Greek cuisine - Greece is often equated to its valuable history. However, another aspect of their culture and tradition that makes Greece proud is their cuisine. With its long history and numerous influences, Greek cuisine exemplifies the country's culture and tradition.

Greece has seen waves of invaders, traders, and settlers, each leaving their stamp on the local culinary traditions at a crossroads between Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Ancient Greek cuisine laid the foundation for today's modern Greek food. The ancient Greeks cherished a well-balanced diet that included cereals, beans, and olive oil. Baking and grilling are still popular cooking techniques in Greek cuisine today.

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The use of fresh, high-quality ingredients is one of the distinctive features of Greek cuisine. Greece's Mediterranean climate enables the production of various meals, resulting in vibrant and savory cuisine.

If you're health-conscious, trying a Greek diet would suit your tastes. Greek cuisine embraces the principles of the Mediterranean diet, known for its health benefits. The diet emphasizes whole foods, including vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, and lean proteins like fish and poultry.

It minimizes the consumption of processed foods, red meat, and added sugars, promoting a balanced and nutritious way of eating.

While Greek culinary stars like Moussaka and Spanikopita may look different from our usual Sinigang and Adobo, there are still some similarities between Filipino and Greek cuisines.

Fresh ingredients are emphasized in both Greek and Filipino cuisines, indicating great respect for seasonal and locally gathered produce. The emphasis on bright flavors and social meal experiences is another feature shared by both cultures.

The pleasure of sharing food and creating lasting memories with loved ones is embodied by Greek meze (small plates) and Filipino kamayan feasts.

Much like our salo-salo culture, the Greeks also value the communal experience of food and the value of sharing. We both believe that the best meals are shared with your dearest ones!

In Greece, meze is about more than simply food; it is also about companionship. Friends and family often come together in tavernas (traditional Greek eateries) or at home, where the table is brimming with a colorful assortment of meze foods.

These small plates become an inspiration for creating great experiences as discussions flow and laughter fills the air.

1. Tzatziki

Just like white cheese to pandesal or butter to puto, pita bread needs its own perfect partner. This light yogurt dip is flavored with cucumber, garlic, and fresh herbs like dill and mint. It goes well with warm pita bread and lends a refreshing flavor to any meze spread.

2. Spanakopita

This one is for all lovers of decadent sweets! This classic Greek pastry is made with flaky phyllo dough filled with spinach, feta cheese, onions, and herbs. Combining the crispy crust and the savory filling creates a delightful texture and taste experience.

3. Keftedes

These savory Greek meatballs are cooked with ground meat (usually a mix of beef and lamb), breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices. They are a crowd-pleasing complement to any meze dish when served with a squeeze of lemon juice.

1. Make sure to include various flavors

To make a hearty meze, you must explore different flavors and textures! Include a variety of flavors, textures, and colors. To create a well-rounded spread, include dishes with various components, such as dips, grilled veggies, shellfish, and savory pastries.

2. Freshness is key

A true Greek meze focuses on fresh and high-quality ingredients. Opt for the freshest ingredients available. Seek out local produce, herbs, and high-quality olive oil to capture the essence of Greek cuisine.

3. First impression matters

In Greek meze, they believe that the eyes eat first and presentation matters! Arrange the meze items on a large platter or individual plates to create a visually stunning and inviting spread. To add color, garnish with fresh herbs and lemon slices.

In Greece, seafood is more than simply a food source; it is also a symbol of the country's rich maritime history and a reflection of its close ties with the sea.

Freshness and simplicity are important in Greek seafood meals because they allow the natural tastes of the items to shine through.

1. Grilled Fish

Greeks are experts at grilling whole fish, such as sea bass or red mullet. Typically, the fish is seasoned with olive oil, lemon, and herbs to highlight the freshness and natural flavors of the sea.

We prefer stuffing our fresh catch with usual ingredients and spices like tomatoes, onions, and ginger in the Philippines.

2. Seafood Souvlaki

Fresh seafood skewered on skewers, such as shrimp or scallops, is perfectly roasted and served with lemon and herbs. This Greek spin on grilled seafood adds a delicious touch to the traditional souvlaki.

Greek food is renowned for its savory dishes and mouth watering selection of pastries and desserts.

Greek desserts offer a voyage of flavors and textures that satisfy any sweet tooth, from delicate filo pastries to syrup-soaked sweets.

1. Baklava

Baklava, which consists of layers of flaky filo dough filled with a mixture of crushed nuts, spices, and sweet syrup, is a traditional Greek treat.

The layers of filo pastry and nuts in Baklava may draw some parallels to Filipino turon, which features slices of ripe banana rolled in spring roll wrappers, deep-fried, and coated in caramelized sugar.

2. Loukoumades

The bite-sized Loukoumades are similar to the puto or bibingka in the Philippines. Both contain tiny, fluffy morsels that are typically eaten as a sweet snack or dessert.

3. Galaktboureko

The creamy custard-filled Galaktoboureko shares similarities with Filipino leche flan, a rich and silky caramel custard made with condensed milk and egg yolks.

Greek desserts will take you to a paradise of deliciousness. Even while Greek and Filipino sweets each have their own distinctive qualities, they both perfectly capture the thrill of indulging in mouthwatering treats.

Greek cuisine is a flavorful odyssey that immerses you in the rich history and vibrant culture of this Mediterranean gem. From the delicious souvlaki to the sweet and syrupy baklava, every dish tells a story of tradition and passion. To fully savor the wonders of Greek cuisine and explore the beauty of Greece, we enthusiastically recommend booking your hotel and flight through Traveloka.

Traveloka offers a convenient and trustworthy platform to plan your Greek adventure. With a wide array of accommodation choices and flight options, coupled with exclusive deals and discounts, you can dive into the heart of Greece's culinary delights with ease and affordability.

Don't miss the chance to taste the Mediterranean magic of Greek cuisine. Book your hotel and flight through Traveloka today and set off on a journey filled with delicious flavors and unforgettable experiences!