What is Greek cuisine?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8H_Vzbs9Bas&pp=ygUNR3JlZWsgY3Vpc2luZQ%3D%3D
Greek cuisine, simply put, is the cuisine of Greece. The Mediterranean climate that Greece is well-known for makes its countryside a highly fertile ground for an extensive variety of fruits and vegetables. With its easy access to a wide selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, this makes Greek cuisine a colour tapestry of flavours.
Greek cuisine uses mainly fresh local ingredients, including Mediterranea vegetables, olive oil, lemon juice as well as a plethora of grains, fish, and meat. Most of their dishes are wholesome, flavourful, and packed with a diverse range of fresh and dried herbs.
Is Greek cuisine the same as Mediterranean cuisine?
While most people tend to use Greek cuisine and Mediterranean cuisine interchangeably, they are actually not the same!
Mediterranean is essentially a broad umbrella term to encompass all countries that lie along the Mediterranean Sea. This could include countries such as Spain stretching all the way to Syria or Slovenia through to Libya. Hence, Greek cuisine essentially falls under the Mediterranean cuisine umbrella but not vice versa.
Culinary influences on Greek cuisine
Over time, Greek cuisine has been influenced by both the East and West side. During the olden times, thanks to the Persian influence, Middle Eastern food such as rice and yogurt were gradually introduced into the Greek cuisine.
Coffee was gradually introduced into Greek cuisine by the Turks, while foods such as potatoes and tomatoes were largely influenced by the American culture.
What are some of the typical Greek foods that anyone should try?
If it is your first time heading out to a Greek restaurant and unsure about which are the typical food or dishes that you should try, here are some of the common Greek dishes that you should not miss trying!
Moussaka
Moussaka is perhaps the most iconic dish of Greek cuisine and is also one of its traditional dishes. Moussa can be found in almost every tavern in Greece.
This dish is made up of multiple layers of eggplant, minced beef and potatoes. It is topped with creamy béchamel sauce before being baked until golden brown.
Fasolatha
Fasolatha is also one of Greece’s national dishes, albeit less well-known among foreigners and tourists. This simple yet wholesome white bean soup consists of beans, diced tomatoes and a variety of vegetables such as onions, carrot and celery. It is often topped with thyme and parsley for that additional flavour.
Koulouri
A key breakfast staple in Greek cuisine is Koulouri, a large and soft bread ring that is covered in sesame seeds, almost similar to that of a large pretzel. Pair this with a cup of coffee and you’ll get a typical Greek breakfast set!
Loukoumades
Every cuisine has its fair share of sweet treats and Greek cuisine is no different! Loukoumades are small fried doughnut-like balls that are generously drenched in honey syrup and topped with either cinnamon or crushed walnuts. This Greek delicacy is often served during large parties or celebrations.
Souvlaki
Meat is a key staple in Greek cuisine. Souvlaki is essentially a dish that consists of grilled meat, typically pork, that are served on skewers. Souvlaki is typically served with tzatziki, a sauce that is a concoction of yoghurt, cucumber, and mint, pita bread, and salad.
Spanakopita
Known as a classic Greek pie, the Spanakopita is a rich pie typically stuffed with generous amounts of spinach, onions, feta cheese, and a variety of herbs. It is often enfolded by crispy and flaky phyllo dough for that added crunch.
Gyros
Gyros is a typical Greek sandwich and is similar to that of a kebab. It is made from meat that is cooked on rotisserie, typically chicken, pork, and lamb. The meat is often wrapped in a flatbread or pita, and piled on with a variety of toppings such as salad, onions, and sauces.
Galaktoboureko
Galaktoboureko, which loosely translates into Greek custard pie, is all-time Greek favourite dessert. It is a creamy custard pastry that is made using semolina and wrapped in sheets of phyllo before being generously soaked in syrup.
Head to any Greek restaurant in Singapore and you will most probably find this tongue-twister classic dessert in their menu.
Baklava
Baklava is a popular Greek pastry dessert that is made of layers of flaky pastry filled with crushed nuts such as walnut or pistachios and sweetened with honey. This sweet pastry can also be found all across Turkey and the Middle East.
Where can I indulge in authentic Greek dishes in Singapore?
If you are looking to savour some mouth-watering and authentic Greek cuisine in Singapore, here are some of the top 20 Greek restaurants to check out!
