3 Popular Menu Items To Try at Greco in Boston, MA

Greco is the neighborhood we grew up in, the stories we heard while growing up, the people we loved. Greco is a trip and we travel along with it. And on that trip, we carry our recipes and share all the smells and tastes of home.

 

There’s the American version of Greek food—then there’s true blue GRECO. Start with a classic gyro with your choice of fillings and sauces. Add a delicious side of Greek salad or zucchini crisps. And finish off your meal with legendary loukoumades. At our modern eatery, you’ll experience authentic street fare, made with Greek love.

 

Gyro

At Greco, we have plenty of different Gyro options to choose from to best match your taste. We have pork, lamb, or chicken gyro options, all filled with tomato, onion, and tzatziki. The Gyro originated in Greece and is a trademark of Greek fast food. Typically, a Gyro is typically packed with thinly sliced meat, tomatoes, raw red onions, lettuce, tzatziki, and if requested fried potatoes. It can’t be missed, try it a Greco today! 

 

Bifteki 

Bifteki is a delicious take on Greek meatballs. When you stuff this Greek meat mixture with feta cheese and grill it, the delicious result is called a Bifteki. A combination of oregano, mint, and onion all come together to create a traditional Greek taste. This delicious dish can also be considered a Greek burger. At Greco, we offer Bifteki with ground beef, Greek herbs, onions, tomatoes, and spicy feta. Try it today – it can’t be beaten. 

 

Loukaniko

Loukaniko is a Greek sausage made from pork or lamb and flavored with various other dried herbs and seeds and sometimes smoked over woods for a smoky aroma. Loukaniko is typically served as a mezze, often sliced and fried. It can also be cooked into any number of dishes. The name itself comes from ancient Roman cuisine Lucania which has also been used in Greece. At Greco, we offer Loukaniko with pork and leek sausage, onion, tomato, and a delicious dipping mustard sauce. 

 

At Greco in Boston, we have plenty of authentic Greek fast food for you to try throughout Boston, MA. Visit our website to view our menu and learn more about our Greco story. View our locations to visit us today.

Our Favorite Authentic Greek Cuisine in Boston, MA

Greco is Greek. Greco is a trip and we travel along with it. And on that trip, we carry our recipes and share all the smells and tastes of home.

 

There’s the American version of Greek food—then there’s true blue GRECO. Start with a classic gyro with your choice of fillings and sauces. Add a delicious side of Greek salad or zucchini crisps. And finish off your meal with legendary loukoumades. At our modern eatery, you’ll experience authentic street fare, made with Greek love.

 

Gyro 

At Greco, we have plenty of different Gyro options to choose from to best match your taste. We have pork, lamb, or chicken gyro options, all filled with tomato, onion, and tzatziki. The Gyro originated in Greece and is a trademark of Greek fast food. 

 

Typically, a Gyro is typically packed with thinly sliced meat, tomatoes, raw red onions, lettuce, tzatziki, and if requested fried potatoes. It can’t be missed, try it a Greco today!

 

Loukaniko 

Loukaniko is a Greek sausage made from pork or lamb and flavored with various other dried herbs and seeds and sometimes smoked over woods for a smoky aroma. Loukaniko is typically served as a mezze, often sliced and fried. It can also be cooked into any number of dishes. 

 

The name Loukaniko itself comes from ancient Roman cuisine Lucania which has also been used in Greece. At Greco, we offer Loukaniko with pork and leek sausage, onion, tomato, and a delicious dipping mustard sauce.

 

Homemade Greek Sauces 

Served with pita is best, but can really go well with any dish, these sauces of Greece in the best form possible. Made with fresh ingredients and homemade in-house, these can’t be beaten. 

• Tzatziki
• Spicy Feta
• Charred Eggplant
• Pepper Paprika
• Lemon Yogurt

 

Loukoumades 

Who doesn’t like finishing off lunch or dinner with a sweet finish? At Greco Truly Greek, we have three delicious Greek donut flavors. Our favorite is the classic, made with Greek honey, walnuts, cinnamon. We also have the Bougatsa donut, made with custard creme, phyllo crust, cinnamon, and powdered sugar. Lastly, Yaya’s loukoumades come with hazelnut praline, oreo cookies, and powdered sugar. 

 

Visit Greco Truly Greek in Boston, MA Today

At Greco in Boston, we have plenty of authentic Greek fast food for you to try throughout Boston, MA. Visit our website to view our menu and learn more about our Greco story. View our locations to visit us today.

