek "Moussaka." This comforting casserole layered with eggplant and ground meat brings warmth and familiarity. While it may lean toward the richer side of the menu, its flavors are undeniably remarkable, making it a crowd-pleaser in any gathering.
The Art of Sharing: A Greek Feast
Greek meals are not just about individual plates but rather about community and sharing. Many dishes, like "Imam Bayildi," are perfect for sharing, providing an opportunity for everyone around the table to experience different flavors and textures. This communal aspect of dining enhances the enjoyment and connection between friends and family.
Desserts That Delight: Karydopita
No meal is complete without dessert, and one standout recommendation is "Karydopita," a divine walnut cake that’s simultaneously sweet and brilliantly textured. If you’re searching for a dessert that’s not overwhelmingly sweet, this cake strikes a perfect balance, leaving your palate satisfied and eager for more.
The Sweetness of Custard: Galaktoboureko
Another exquisite dessert to explore is "Galaktoboureko," a custard pie enveloped in flaky pastry and drizzled with honey syrup. Reminiscent of childhood memories, this dessert captivates with its lightness yet decadence, making it a remarkable finish to any Greek meal. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a nostalgic experience that transports you to Greece.
Embracing Recommendations: The Key to Discovery
Our culinary adventure reinforced the beauty of stepping outside of our comfort zones and taking recommendations from locals. Discovering new dishes not only enhances the dining experience but also expands our appreciation of diverse cuisines. This is especially true in Greek dining, where tradition meets innovation.
Order with Ease: Bringing Greece to Your Doorstep
Inspired by this delicious journey? You can easily bring the flavors of Greece to your home. Thanks to Grubhub, ordering your favorites has never been easier. Use the code BERYL for $5 off an order of $15 or more and explore the delightful Greek dishes that await you.
A Call to Action: Share Your Favorite Greek Dish!
As our culinary exploration concludes, we encourage you to try new dishes the next time you find yourself in a Greek restaurant. Whether it’s the comforting "Moussaka," the bright flavors of "Shrimp Saganaki," or the sweet memories encapsulated in "Galaktoboureko," there are countless treasures waiting to be discovered. Let us know what other cuisines you’d like to explore next!
Wrapping it Up: A Newfound Love for Greek Cuisine
This culinary journey not only introduced us to the best Greek dishes but helped transform perceptions about Greek food. From vibrant and fresh flavors to hearty and comforting meals, a visit to a Greek restaurant can offer an experience that lingers long after the meal is over. Embrace the opportunity to explore new and exciting flavors, and immerse yourself in the delightful world of Greek cuisine!
This looks good ❤
Don't want to be that guy, but if you try the same dishes in a local,non touristy taverna (Greek restaurant) it will blow your mind.
for those living in the USA there is a grocery store called Trader Joe's and the carry a can of gigantes in tomato sauce. It's pretty good if you're looking for a quick fix.
They look so bad omg this totaly bad greek cooking if you like this you will love the same foods cooked properly
If the raw materials are not from Greece then how can we say they are Greek food?It plays a big role where the food ingredients come from.
Nobody orders these things at a restaurant. These are 99.9% of the times done at home.
As a greek: this galaltoboureko was a disgrace. Where is the syrup yooooo?
your galaktobureko looked kind of dry… Originally outside is very crunchy the filo and allot of syrup. I love chicken filled with rice, pine nuts, raisins, chestnuts, garlic, onions, chicken livers, and tomatoes (you have to prepare all the filling in a pan for about 20 minutes, to make all materials caramelized and at the end you add some water and the rice, you dont boil the rice at, just let it drink the extra juices and some water you added, then you let it 5-10 minutes to set and ready to go, the rice must be 30-40% done, because is going to be cooked in the oven afterwards) and I am not filling up the chicken within the bone area, NOO.. I open it up in a surgery way the skin from one side and with a tool I separate the entire skin from the meat, so my chicken looks like a bag… you can even put your hand inside… You must be careful not to remove the skin from the edges and then you add some garlic, and you fill it up with the filling you prepared!! Like a balloon..! When in the oven, you put some honey on top of it… The end result is amazing because the filling transfers all this taste inside the meat and it tastes like heaven. (tip, when you fill up your chicken, use some toothsticks to close the hole you made)
Biz ayni yuzler, ayni karakter, ayni yemekleri, ayni dans horon, ayni muzik….. Ayni nefret maalasef…. Biz cocuklar buyuk Anafolunun kulturu…. Biz kardesler!!! Kahrolsun fasism!!!
