Popular Greek Street Food

Many people, when they think of Greek food, picture the Mediterranean Sea, a type of ancient ruins, and a colorful and lively culture. Greece is well-known for its ancient tavernas and traditional eateries but boasts a vibrant street food culture. 

 

Exploring Greek Street Food Culture

The tradition of Greek street cuisine continues to grow and is fundamental to Greek life. More than simply a means to an end, eating in this beautiful Mediterranean nation is an adventure through the flavors and customs that have been celebrated for centuries. This article will guide you through the lively streets of Greece to discover the popular Greek street foods that attract tourists and locals alike.

 

Souvlaki

Juicy and flavourful souvlaki is a culinary staple that is most delicious when served sizzling. Souvlaki is a Greek dish consisting of flame-grilled chunks of pork or chicken drizzled with tzatziki (a yogurt and garlic dip). It is filled with warm pita bread and topped with Tzatziki sauce, tomatoes, onions, and fries. You may customize your dish by selecting from various sauces and toppings. 

 

Gyros

Gyros, similar to doner kebabs in Turkey, is a staple of Greek street cuisine. The meat in a gyro is seasoned and cut thinly before being gently roasted on a vertical rotisserie. Wraps of pita bread are filled with shaved meat, tomatoes, onions, and extra tzatziki sauce. This dish is a meat eater’s paradise because of the soft, tender beef and the refreshing, tangy sauce.

 

Koulouri

The most well-known Greek breakfast treat, koulouris, consists of sesame seed-studded circular bread. In particular, they are ring-shaped rolls that have been perused, giving them the appearance of bagels. Most of the time, they are created of a batter fermented into log ropes before being twisted into circles. Koulouris come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and you can buy them fresh from vendors all around the city. 

 

Tiropita

Tiropita is a kind of cheese pie or pita that is quite popular in Greece. It’s a household favorite and a well-known street meal in Greece. Tiropita is a Greek dish often cooked with feta cheese, eggs, handmade phyllo, and olive oil. Tiropitas usually have the form of a sail, while they can exist in other shapes and sizes meant to be eaten alone. Tiropita is a versatile food that may be eaten as a morning snack and a full dinner.

 

Loukoumades

Greek street cuisine is delicious, especially for those with a sweet craving. Small dough balls called loukoumades are deep-fried and topped with honey, cinnamon, and crushed almonds. Crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy inside, these tasty morsels are hard to resist.

 

Why You Should Visit Greco to Savor Popular Greek Street Food

A dynamic and essential element of Greek life, the culture of street food offers a rich tapestry of flavors and customs that have been treasured for centuries. You can find authentic Greek street food right here in Boston, MA. The dedication of Greco to providing the highest quality authentic Greek street cuisine guarantees you a memorable experience.

 

Famous Greek Meat Dishes to Try

Greeks are renowned for their passion for eating, feeding people, and cuisine. A person visiting Greece should always be satisfied with ending up hungry. Greek cuisine is known for its rich flavors and use of fresh, local ingredients such as olive oil, cheese, and vegetables from the Mediterranean. A journey to the Mediterranean would only be complete with tasting these tasty Greek specialties.

 

The Rich Culinary Heritage of Greece

Greek food is representative of a diverse cultural legacy that combines modern techniques with old products and methods from the Mediterranean. It’s an exciting and varied culinary industry because of its many regional influences, which have resulted in meals with solid flavors, fresh ingredients, and large servings. Traditional Greek cuisine is an exuberant celebration of the joys of life, with its fragrant herbs, rich meats, and distinctive olive oil.

 

Youvarlakia

This traditional Greek soup has soft beef meatballs in a rich, savory broth. The meatballs and broth are often seasoned with different fresh herbs, and the meal is completed with avgolemono—the silky egg and lemon sauce—thickens the soup and gives a distinctively zesty flavor.

 

Kokkinisto

The phrase “kokkinisto” refers to a wide variety of traditional Greek meals, all of which use various cuts of beef that have been seared before being simmered in a delicious tomato sauce with herbs, spices, and sometimes red wine. Kokkinisto meals are often cooked with meat, poultry, or lamb and served with pasta or potatoes as the main course or a smaller meze dish.

 

Kleftiko

Kleftiko, a traditional Greek meal, consists of a juicy piece of lamb or goat meat wrapped in foil and baked in airtight ovens. It is often served during celebratory events and festivities. The word comes from the Klephts, mountain rebels during the Greek Revolution. They cooked food underground so that no smells or steam could escape, which would reveal where they were hiding.