Check Out These Fun Facts About Greek Cuisine

We put together a list of facts about Greek cuisine. Keep reading below to learn more about why Greek food is unique and why it is popular around the world! Visit Greco in Boston, MA to try our authentic fresh Greek cuisine.

 

Champions of Olive Oil

Olive oil consistently receives praise for being a star of the Mediterranean diet. Many scientists have proven that olive oil helps to prevent diseases like Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and cancer if consumed regularly. Olive oil plays a key role in Mediterranean food – Greek food, in particular. Greeks take great pride in the fact that their ancestors were, in all likelihood, the first people to plant olive trees in the Mediterranean region, including France, Italy, and Spain. Greek cooking utilizes olive oil in just about everything, adding rich flavor to every meal!

 

The Story of Potatoes in Greece

The Greek story of potatoes states that Greece’s first governor, Ioannis Kapodistrias, wanted to introduce potatoes into the beautiful country. Legend has it, he ordered potatoes that were to be given for free, but the Greek communities showed no interest in this exotic crop. He thought of a trick. He ordered potatoes that were to be unloaded in public display and guarded by security. They instructed the guards to turn a blind eye if any of the locals tried stealing the potatoes. The plan was crowned with success. The Greeks saw the potatoes as valuable, and soon began stealing them all – quickly, they fell in love with the new exotic crop.

 

Little Meat, Lots of Vegetables

Greek cuisine can be associated with tender meat dishes, such as lamb skewers and kleftik, and tangy cheeses like our favorite, feta. The rocky terrain and arid climate of Greece made it much easier for sheep and goats rather than cattle, so the most traditional meat and dairy products originated from those animals. For many centuries, pork, poultry, rabbit, and seafood were seen as luxuries and typically only used for a special occasion – or in the old times for the high-class. Vegetables, therefore, were the primary menu options across Greece. With plenty of vegetables growing in the region, the fresh vegetarian dishes are priceless. For most dishes nowadays, meat is a side dish or an extra add-on.

 

East Meets West

Lastly, ss with most famous cuisines, Greek food is full of influences from around the world, but mostly from its neighbor Turkey. Most of Greece was part of the Ottoman Empire for almost 300 years, and as a result the dishes you find in modern Greece you may also find through the Mediterranean. These dishes include stuffed vine leaves, tzatziki, and many more. It is difficult to say where each of these dishes originated, though it seems that most sweets delicacies of the region such as baklava, came from Greece with strong influences from the middle east and Turkey.

 

Visit Greco Truly Greek Today

At Greco Truly Greek in Boston, MA, we have plenty of vegetarian and meat options for you to try. If the winter blues have been getting you down, try something new! Our authentic and fresh Greek cuisine can’t be beaten – not to mention you can just grab and go!

What Makes Truly Greek Cuisine So Special

Greece brings with it simply prepared food that uses the best of what’s in season – making sure ingredients are always fresh. Greece’s culinary traditions stretch back hundreds of years, while it has also evolved over time, it absorbed a variety of different cultural influences. Many popular and traditional Greek dishes are part of a larger tradition from the Ottoman Empire. The dishes include moussaka, börek, and tzatziki! 

 

Greek cuisine uses some flavorings relatively more than other Mediterranean dishes. These flavorings include some of our favorites: oregano, mint, garlic, onion, dill, basil, thyme, and fennel seed. Something unique that Greek recipes include is using sweeter spices in more savory combinations, for example, using cinnamon, whole spice, and cloves in beef stews.

 

Why Greek Food Is Different Than Other Cuisines

Cooking methods and basic ingredients have changed very little since its creation. Bread, olives, olive oil, and wine constituted the Greek diet for many centuries, and it still does! Greek food is simple yet colorful and incredibly nutritious. Greek food has a reputation for being heart-healthy as well due to the abundance of fish, lean meats, vegetables, herbs, and grains. 

 

Greece is a nation of small farmers that all produce an incredible array of cheeses, oils, fruits, nuts, vegetables, and many more. These foods form the foundation of the traditional Greek diet. Additionally, Greece’s climate is perfect for olive trees and lemon trees, therefore naturally producing incredible elements to add to all Greece recipes. With 20% of Greece made up of islands, it makes sense that fish and seafood are common in the Greek diet. Lamb and goats are traditional meats of holidays and festivals, but octopus, mussels, and other seafood are served almost every day.

 

Find Authentic Greek Cuisine in Boston, MA

Greco in Boston, MA provides authentic Greek food to neighborhoods throughout the city and beyond. Although we may not be located in the climate for fresh olive oil, vegetables, lemons, seafood, etc. don’t count us out for authentic Greek food. There’s the American version of Greek food, then there’s true blue Greco. 