Greek Restaurant |
Bakalaki |
Speciality |
|
Pricing | View menu and pricing here |
Website | https://bakalaki.com/ |
Address | 3 Seng Poh Road, Singapore 168891 |
Contact | 65 6963 3688 |
Operating Hours | Mon – Thurs: 5pm – 11pm, Fri – Sun: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5pm – 11pm (Last order for food: 9pm) |
Greek Restaurant |
Alati – Divine Greek Cuisine |
Speciality |
|
Pricing | View menu and prices here |
Website | http://www.alati.sg/ |
Address | 73 Amoy Street, Singapore 069892 |
Contact | 6221 6124 |
Operating Hours | Lunch: Mon-Fri, 12:00pm to 2:30pm (Last order 2:00pm) Dinner: Mon-Sat, 5:30pm to 12:00am (Last order 10:00pm) Closed Sun |
Greek Restaurant |
Mykonos on the Bay |
Speciality |
|
Pricing | View menu and prices here |
Website | http://mykonosonthebay.com/ |
Address | #01-10 Quayside Isle 31 Ocean Way, Sentosa Cove |
Contact | 6334 3818 |
Operating Hours | Mon to Fri: 12pm – 3:00pm; 6pm – 10:30pm
Sat, Sun and PH: all day dining 12pm – 10:30pm |
Greek Restaurant |
Blu Kouzina |
Speciality |
|
Pricing | View menu and prices here |
Website | https://blukouzina.com/ |
Address | 10 Dempsey Rd, Singapore, 247700 |
Contact | 65 6875 0872
reservations@blukouzina.com |
Operating Hours | Monday to Sunday: 11:30pm – 3:30pm (last order for F&B 2:45pm)
Monday to Sunday: 5:30pm – 10:00pm (last order for FnB 9:30pm) |
Greek Restaurant |
Pano Kato |
Speciality |
|
Pricing | View menu and prices here |
Website | https://houseofanli.com/pages/pano-kato |
Address | #02-23 Tanglin Mall |
Contact | 65 6235 5056 / 65 6235 3851 |
Operating Hours | Daily from 11.00am to 9.30pm
Breakfast: 11.00am to 11.00pm Lunch: 11.00am to 2.30pm Dinner: 5.30pm to 9.30pm Deli Counter: 11.00am to 9.30 pm |
Greek Restaurant |
Artemis Grill & Sky Bar |
Speciality |
|
Pricing | View menu and prices here |
Website | https://artemisgrill.com.sg/ |
Address | 138 Market Street, CapitaGreen Rooftop (Level 40), Singapore 048946 |
Contact |
65 6635 8677 / 65 9850 7954
enquiries@artemisgrill.com.sg
|
Operating Hours | Monday to Friday: 11:30 am – 2:30pm | 5:30pm to 9pm (last order) Saturday: 5:30pm to 9pm (last order) |
Greek Restaurant |
Zobra The Greek Taverna |
Speciality |
|
Pricing | View menu and prices here |
Website | https://www.zorba.sg/ |
Address | 3A River Valley Road, #01-02, Clarke Quay, Singapore 179024 |
Contact | reservation@zorba.sg 8879 0688 |
Operating Hours | Tuesday to Sunday, 8am to 10pm Weekend Brunch 9am to 3pm |
Greek Restaurant |
Aryaa Kitchen |
Speciality |
|
Pricing | View menu and prices here |
Website | http://thearyaa.com/ |
Address | 7500E Beach Road, #01-201, Diners Building, Singapore 199595 |
Contact | 65 62916009
aryaa@geniecollective.sg |
Operating Hours | Mon-Fri 12pm to 3pm, 6pm to 11pm, Sat 6pm to 11pm |
Greek Restaurant |
Fotia |
Speciality |
|
Pricing | View menu and prices here |
Website | https://www.facebook.com/FOTIA-203711790184232/ |
Address | 28 Duxton Hill Singapore, Singapore 089610 |
Contact | 9455 1004 info@fotia.com.sg |
Operating Hours | Mon-Thur 12pm to 10pm
Fri-Sat 12pm to 11pm, Sun 11am to 9pm |
Greek Restaurant |
Place to R.E.A.D |
Speciality |
|
Pricing | View menu and prices here |
Website | https://www.place2read.com.sg/ |
Address | 46A Prinsep St, Singapore 188676 |
Contact | 6333 0689 |
Operating Hours | Sun – Thu: 4pm – 2am
Fri & Sat: 4pm – 3am |
Greek Restaurant |
Supergreek |
Speciality |
|
Pricing | View menu here |
Website | https://www.supergreek.sg/ |
Address |
|
Contact | Contact via form here |
Greek Restaurant |
Pistachio Grill |
Speciality |
|
Pricing | View menu and prices here |
Website | https://www.pistachiogrill.com/ |
Address | 501 Orchard Road, #02-04/05 Wheelock Place, Singapore 238880 |
Contact | 65-6262 6400
info@pistachiogrill.com |
Operating Hours | Lunch from 11:30am – 3:00pm
Dinner from 5:00pm – 9:00pm |
Greek Restaurant |
Pita Tree Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar |
Speciality |
|
Pricing | View menu and prices here |
Website | https://www.pitatree.com/ |
Address |
|
Contact | hello@pitatree.com |
Operating Hours | Varies by outlet |
Greek Restaurant |
Ambrosia- The Mediterranean Restaurant |
Speciality |
|
Pricing | Contact for prices |
Website | https://www.facebook.com/ambrosiacafesingapore/ |
Address | 25 Baghdad St, Singapore 199664 |
Contact | 6292 7313
mhassociatessg@gmail.com |
Operating Hours | 3 PM- 3 AM daily |
Greek Restaurant |
Pita and Olives |
Speciality |
|
Pricing | View menu and prices here |
Website | https://www.pitaandolives.com/ |
Address | 1 Kim Seng Promenade, ,Great World City, #B1-K109, Opposite Cold Storage, Singapore 237994 |
Contact | 6590112312 |
Operating Hours | Daily, 11am – 9pm |
Meal etiquette in Greek culture
While there are some similarities in Greek meal etiquette as compared to the Asian dining etiquette, there are still certain stark differences between both.
Here are some meal etiquette to bear in mind when dining at a Greek restaurant:
Meals are often communal
Greeks love eating out with friends and family, As such, mealtimes are often communal dining. While people usually have their own dishes during breakfast and lunch, dinner is a time where every dish is shared. All dishes will go into the middle of the table and people are free to take what they want.
Serve green with every meal
Leafy greens are a staple in every Greek meal. Greeks love to consume large amounts of wild greens and will incorporate it into every single dish, such as salad, stews or even just a simple vegetable snack.
If you are preparing a home cooked Greek meal for a friend, party or event, be sure to be extra generous on the leafy greens!
For home meals, there will often be a block of feta cheese on the table
Most Greek dishes tend to finish off with a sprinkle of feta. A touch of cheese adds that hint of salty flavour that complements any dish. If you are unsure of what is the best housewarming to bring along, the best suggestion is to bring along a block of feta cheese!
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