 

Apáki

Cretan apáki is traditionally made from pork loin that has been cured and smoked with herbs such as oregano, marjoram, thyme, and sage. This method of preparation for extending the shelf life of meat is said to have originated in Byzantine times.

 

Dolmades

Dolma is the national cuisine of Turkey and refers to any vegetable stuffed with a rice-based mixture. Typically, rice and minced beef are wrapped with grape leaves to make dolma. In the early seventh century, in the court of King Khusrow II, stuffed leaves were first created.

The Mediterranean Diet: Is It Really Healthy?

In 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022, the United States News & World Report ranked the Mediterranean diet at the top of healthy meal options. This global recognition is mainly due to Mediterranean health benefits, including weight regulation, heart protection, and cancer reduction. The diets also contain plant oils, nuts, fish, fruits, and vegetables, also known to boost the immune system. 

 

What is a Mediterranean Diet?

The Mediterranean Diet is a dietary pattern inspired by the traditional eating habits of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. It typically emphasizes consuming fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and olive oil. It also includes moderate amounts of fish and poultry, limited red meat, and an average consumption of dairy products.

 

Health Benefits of Mediterranean Diets

Below are the health benefits of Mediterranean diets and why health professionals highly recommend them.

• Heart health: The Mediterranean diet is rich in monounsaturated fats from olive oil and nuts. These fats can help improve heart health by reducing harmful cholesterol levels and lowering the risk of heart disease.
• Reduced risk of chronic diseases: The diet’s emphasis on whole, nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provides a wide array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These components help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, and certain types of cancer.
• Weight management: The Mediterranean diet is balanced and focuses on whole foods, aiding weight management. Its high fiber content helps you feel fuller for longer, reducing overeating and supporting weight loss or maintenance.
• Brain health: The Mediterranean diet includes foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like fatty fish (salmon, sardines). These fats are essential for brain health, potentially reducing the risk of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorders.
• Inflammation reduction: The diet’s components, such as olive oil and fish, contain anti-inflammatory properties. By reducing chronic inflammation, the risk of various diseases, including heart disease and arthritis, can be mitigated.
• Digestive health: The diet’s focus on whole grains, vegetables, and fruits provides a good amount of dietary fiber, promoting a healthy gut by supporting regular bowel movements. It also fosters a diverse gut microbiome.
• Diabetes management: The Mediterranean diet’s emphasis on whole grains, legumes, and low glycemic index foods helps regulate blood sugar levels. This makes it beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those at risk.

 

Visit Greco to Enjoy the Best of Mediterranean Meals

It’s important to note that while the Mediterranean diet offers numerous health benefits, individual needs can vary. Thus, it would help if you visited a place like Greco, with diverse diet options for various needs in a fast-casual setting. Get ready for the best meal you have ever had!

Healthy Greek Meals You Should Try

Are you a big fan of Greek cuisine and want to get healthier? Fortunately, there are many healthy Greek meals for you to try! If you wish to eat more fruits and vegetables or lose a few pounds, these healthy Greek meals might help you.

 

Traditional Greek Salad

This traditional Greek salad may be the best option for a quick and healthy meal. It is low in calories while also being filling and loaded with vegetables. As a bonus, it’s delicious! This salad is super easy to make because it has so few ingredients. You can make it yourself with cucumbers, tomatoes, kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Add a dressing of olive oil, herbs, and spices, and you’ll have a new favorite lunch item!

 

Greek Chicken Bowls

This Greek chicken bowl recipe can make a filling, healthy, and tasty meal in less than an hour. The bowl includes marinaded chicken strips, rice, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and red onions mixed with herbs, spices, and oil. It is a flavorful and exciting dish your family will beg you to make weekly! While the prep time takes a little longer than other healthy Greek recipes, this one is unforgettable. Even better, it is a fantastic meal to make ahead of meal prep. Consider this recipe for your lunches this week!

 

Greek Dolmades

Dolmades is a vegetarian dish with a rice mixture stuffed inside grapevine leaves. This meal can be an excellent option for those seeking a lighter dish for dinner. The rice is seasoned with lemon juice, onions, dill, parsley, salt, and pepper before being added to the leaves and rolled. 

 

Avgolemono Chicken Soup

Traditionally, avgolemono is a sauce made of chicken broth, the juice of a lemon, and egg yolks. Add broth, chicken, and rice to make it into a soup. This avgolemono chicken soup recipe brings a delicious and healthy dinner option in 30 minutes or less.

