This classic Greek dish of layered eggplant, spiced meat and creamy sauce is delicious, decadent and delectable. The cooking method ensures that the meat falls off the bone to create a tender masterpiece. This slow-baked lamb dish features the mouth-watering flavours of garlic and lemon. Known as Kalamarakia Tiganita to Greeks, this quick and simple deep fried delicacy is best served simple – with a slice of lemon and an amazing view! 6. These small plates of vegetables, cheese, olives, dips and peppers are typically served before meals and are a perfect, light starter to a meal. Known as Greek Salad in the English-speaking world, the combination of olives, cucumbers, onions, tomatoes, feta, olive oil and oregano shows that the simple flavours are often the best. Nothing beats freshly caught seafood, teemed with a cool beer and a golden sunset. The Greek Islands are arguably the best place in the world to savour char grilled octopus. Probably one of Greece’s most famous culinary triumphs these vine leaves stuffed with rice, pine nuts and herbs are usually served with fresh, tangy yoghurt and due to their supreme ‘eatability’ don’t last long.
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There’s also tsipouru (fermented distilled grape skins), raki (a tsipouru from Crete) and retsina (white wine flavoured with pine resin). Drinks-wise, locals will savour a Greek coffee at a kafeneio (coffeehouse) or glass of anise-flavoured ouzo (diluted with water) at an ouzeri – along with a couple of mezedhes (appetizers) – for hours. Think vegetables, beans, nuts and grains grilled meats and fresh fish parsley, garlic, dill and mint and punchy cheeses such as feta, kefalotyri and halloumi. Greek cuisine favours simplicity and relies primarily on fresh local produce. Christmas and Easter are particularly important dates on the calendar, although religious celebrations are not limited to these times as there are daily, weekly and annual rites and rituals performed all throughout Greece’s mainland and islands. Religious festivals and ceremonies are commonplace, both in the mainland cities and small rural villages. With more than 90% of the population being Greek Orthodox, religion plays an important part in everyday life. Common Greek customs, like smashing plates and dancing with a glass of water on your head, are considered expressions of kefi.
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For this reason, meals are leisurely and social gatherings are frequent, typically involving drinking, dancing and lively discussion. Life is meant to be lived to the fullest. Greeks place a high amount of value on ‘kefi’, which loosely translates to joy or passion. Even contemporary cuisine has its roots in ancient tradition. The circle dance, for instance, dates to the Byzantine period. Traditional music and dance are still valued and used to commemorate celebrations throughout the year.
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The hallmarks of Western medicine, philosophy, drama and government can all be attributed to the mighty ancient Greek civilization – which is an incredible source of national pride. Greece’s culture is very much influenced by its ancient past.