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.

Gyro

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

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

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

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.

Facts About Gyros

Many foodies love more than just the tasty dish or treat that’s set before them. You’ll find many that love the stories behind the foods they love and enjoy. Street dishes often have certain mysteries associated with them. The Gyro is a favorite Greek street dish that so many Americans have come to love. The combination of pita wrap, filled with well-seasoned meat and topped with yogurt sauce called tzatziki. Just in case you are curious, here are some interesting facts about Gyros. Head to Greco Boston for delicious, authentic Gyros!

Gyro is Commonly Mispronounced

The pronunciation and spelling of Gyro are different, which is to say that it’s not pronounced as it’s spelled. Common mispronunciations include “gee-ros”, “jee-ros,” and “jai-ros”. The correct pronunciation is “Yeh-ro.” Can’t see the connection? The “g” is silent. “Yeh” is the pronunciation of the Greek letter “gamma” in the Greek language.

Gyro Means “To Turn”

The literal meaning of the term Gyro is “to turn” or “revolution”, with origin in the Greek word “gheereezo”. It refers to how the meat is cooked. This is because of how the meat is cooked, which you will learn in the next entry.

Gyros are Cooked Vertically in a Rotisserie Grill

Chicken and pork are the two main meat kinds used in a Gyro and cooked upright in a rotisserie grill. Picture a vertical spit of stacked thin meat slices being simmered, and the meat shaved off strips of the meat with each serving. It can take roughly an hour for the meat to cook.

Gyro is Rooted in a Rich Cooking History

The origin of grilling meats on a skewer can be traced to the Eastern Mediterranean in the Mycenean Greek and Minoan periods. The Gyro (the technique of vertical spit of stacked meat slices and cutting it off while cooking)first arrived in Greece in the 1920s, brought from Constantinople and Smyrna by refugees.

Gyro Was Introduced in America in 1965

The Gyro was first introduced to Americans in 1965 by George Apostolou in the Parkview Restaurant located in Chicago, Illinois. The dish quickly got popular, and the demand resulted in other restaurants offering gyros as an alternative to hamburgers.

Largest Gyro was Made in Cyprus

A Lebanese Cypriot restaurateur, Sami EId, who resides in Limassol, Cyprus, made an 8,866 pounds Gyro. This was a world-record-setting gyro- the largest ever created. He achieved this feat using more than 70 grills and two tons of natural gas.

Americans Consume Millions of Gyros Yearly

Michael Austin, CEO of the world’s largest gyro manufacturer, Kronos Foods, claims that Americans eat over 300,000 of their gyros daily. That amounts to more than a million annually.

Visit Greco Boston for Gyros

The Gyro is an incredible food option that is known for its unforgettable taste, which is why you should visit Greco Boston. We offer the best gyros around that will leave you wanting more after your first one. Come in and place your order and grab a bite of your favorite Greek food. Or, you can place your order online! We look forward to serving you at Greco Boston.