Many people seek clarity when placing orders at Mediterranean restaurants. But ordering Greek food is simple once you understand it. Here’s your guide to ordering Greek food stress-free on your next visit to Greco.
Learn The Basics Of Greek Cuisine
Knowing the popular Greek cuisine items can simplify ordering at a Mediterranean restaurant. Greek dishes like souvlaki, gyros, moussaka, spanakopita, tzatziki, Greek salads, and more are commonly found.
Gyros, for instance, features thinly sliced seasoned meat, often lamb, pork, chicken, or beef, wrapped in warm pita bread or served on a plate. Other favorites include Tzatziki sauce, a cucumber yogurt dip, and Baklava, a delightful layered pastry.
In addition to these classics, you might encounter other Greek delights, such as dolmades, grape leaves stuffed with rice and herbs, or saganaki, a fried cheese appetizer. For seafood lovers, options like grilled octopus, shrimp saganaki, or fried calamari offer irresistible Mediterranean flavors.
Understand What Meze Means
In Greece, sharing food is a fundamental aspect of the culture. One enjoyable way to experience Mediterranean flavors is through meze, a selection of hot and cold small plates. Perfect for sharing, it provides an opportunity to taste a variety of items from the menu.
Whether you order meze as a starter or for your entire meal, you can dive into a diverse range of Greek flavors in a friendly dining atmosphere. So, next time you’re at a Greek restaurant, consider beginning your meal with a delightful spread of meze to embrace Greek culture.
Choose Your Sides
You’ll often be asked about your side choice when ordering a Greek plate. Standard Greek sides include Horiatiki Salata, a salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, and feta cheese dressed with olive oil and oregano.
You might also encounter Patates Tiganite, Greek fries seasoned with oregano, feta cheese, or salt. Grilled vegetables or rice are other common accompaniments to main dishes. Knowing the sides in advance can help you when you need to choose one on the spot.
Know Basic Greek Terms
While most Mediterranean restaurants use English, knowing some basic Greek terms can be helpful. Understanding menu items and terms like “taverna,” which means a traditional Greek restaurant, and “Yassou,” which means “hello,” “hi,” or “goodbye,” can enhance your dining experience.
These basic Greek terms add a touch of authenticity to your dining experience and may even earn you a smile from the staff. So, whether you’re ordering souvlaki or moussaka, incorporating a little Greek into your culinary adventure can make it even more enjoyable.
Visit Greco Truly Greek in Boston and D.C.
Greeks are friendly and hospitable, so always ask if you have any questions. Now that you know the basics of ordering Greek food, you can try it yourself. Enjoy every savory bite of your next Greek meal while learning all about the flavors of Greece.
