Food in Cyprus: what to try

The national cuisine of Cyprus will not leave indifferent connoisseurs of tasty and healthy food. Dishes in Cyprus are very appetizing, varied and of high quality, based on fresh and natural products and usually cooked in olive oil. The main ingredients are pork, lamb, chicken, fish, local fruits, vegetables, cheeses and a variety of herbs.

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Cypriot cuisine has been influenced by the gastronomic traditions of several nations and is based on a mixture of Greek, Turkish and Mediterranean elements.

For the Cypriots themselves, food is not just a meal, but also a great opportunity to chat in a relaxed atmosphere.

Fortunately, the weather conditions allow you to enjoy a meal in cozy taverns almost all year round or to gather at a family table in the open air. Hence the popularity of the famous Cypriot meze - a set of various snacks, which allows you to take into account the culinary preferences of everyone gathered at the table, and for tourists to try the most popular dishes in Cyprus.

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So what do they eat in Cyprus?

Suvla - grilled chicken, pork or lamb skewers. A very popular dish in Cyprus. The meat is pre-marinated in olive oil, lemon, oregano and is usually cooked with family or friends. However, you can taste it in many restaurants. Souvlaki is a variation of souvla. The main difference is that when making souvlaki, the meat is cut into smaller pieces and served in pita bread with lettuce.

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Koupepia is a traditional Cypriot dish, which is grape leaves stuffed with rice, pork, tomatoes and herbs.

Yemista - stuffed vegetables.

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Moussaka - baked lamb with eggplant and bechamel sauce.

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Pastizzio - a dish similar to moussaka, which is a baked pasta with minced meat and bechamel sauce.

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Kleftiko - lamb wrapped in foil with lemon juice and cinnamon. Cooked for several hours in a clay oven.

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Keftedes - fried meatballs made from pork, beef or chicken. A feature of Cypriot meatballs is that potatoes are added to them instead of bread. Cinnamon and mint add an unusual flavor to the dish.

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Halloumi is a soft national cheese made from a mixture of goat and sheep milk. Usually grilled, sometimes seasoned with mint. Can be used as a filling for Cypriot ravioli and pies.

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Feta cheese is a salty cheese from ancient Greece. Prepared from sheep or a mixture of sheep and goat milk. Depending on the variety, it can be softer or firmer, differ in taste and fat content. It is part of many Cypriot dishes, in particular salads and pies.

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Tzatziki is a sauce consisting of Cypriot yogurt with minced garlic, grated cucumber, olive oil and a little pepper.

Tahini is another very popular dip made from ground sesame seeds mixed with olive oil, lemon and garlic.

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Sudzukos is a sweetness attached to a string, consisting of a mixture of grape juice and nuts.

Loukumi (Turkish Delight) is a centuries-old dessert that originates from the ancient village of Yeroskipou, located near Paphos. The first lokumi were made from boiled rose petals. And today, the delicacy pleases the sweet tooth with an abundance of flavors and aromas, including: rose, tangerine, vanilla, lemon, chocolate with nuts and many others.

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A visit to Cypriot gastronomic establishments leaves pleasant impressions of delicious food and sincere service in the hearts of travelers for a long time.