What’s to love about Cyprus?
Beautiful beaches, year round sun and super friendly locals. But as a foodie, I love Cyprus for its cuisine.
Cypriot food is great in taste, but easy on your waistline. Mediterranean dishes are all about fresh vegetables and quality ingredients. If you’re new to Cypriot cuisine and going on holiday in the country, you’re in for a treat. Here are my favorite Greek dishes to try on vacation for anyone new.
Halloumi
If you think you’ve tried halloumi, think again. Traditional Cypriot halloumi from local cows, sheep and goats on the island is unlike anything else. Grilled cheese is richer and sweeter in taste and goes perfectly with olives or bread soaked in olive oil. If this is one of the start menu, this is required.
Appetizer
One of my favorite divisive Cypriot dishes to order in a group is meze. Cypriot food is all about sharing with friends and family and meze is the perfect ice-breaker to pass around the table as it is so tempting. ‘I liked this’. ‘Oh you have to try this’. Meaning ‘small delicacies’ or ‘small dishes’, meze gives you a good idea of what larger dishes Cypriots like.
Souvlaki
If you’re not feeling all that adventurous or just want to dip your tongue in the water so to speak, you can find solace in the familiarity of soulvaki. Maybe you know it as kebab like I do. Whatever you call it, this grilled favorite serves delicious meat on a skewer or in pita bread. This is perhaps the most popular snack of the street food island.
Moussaka
My favorite value for money dish has to be the moussaka because it is so filling. I was a little apprehensive at first as egg plant was a key ingredient that I had never had. I don’t know, his name doesn’t sound very appealing! But I’m glad I tried. It also contained other vegetables such as eggplant, potatoes, courgettes, tomatoes and meat such as pork or lamb, it reminded me of a lasagna.
Seafood
Being an island, Cyprus has access to high quality seafood. Fresh and tasty, my recommendations would be to try the octopus or the calamari as it is difficult to find this kind of quality for a reasonable price. But I know not everyone is good with the feel or texture of one! So fish, particularly salt cod, is a safer bet. Grilled or baked, the quality makes the dish delicious.
Souzouko
And on the desserts, my favorite course. I didn’t know Cypriots had such sweets! Souzouko was my favorite discovery. They look kind of weird, but intriguing at the same time which is probably what drew my attention to them. Nuts (almonds for examples) are placed through a piece of string. This is then dipped in grape juice repeatedly then hung to harden. The combination may sound strange, but our party all enjoyed them and had seconds.
Baklava
Okay, maybe you’ve had baklava before, but it’s still worth mentioning for anyone who hasn’t. It is so popular, Cyprus and Turkey had a row over the originator of this tasty treat! That’s right. This sweet and crunchy filo pastry triangle of goodness is drizzled with honey and filled with pistachios, almonds and walnuts. it’s a crowd pleaser for sure.
Baklava (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
where are you going on holiday to beautiful Cyprus? I think it might be time to look at Paphos flights again! Where would you recommend a holiday in Cyprus? Tell me in the comments section below!