Greece is home to one of the oldest societies around. This means they’ve had lots of time to master the craft of food. Greek food is more than just tzatziki and feta cheese, though. Its cuisine is a compilation of bright flavors, contrasting textures, and fresh ingredients.
The only problem is, gyros get all the fame in terms of what people know as Greek food in the United States.
Don’t get me wrong, gyros are delicious. But, there are so many other incredible Greek foods that deserve to step into the limelight.
1. Spanikopita
Spinach pie doesn’t sound too exciting until you’ve had your first bite of spanikopita. Thin, flakey layers of filo dough pair perfectly with the creamy spinach filling inside.
2. Taramasalata
Fish spread sounds like something you would just pass along at a family meal. Taramasalata on the other hand is a dish you’ll want to hang on to and hope no one asks to share it.
Taramasalata is made from cured and salted fish roe, mixed with olive oil, lemon, and a starch like breadcrumbs. It’s perfect on a slice of garlic bread.
3. Saganaki
The reintegration of flaming cheese to Greek food happened at The Parthenon in Chicago. Unfortunately, it closed last year. Luckily, the tradition of eating saganaki continues.
Lemon not only puts out the flame, but it also creates a beautiful bright flavor to a dish that would otherwise be heavy on the palette.
4. Avgolemono
Avgolemono is a thick soup made from egg and lemon and often includes rice for added texture.
Egg lemon soup may sound strange, but once it’s put in front of you the smell will make you want to dig right in.
5. Keftedes
It’s hard to go wrong with meatballs, and the Greeks do it so well. It’s a typical meatball, but spices like oregano, parsley, and mint can be added to make them full of unique flavor and texture.
6. Moussaka
Moussaka is a lesser-known item at a Greek restaurant in the United States. Once you try the layers of eggplant and lamb, ordering gyros will be a thing of the past.
7. Pastitsio
Another baked and layered dish means another reason to head to the nearest Greek restaurant. Pastitsio starts with a layer of tube-shaped pasta, then a layer of meat, another layer of pasta, topped by an egg-based custard with cheese.
8. Galaktoboureko
If you’re still craving more of that filo dough from the spanikopita, galaktoboureko will make the perfect end to your meal. Layers and layers of filo dough and custard create a light baked dessert. Count on asking for seconds.
9. Souvlaki
Souvlaki is the closest thing on this list to gyros, but it has its own unique meat flavor. Any barbecue can have meat on a skewer. When you add parsley, oregano, mint, basil, and rosemary, you can transform tender meats to exciting souvlaki on a stick.