Good examples but thats not super accurate i think
we are not calling this ..version imam but rather paputsaki(little shoe)
Am I wrong or.is the dessert is galektoboureko?
It was spelled differently. Is it something else?
The dessert is like a cheesecake. It’s very good.
Um. Beryl? Gyros???
If your always comparing something to meat or saying it's meaty get over yourself and get a fuck hunk of meat and say oh that really lettucey……….
Thank you for featuring more vegan dishes!
Alexia is the voice I hear when I think of a Greek woman…..I want to bring her yogurt and honey lol
Every september, the local Orthodox Church has a greek diaspora festival. The food is INCREDIBLE
my family DEVOURS saganaki. always on the table, especially in greece
Gigantes is indeed, one of our top Greek recipes. Similarly, Gemista (stuffed peppers). Both of course acompanied with Greek cheese, FETA or the Gemista also with Greek, strained, creamy Yugort (that's why even the Yugort is Greek, we make the best). I recently found out 2 of our top companies export directly to the US the exact similar products we get here in Greece. Lucky you, don't miss to buy any of those next time you found 'em around. Actually, anything Greek. The Greek Virgin Olive Oil is top quality, the differently made olives, likewise.
Now I'm hungry for one of these two recipes of ours. But who is going to make 'em? I have no wife and unfortunately, I don't know how. I've always had my mother and my 3 sisters preparing the meals. They wouldn't even let me in the kitchen until the meals were ready. I'll make due with a couple of sandwiches, again, Gyros or home made, Greek cheese, tomatoes, prosciutto and thinly cut olives. Sigh!
@birdsmeet I agree! Over the decades, European people have forgotten (And I am including Americans with European heritage as well) that we have a long history of interconnectedness. We need to keep bearing that flame…that we are one people, not separate individual nations. All over this world, cultures opposite our own are taking over. That European heritage, European morality is being downgraded. We need to embrace our similarities and fight for our heritage. No more white=evil.
“Greek” and “cuisine” are contradictions in terms.
It's all about the flame kissed saganaki for me. Pan seared fired with alcohol and finished with a squeeze of lemon. Perfection
That is not bread for days. It's bread for a meal for two.
Marides tiganites is my favorite appetizers and mixed meat platter with Souvlaki and stuff as main
I want that shrimp so badly!
I love giant beans so much nicer than the sweet british baked beans
Thanks!
Gigantes are my favorite. Trader Joes has a version of them near their dolmades that I make when I am being lazy.
Nice episode of turkish food :))))))))
In my area Hillsborough and Pinellas County in Florida , greek salad comes with potato salad in the middle …so good
I love the greek donuts dipped in honey! I had them once at a greek festival with orange zest 🤤
I love goat meat, I wonder how the Greeks cook theirs? And for how long? I'm half Italian and Polish and goat meat is somewhat popular in Italy but not like lamb or beef! I haven't seen any goat Polish dishes, maybe it's not that popular or available over there?
Your dog has the longest eyelashes! 😝
I love that you use wooden utensils, much better sounds.
I love the eggplant in green thai curry!
my family immgrated to greece when i was 12 gigantes will be forever one of my favorite dishes to this day eating it flashes me back in time
I would have given you Dolmades, Avgolemono with Yuvarlakia, Htapothi sti skhara(grilled Octopus), Tiropita or Spanakopita, Pastitcho, Kleftiko and as you had Galaktobouriko but twice as high, slightly warm and dripping in syrup.
I am a huge fan of dishes that are like that dessert, you know all the components, but they are prepared in a new and exiting way ^^
my parents are big fans of gigantes, they eat them pretty much every week ^^
my father lived in spain before he met my mother, the next door restaurant to him and my mother was a greek one, they are all over mediteraine quisine, I was raised more on mediteraine dishes then those belonging to our native country
Thats supposed to be galaktobouriko? XD
Sry no offense
hi why don't you introduce some jewish food'?
All of those dishes look delicious.
letting your subscribers show you their orzo recipes might be a good way for you to enjoy it more.