 

Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki

If you’ve never had souvlaki, you’re missing out! If you’ve never had tzatziki, you’re also missing out! These two Greek favorites are flavorful and may become your favorite protein-packed dish. The chicken souvlaki with tzatziki requires a garlic-heavy marinade for the best flavor. It is typically served on a skewer or in a pita with various toppings. Whether you opt for the skewer or the pita version, you won’t be disappointed with this meal. 

 

Try Greek Meals!

Are you a lover of Greek food but need more energy to cook the meals yourself? That’s okay! Greco is ready to serve you some of the most incredible healthy Greek meals you’ll ever have. Stop by Greco in Boston, MA, for a delicious bite today.

5 Popular Greek Desserts to Try This New Year

You may have heard of rice pudding or baklava and not attributed it to Greek desserts, but they are two of the more available options. Although Greek desserts are less commonly known than in other cultures, there are many delicious sweets to choose from. This new year, consider trying one of these five popular Greek desserts.

 

Loukoumades

Loukoumades are a Greek dessert made of fried dough. It is often compared to a donut or funnel cake. The dough comprises flour, yeast, sugar, and water rolled into a small ball and fried in oil. Once the frying is complete, bakers typically top loukoumades with a honey sauce.

Cinnamon and chopped nuts are often an additional topping to Greek loukoumades. Other tasty topping options include chocolate, caramel, and Nutella. These delicious treats are usually found at festivals or celebrations.

 

Portokalopita

Imagine a cake with layers of phyllo dough and custard with a custard filling. This delectable dessert brings varying flavors and textures to create a popular Greek dish. Greeks make the custard of eggs, sugar, and semolina. 

Once baked, the cake is typically soaked in a sweet syrup made from orange juice and sugar. The orange flavor is strong in this dessert!

It’s also good to note that portokalopita is famous for even those that don’t often bake, as this is one dish where you don’t have to be gentle with the phyllo dough. 

 

Kserotigana

As with many Greek desserts, kserotigana features phyllo dough. The phyllo dough is deep-fried in this decadent dish and rolled into mixed nuts and cinnamon sugar. They are served in a delicate spiral shape, drizzled with honey or syrup. 

Kserotigana can be found at nearly any bakery or sweet shop in Greece but is also a common feature at weddings, baptisms, and other special events. Most commonly, kserotigana is associated with Easter.

 

Diples

Diples are a Greek dessert somewhat similar to Kserotigana, especially in preparation. Diples is a phyllo dough pastry that is deep fried and folded. It often includes extra flavors like cinnamon and vanilla. They are served in long spirals with a honey glaze and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.  

 

Halvas

If you’re looking for the Greek version of fudge, it’s halvas. Halvas is created with tahini, a paste made from sesame seeds. It also includes nuts, sugar, and spices to make a delicious little sweet. A bit of honey or syrup adds to the sweetness of the dish.

This dessert is firm enough to form blocks, balls, or other shapes and is served as a standard dessert at special events and in cafes. 

FAQ: The Different Types of Greek Meats

Greek cuisine is renowned for its use of flavorful and unique meats. There is something for everyone, from lamb to beef, pork, and chicken! But what do you know about the different types of Greek roots? Read on and discover a world of traditional recipes sure to tantalize your taste buds.

 

Lamb

Lamb is one of the most popular types of meat in Greece and is used in various recipes. Souvlaki skewers, roasted leg of lamb, and pastitsio are all popular dishes that feature this delicious meat. Lamb can also be found in traditional dishes such as moussaka or pasticcio.

 

Seafood

The sea surrounds Greece, so seafood is essential to its cuisine. From classic dishes such as taramosalata (a fish roe dip) and grilled octopus to modern creations like shrimp skewers and fried calamari. Seafood is incredibly versatile and can be found in almost any Greek restaurant.

Beef

Beef also plays a vital role in Greek cuisine. It can be used to make dishes like yiouvetsi (a baked casserole dish) or gyros (a popular food item served with pita bread). Beef is also used in other traditional words such as kokoretsi (stuffed intestines) and pastichio (a pasta bake dish).

 

Pork

Pork has been a staple in Greek cooking for centuries, and it’s no surprise why! This tasty meat can be found in various dishes such as lahmacun (Turkish-style pizza), bifteki (meat patties), and kreatopita (meat pie). Pork is often served alongside potatoes, making it both flavorful and filling. 

 

Chicken

Greek cuisine offers plenty of delicious options when it comes to chicken dishes! Try classic favorites like spetsofai – sausages cooked with onions, tomatoes, red peppers, feta cheese, and oregano – or tavas – chicken baked with potatoes and vegetables. You can even experiment with modern recipes such as lemon-roasted chicken or grilled kebabs if you want to go beyond the classics.