 

You can start with a classic gyro with your choice of fillings and sauces. Or you can enjoy a delicious Greek salad with a side of zucchini crisps. Still not satisfied? No problem. Finish it off with legendary loukoumades, our fresh greek donuts that come in a variety of flavors. At our modern eatery, you’ll experience authentic Greek fare made with the customs and culture of ancient Greek culinary.

5 Foods to Order at a Greek Restaurant in Boston, MA 

Greek foods are flavorsome, fresh, and packed with spices and herbs. If you’re located in Boston, MA, and craving the delicacies of Greek foods, visit Greco today! We assembled a list of 5 recommended Greek foods to try in Boston, MA – keep reading to learn more. 

 

Fresh Fishes 

Fish and calamari come from the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas, which happen to surround Greece. These tasty dishes are cooked with minimum fuss and are one of the most popular proteins to add to any meal. Although we’re not located on the Mediterranean or Aegean seas, Boston, MA can offer delicious Greek seafood options if you look hard enough. 

 

Gyros

Gyros are similar to kabobs, and they are one of the more traditional Greek fast-casual dishes. It consists of pieces of meat that were cooked on a rotisserie and wrapped in a pita along with toppings of your choice. Vegetarian alternatives include grilled halloumi or feta cheese in replacement of the meat.

 

Spanakopita

The Greeks love their pies – and so do we! You can find pies in all different shapes and forms, from those made with enriched dough to those with phyllo pastry. The most classic is the spanakopita which is phyllo with feta cheese and spinach. At Greco in Boston, MA we spanakpita rolls. Try them out today! 

 

Loukoumades 

A Greek delicacy loved by almost everyone, loukoumades are small doughnut-like balls with honey syrup and various toppings – typically pistachios or crushed walnuts. The dish is typically served in large quantities to share with friends and family. It’s Greek hospitality at its best! 

 

Visit GreCo in Boston, MA Today! 

Are you hungry just reading about these different dishes? Don’t worry, you can find them right here in Boston! Greco has locations across the city, so you can’t miss us. Visit Greco in the Backbay, Seaport, Hub Hall, or Downtown today!

The History of Greek Cuisine

Greek cuisine has been impacted and influenced a variety of communities throughout the Mediterranean and middle east. This cuisine offers an incredibly rich and diverse array of foods brought together from thousands of years of living, cooking, and eating. Each famous Greek meal has some historical significance or influence. Keep reading to learn more about them! 

 

History of Greek Cooking

Although Greece is small, it contains an abundance of cheese, oils, fruits, and vegetables. These are the foundational foods that are the base of many traditional Greek dishes. Due to the climate that fits the needs of many plants, growing and producing are huge factors of the Greek lifestyle and diet. On top of this, Greece is also home to many key spices and herbs, including oregano, basil, mint, and thyme.

 

So how has the Greek diet changed over the years? The food history of Greece can date back to 350 B.C. Certain northern and eastern influences were absorbed into various Greek cuisine. Greek cuisine comes from an influence of the East and the West. Thanks to the Persians the Greeks started to include Middle Eastern foods like rice, yogurt, and sweets made with honey, nuts, and sesame seeds. There have been many influences to Greek Cuisine historical moments, such as the Roman War and the extension of the Greek Empire. These events have an impact on how Greek Food has been made in modern eras.

 

Greek Eating Habits & Traditions

In addition to the changing of recipes and dishes, eating habits were also influenced over the years. Although everyone loves a big breakfast, many Greek communities are not big breakfast indulgers. Greeks typically eat a small and simple breakfast of bread, cheese, fruits, and a cup of coffee. Lunch became the main focus of the day, with was always followed by a few hours of rest – when schools and businesses remained closed and allowed people the time to rest. 

 

Early evening is when the snacks come out – or as we like to call it mezes. The assortments of cheese, with delicious wines and fruits. Oftentimes, mezes can also comprise vegetables, meats, dips, olives, etc. The possibilities are endless, for some. Popular mezes items include souvlaki, hummus, and pita bread, Spanakopitas, dolmades, and fish spread.

 

Visit Us in Boston, MA For A Mezes

Interested in experiencing the Greek cuisine lifestyle? Visit us in Boston, MA to experience authentic Greek cuisine and an unforgettable atmosphere. Contact us today, or visit our website to learn more!

