Taste of Greece

Tastes of Northern Greece

Northern Greece is a true paradise for food lovers, as it blends rich Greek traditions with influences from many cultures that have shaped the region over the centuries. With specialties like gyros, souvlaki, moussaka, bougatsa, and many others, this part of the region offers a spectrum of flavors that satisfy even the most refined palates. Additionally, the traditional ‘rakija’ (tsipouro) and popular retsina wine perfectly complement every meal.
We must also not forget the irresistible homemade desserts. Whether it’s the juicy baklava, fragrant revani, traditional tsoureki, portokalopita, or many other cakes, the sweets from this region are a true delight for all dessert lovers.
These dishes and desserts, which are the result of a blend of local and regional influences, not only provide a richness of flavors but also tell the story of the history, tradition, and culinary heritage of this beautiful region.

Gyros

Gyros is one of the most famous Greek specialties, a true symbol of fast food.

It consists of meat (usually pork, sometimes chicken) that is cooked on a vertical rotisserie and served in pita bread with fresh vegetables, fries, and the popular tzatziki sauce.

A delicious meal with rich flavors, gyros is perfect for a quick bite, but also a true indulgence that you can’t miss.

Greek fast food gyros with chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers and onions served with tzatziki sauce and french fries close-up on a board on the table. Horizontal top view from above
Portion of Spicy kebab Chicken duner gyros with french fries and garlic sauce on wooden board
Arab Shawarma of meat chicken preparation placed on spit grilled with burn.
Greek pastry Bougatsa with phyllo dough and semolina custard cream. Wooden background. Top view.
Greek pastry Bougatsa with phyllo dough and semolina custard cream.
Closeup of hands eating traditional Greek bougatsa, a sweet cream pie pastry with filo dough, dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon. Popular breakfast or snack from Thessaloniki and Serres, Greece.

Bougatsa

Bougatsa is a traditional pastry that originates from Northern Greece, especially popular in Thessaloniki and the surrounding areas.

Made with thin, flaky phyllo dough, this pie can be either savory or sweet, depending on the filling.

The most common flavors include creamy vanilla custard, salty cheese, or minced meat. Sweet versions are often topped with powdered sugar and cinnamon, while savory ones are served warm, perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Bougatsa is beloved for its crispy exterior and rich, melt-in-your-mouth filling.

Moussaka

Moussaka is one of the most famous and beloved dishes of Greek cuisine.

This rich, layered casserole is a true classic on every family table.

What makes moussaka special is the perfect harmony of its ingredients: potatoes, eggplant, seasoned ground meat, and creamy béchamel sauce, all assembled in layers and baked until golden and aromatic.

The result is a dish full of flavor that melts in your mouth and leaves a lasting impression. Moussaka is not just a meal – it’s a culinary experience, ideal for family gatherings, holidays, or any time you want to bring something truly special to the table.

MUSAKA slice served in a dish isolated on wooden background side view
Eggplant moussaka Greek cuisine on white plate on white concrete table
Moussaka - A traditional Greek dish
Summer Mediterranean theme food table scene. Top view on a wood banner background. Grilled skewers, salads, snacks, pita and tzatziki.
A grill filled with skewers of meat cooking over open flames. The meat browns, while someone tends to the grill wearing gloves. The scene shows a traditional barbecue in progress.Greek Souvlaki
Souvlaki skewers grilled to perfection served with fresh vegetables and pita bread, professional food photo from an angled view, highlighting the dish's textures and colors.

Souvlaki

Souvlaki is another gem of Greek cuisine – simple, yet bursting with flavor.

Juicy pieces of meat, usually chicken or pork, are marinated in a blend of olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs, then skewered and grilled to perfection—crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside.

Souvlaki is most often served in pita bread with fresh vegetables and tzatziki sauce, but can also be enjoyed on its own with a side of your choice.

Whether as street food, a quick meal, or part of a larger lunch, souvlaki is an essential part of Greece’s culinary identity.

Greek Seafood Experience

Greek cuisine is a must for any seafood lover.

Fresh fish like cod, sea bream, red mullet, and many others are simply prepared to preserve their natural sea flavors.


Seafood classics such as grilled octopus, prawns, and calamari are a true delight, especially when paired with a chilled glass of cipuro.


To complete the experience, enjoy a variety of traditional meze – including smoked mackerel, anchovies, and spreads like fava, skordalia, and melitzanosalata.

This is a culinary journey that awakens the senses and lingers in memory.

Seafoods, grilled meat, meze, herbs, fish, raki, ouzo, appetizers and salads in Greek or Turkish Fish Restaurant on the table for dinner or lunch at the beach from Greece or Turkey.
Octopuses hung up to dry on washing lines, Chania, Crete, Greek Islands, Greece, Europe
Traditional Cretan Dorada fish with Greek salad, Kissamos, Crete, Greek Islands, Greece, Europe
Lovely Couple or Friends Sitting, Drinking, Say Cheers and drinking Turkish Traditional Drink Raki. Ouzo is a dry anise flavoured aperitif that is widely consumed in Greece, Turkey, Cyprus and Lebanon
Raki and meze for two. Glasses of greek ouzo and seafood appetizers variety
Close up of the hands of three guys clinking their glasses of a traditional greek drink tsipouro together

Tsipouro – traditional Greek spirit

Tsipouro (Greek: τσίπουρο) is a traditional Greek spirit made by distilling the remnants of grapes after winemaking.

It is usually produced from one or more grape varieties and is commonly enjoyed as an aperitif. Some tsipouro contains anise, giving it a flavor similar to ouzo.

This drink is especially popular in northern Greece and Thessaly, and is often served with meze – small dishes like olives, cheese, cured meats, and seafood.

Orange Pie

Portokalopita is one of the most fragrant and unique desserts of Greek cuisine.

This juicy orange pie is made with shredded phyllo dough mixed into a creamy batter of yogurt, eggs, and orange zest, then baked and soaked in a syrup made from freshly squeezed orange juice and sugar.

The result is a dessert rich in texture, with an intense yet refreshing citrus aroma that melts in your mouth. It pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or serves as a light and satisfying end to any meal.

Portokalopita is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into an exceptional and authentic treat.

traditional greek orange pie on beautiful plates - Portokalopita
Portokalopita - Greek phyllo orange cake
Traditional Greek Orange Cake with Syrup Portokalopita. Perfect for culinary, travel, dessert-themed projects, high-quality photo captures the essence of Mediterranean sweetness and cultural richness