 

No matter what type of Greek meat you are looking for, there is something to suit every taste. The possibilities are endless, from lamb and beef dishes to pork and chicken recipes!

Cozy Up With These Greek Comfort Foods

As the days grow colder and daylight fades, nothing sounds better than cozying up with some mouth-watering Greek comfort food. After all, what’s more, comforting and homey than a steaming dish of moussaka or a bowl of avgolemono soup? From classic to contemporary, here are five iconic Greek words sure to bring warmth to your winter nights.

 

Moussaka

This layered eggplant dish is the jewel in the crown of Greek cuisine. Combining layers of eggplant, ground beef, vegetables, and a creamy béchamel topping creates an unrivaled flavor experience. No matter where you try it, you will surely be delighted by this comfort meal.

 

Gemista (Stuffed Vegetables)

Another famous Greek comfort food is genista – tomatoes and bell peppers filled with rice and herbs and baked until tender perfection. This tasty dish is surprisingly easy to make yet offers plenty of fragrant aromas from its mix of spices such as oregano, thyme, mint, or basil.

Pasticcio

This hearty pasta bake consists of layers of macaroni smothered in ground beef and tomato sauce, then topped with white béchamel sauce for that extra velvety texture. Za’atar or grated kefalotiri cheese often added on top, adds another layer of flavor, making this casserole one filling meal.

Avgolemono Soup

A cold winter night calls for something warm like Avgolemono soup, a traditional lemony chicken broth served with chunks of chicken breast and short grain rice (orzo). This classic has been around since Ancient Greece due to its simple yet unforgettable taste, which blends sweet lemon juice into a rich, brothy base made from chicken stock and eggs.

 

Bougatsa

The perfect way to end your cozy night is with Bougatsa – a dessert pastry made from phyllo dough rolled up around creamy custard or ricotta cheese filling, sprinkled with powdered sugar or cinnamon on top. This delicious treat can be served warm or cold, depending on your preference, but either way, it will have you wanting more after that first bite. 

Your Guide to Popular Greek food

Greek food has a rich history and is renowned for its variety of dishes, from fresh seafood and sugary pastries to delicate grilled meats and tangy salads. Greece is the southernmost European country, and the mainland and the islands typically enjoy a Mediterranean climate that is excellent for agriculture and viticulture. 

Fish and seafood are a prominent and regular part of the Greek diet because 70% of Greece is made up of islands, and no section of the Greek mainland is more than 90 miles from the sea. The traditional meats for celebrations and holidays are lamb and goat (kid), although there is plenty of fowl, cattle, and pork.

Furthermore, for the past 10,000 years, connectivity to fresh fish has been made possible by its location in the Aegean. Top-quality ingredients, natural herbs, and tightly kept family traditions are the hallmarks of traditional Greek cuisine. 

 

Top Greek Foods

Some of the top Greek food includes: 

 

φασoλάδα (fasoláda)

Among the ingredients are carrots, tomatoes, celery, onion, and white beans.

This is a hearty and incredibly nourishing Greek soup made with fresh veggies and nearby white beans. The beans give the soup an exceptional thickness after they have been perfectly boiled until they are soft. This Greek food is a typical dish in contemporary Greek cooking, enjoyed by many Greek families, particularly religious households, during the Great Lent.

 

γεμιστά (stuffed)

Ingredients include minced pork, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, seasonings, and glutinous rice (optional).

The word γεμιστά suggests “stuffed.” With rice, herbs, and (alternatively) minced meat, tomatoes, peppers, and occasionally even zucchini are stuffed in this classic Greek food. Frequently eaten with baked potatoes, the stuffed veggies are roasted in the oven.

 

Greek salads

Greeks enjoy their meat. However, they also recognize the importance of a balanced diet. Without a substantial, tangy salad, no authentic Greek meal is complete. The “xoriatiki Salata” or “village salad” is a traditional Greek salad. The main ingredients in this popular Greek dish are typically cucumbers, vegetables, feta cheese, onions, oregano, and olive oil. Greece features a wide variety of vegetarian-friendly dishes, while the village salad is typically the default selection.

 

Sweets

The perfect traditional Greek food will conclude with a simplistic dessert to clear the palate. Many are simple, while others are labor-intensive and call for some expertise, mainly when working with meticulous phyllo dough. Each Greek bakery has closely-kept recipes for making sumptuous pastries and traditional Greek delicacies. Desserts are typically offered by weight and presented nicely in cardboard takeout boxes.

 

Here at Greco in Boston, MA, we provide you with the top Greek dishes to give you the utmost satisfaction.