Our Favorite Greek Style Donuts

At Greco in Boston, our favorite dessert without a doubt is our Greek-style donuts, called Loukoumades, which are provided in a variety of different flavors. For those not familiar with loukoumades, they are fried donuts served warm and drizzled with honey syrup and cinnamon. On occasion, it is sprinkled with walnuts or a topping of your choice. They are served throughout Greece, where the history of this donut can be traced back to BC times. 

 

The history of loukoumades roots back to the original Olympic Games. The Greeks honored the Gods and the prize came in an edible form of “honey tokens.” These honey tokens happened to be fried dough covered in honey. The Olympic games in today’s time might not award loukoumades, but in Greece, this donut is still sacred. No matter the time, you can travel anywhere in Greece cities and find shops selling loukoumades. 

 

The Origin of Loukoumades

Unlike most American donut shops, which fill the air with the scent of heavy oil, the aroma in the air when baking loukoumades is honey and cinnamon filled. The scent of Greek Loukoumades is warm and inviting, making it almost impossible to say no to. Loukoumades were known as “charisoi” (χαρίσιοι), which translates in English to “charisma”. This could be a reason that loukoumades, likely the first-ever recorded dessert, is one of the most praised desserts out there.

 

Since the invention of loukoumades during the original Olympic games, the recipe spread through Turkey, Egypt, Persia, and Italy, which led to a variety of loukoumades being made and adjusted throughout the entire world. So when you order that donut, take some time to remember where these glazed treats came from. 

 

Loukoumades in Boston, MA

At Greco in Boston, we provide our community with a variety of different loukoumades, or Greek donuts. We have a classic option, with honey, walnuts, and cinnamon that is a crowd favorite. With also have a Bougatsa option, with custard creme, phyllo, cinnamon, and powdered sugar. Yaya’s loukoumades come with hazelnut praline, oreo cookies, and powdered sugar as well. Lastly, we offer the kataifi with custard, shredded phyllo, honey, and pistachio.

 

Don’t miss out on the delicious and unique loukoumades at Greco in Boston, MA. Greco is the neighborhood we grew up in, the stories we heard while growing up, the people we loved, and we want to share our experience with you. Visit us today, or visit our website to learn more and order online! 

National Baklava Day: The History of Baklava

Baklava is the most common dessert for many Greek families. Baklava was first reported in Constantinople when Greek merchants were made aware of it. The modern-day baklava, and the variety of ways that it is consumed, has gone through numerous changes. In celebration of National Baklava Day, we will dive into the influence that various cultures have had on baklava over the years. The Greeks’ most notable contribution to baklava was the creation of a dough technique as thin as a leaf. The typical method was a more rough and bread-like dough used in other regions. The name “Phyllo”, which is the name of the dough used for baklava, was coined by Greeks and means “leaf” in Greek, taken straight from the texture itself.

 

The dessert and delicacy were perfected during the Ottoman Empire after being brought from Constantinople. The kitchens throughout the Ottoman palace became a culinary hotspot for baklava recipes, serving up the greatest renditions of Baklava to the upper-class members of society. Baklava grew from a simple pastry into a dessert to please the dignitaries. Over time, it grew into a dessert that people would bake for special occasions and family gatherings. The times have changed so much that now you can go to your local bakery and stumble upon pre-packaged baklava. 

 

Baklava Influences From Around The World

It’s undeniable that baklava was impacted by the different migration patterns in the Middle East. The region has seen many of the world’s oldest civilizations come and go, with each of them modifying the baklava to match their personal and cultural preferences. More influences to the classic baklava recipe include the Armenian influence – when they integrated cinnamon and cloves into their baklava. 

 

More influences include the Arab civilizations introducing the rose-water and orange blossom water to baklava recipes. Cooks and chefs who worked in the Ottoman palaces contributed greatly to the refinement of pastry-making. Due to the popularity of baklava among cooks and pastry chefs, pastry desserts became more accessible to the middle and lower classes towards the end of the 19th century. 

 

Other Popular Greek Desserts

One of the most common desserts besides baklava is delicious and moist Greek donuts. This delicacy comes in a variety of different flavors. Try our classic, with honey, walnuts, and cinnamon, or our Bougatsa with custard creme, phyllo dough, and powdered. We also serve a custard filled with honey and pistachio, or our personal favorite Yaya’s, with oreo cookies and powdered sugar. Visit us today to learn more!

3 Reasons Why Greek Food Can’t Be Beat

3 Reasons Why Greek Food Can’t Be Beat

Greek culinary is known for its fresh ingredients, including seafood, vegetables, and delectable sweets. Not only is it full of fresh ingredients, but Greek food is also one of the healthiest Mediterranean foods. On top of that, Greek food has a wide variety of dishes, including plenty of vegetarian and vegan-friendly options. Keep reading below for more reasons why Greek food can’t be beaten. Download our app today to stay up-to-date with our GreCo community.