The History of Gyros: Find The Best Here in Boston

The Greek word “gheereezo,” pronounced as “GHEE-ro,” signifies to turn, is the source of the English term “gyro.” It is a rotating tower of thinly sliced meat that can be lamb, hog, beef, or a mixture of those, with more recent versions adding chicken and fish. 

 

The layer is composed of the closely packed stack meld together because it roasts upright, allowing the griller operating the gyro rotisserie to cut off in thin slices, which are then fixed in pita bread wraps with red onions, tomatoes, parsley, Greek yogurt, and occasionally fried potatoes with a dash of paprika or cayenne pepper. Several Greek and Armenian refugees who came to Greece in 1922 brought the gyro as we know it today, present-day Turkey. Most of them were from Smyrna and Constantinople, Istanbul, and Ismir. 

 

According to mythology, Armenians were the greatest gyro masters. Many of the refugees became merchants once they settled in their new nation. They established a few modest businesses, among them the gyro-selling holes in the walls on each street corner. Following the migration trends of the Greeks themselves, gyro began to go west after WWII. As a result, stores started to spring up throughout Europe, the United States, and Australia.

 

The theory mentioned above is relatively simple regarding food transportation. There are various facts regarding the beginning of this very delicious wrap since Greek food is filled with a history far more detailed than a finely spiced or marinated gyro. According to some sources, gyros are the essence of a long and distinguished line of skewered meat feasts. These feasts have their origins in the days of Alexander the Great and his armies, whose soldiers used to roast different cuts of meat on long, sword-like blades across an open fire.

 

Gyros are debatably one of the most well-liked foods among visitors where there are Greeks. This tasty street wrap is now being sold online and in American chains, some of which are owned by Greeks and other establishments. Gyros continue to be a consistent representation of Greek fast food and casual dining both locally and abroad.

 

Gyros today are made by Greeks, Arabs, and Turkish people alike. This delicious street snack is known as ‘doner kebab’ in Turkey and is typically made with lamb or beef. It is also known as shawarma among Arabs and can be made with beef, lamb, goat, or chicken. Gyros, doner kebabs, and shawarma are sometimes served in the Arab world without yogurt but with a thin, delectable layer of seasoned pistachios. 

 

Visit Greco Truly Greek Today

Gyros have come a long way from many countries and parts of history to be present on our tables today. It is liked and eaten in many countries and cultures alike. Visit Greco in one of our locations across Greater Boston, MA, for a delicious treat if you are looking for the best Gyros in town. 

 

Celebrate Labor Day with Greco Catering

Labor Day Weekend is approaching, and what better way to celebrate with parties and cookouts amongst friends and family? To make your weekend party a bit easier, consider ordering catering through Greco in Boston, MA. Deciding to cater your Labor Day Weekend party is a great choice as it takes the pressure of cooking away so you can simply enjoy your time and indulge in food you didn’t have to make!

 

Continue reading this blog to learn about catering options for Labor Day Weekend from Greco Boston.

 

Catering

Make menu planning for your event easy! Cater with Greco Boston for your Labor Day Weekend cookout, party, tailgate, or more. We will serve you with our fresh ingredients and authentic Greek flavors! When catering, there are packages available for you to choose from to fit your event perfectly. Greco Boston offers Alpha and Beta packages which consist of different size meals for each person! When deciding on your catering options, think about how many people, how much food, etc. you will need.

 

Salads

Greco Boston also offers catering salads for you to have at your event! Bring some fresh flavors to your Labor Day Weekend gathering with our delicious Greek-flavored salads. The catering salads can feed up to 12 people, it is important to keep how many guests you’re having in mind when ordering catering! Three salad options to choose from are Horiatiki, Crete, and Santorini. View our catering menu online to learn more!

 

Sides

Everyone loves good side dishes! Greco Boston offers a large portion of sides when ordering catering. The sides we offer are Greco fries, zucchini chips, Greek slaw, and mixed beans. Find the perfect sides to cater to at your Labor Day Weekend event!

 

Sauces

When ordering fresh, delicious Greek food, you of course need mouth-watering homemade sauces! Greco Boston caters our homemade sauces in trays and is served with fresh pita. The homemade sauces available to cater are Tzatziki, spicy feta, and charred eggplant! Indulge in the delicious sauces at your Labor Day Weekend party!

 

Contact Greco Boston

Considering catering for your Labor Day Weekend event? Greco Boston has you covered with our catering options! Contact our team today at one of our three locations to order your catering. You can view our catering menu online at any time to plan ahead or give us a call at (617) 572-3300. We look forward to serving you!