 

Health Benefits

The freshness of Greek food is tied to its health benefits – they take pride in their ingredients. To start off, the convenience of Greek’s location includes the plethora of native spices like oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and sage. If it’s grown in the country, you could assume that it’s healthier. Greece is also surrounded by four seas. That gives the country opportunities to gather fresh seafood off its coasts. Eating fresh, unfrozen, unprocessed foods will make your body feel even better, which is a great excuse to eat Greek. 

 

Vegetarian Options

There are a number of dishes made almost entirely of plant-based foods, one of the most popular trends that have taken the restaurant world by storm. For Greek communities, eating vegetarian isn’t hard. In addition to that, since seafood is a common ingredient in the Greek diet, pescatarians can find fresh dishes perfect for their diet. No matter your preference, Greece has an endless list of delicious and traditional meals that can satisfy your hunger while also connecting you with Greek roots. 

 

Appetizers 

Known in Greek as “mezes”, appetizers are light refreshments that were historically served in the late afternoon. For Greek families, appetizers are one of the more popular courses. The US does have appetizers as well but it seems like they aren’t quite as common as those in Greece and Mediterranean neighborhoods. When you travel to your local Greek restaurant, make sure to indulge in the mezes, one of the most unique and popular courses for Mediterranean groups. 

 

Why YOU Should Try GreCo in Boston

If the 3 reasons above haven’t convinced you to visit GreCo in Boston, then visit our gallery to see for yourself. This incredibly unique dining experience will welcome you into our neighborhood. GreCo is the neighborhood we grew up in, the stories we heard while growing up, the people we loved. GreCo is a trip and we travel along with it. And on that trip, we carry our recipes and share all the smells and tastes of home. Visit us today!

A Brief History of Gyros

Gyros are a Grecian street food staple. Over the years, these delicious wraps have made their way around the world and can now be found in cities all over the globe, from New York City to Sydney and beyond. 

Even if you’re a big fan of eating gyros, though, there’s a good chance you don’t know the fascinating history behind this popular Greek food. Here, we dive into some of the most intriguing facts about gyros – you’re sure to be able to impress your friends (and the wait staff!) next time you visit your local Greco restaurant.

What Exactly is a Gyro?

A Greek gyro – pronounced “GHEE-ro” is a stacked pile of thinly sliced meat (traditionally lamb, pork, or beef) that is roasted while it is turned on a small spit, similar to a rotisserie chicken. Once the meat has fully cooked, it is placed in a pita wrap with various toppings, which conventionally include tomatoes, lettuce, onions, parsley, and Greek yogurt or tzatziki as the sauce. 

Where Does the Term “Gyro” Come From?

“Gyro” is derived from the Greek word “gheereezo”, which means “to turn”. This name, of course, was given to the wrap sandwich because of how its main ingredient – the meat – is cooked. 

When Were Gyros Invented?

According to some historical accounts, gyros were initially part of traditional Greek skewered meat feasts, which seemingly took place when soldiers returned from battle victorious. Some reports note that this tradition was started by the Hellenic icon, Alexander the Great, and his returning armies. Seemingly Alexander’s soldiers would skewer and roast various cuts of meat on sword-like blades over an open fire, turning the long knives similarly to how gyros are still made today. 

To the best of anyone’s knowledge, though, gyros, as we know them today, were first made around 1922, with the hundreds of thousands of Greek and Armenian refugees from Turkey. Most were natives of Constantinople – now known as Istanbul – and Smyrna – now known as Ismir. As the lore goes, Armenians made the best gyros. 

Following World War II, Allied soldiers returned home with a fondness for gyros, which led to many immigrant-owned gyro restaurants and stands throughout the United States, Eastern Europe, and Australia – some of which still exist today!

Ordering Gyros in the Pandemic Era.

As the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted how people live, work, and even eat, it is worth noting that most Greek restaurants offer take-home service or curbside delivery for patrons nowadays. Furthermore, check Uber Eats or another food delivery app to see if any of your local Greco will bring a gyro straight to your front door!

Visit Greco Boston Today

Next time you’re craving a gyro, look no further! We serve some of the most authentic and delicious Greek food in the city, and we can’t wait to serve you soon. If you have questions about feeding a crowd, contact us to learn more about our catering options for large parties. Visit one of our four Greco locations in Boston! Give us a call at (617) 572-3300.