Traditional Cypriot Foods You Should Try

 

Information About Cyprus Cuisine

What to eat in Cyprus? Cyprus cuisine is a delectable fusion of Mediterranean flavors with influences from Greek and Middle Eastern culinary traditions. Key ingredients include fresh vegetables, olive oil, and grains, such as bulgur and rice. Grilled meats, particularly lamb and pork, are popular, often seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices like oregano and cinnamon. Halloumi cheese, a unique Cypriot specialty, is widely enjoyed both grilled and fried. 

Meze, a spread of small dishes like tzatziki, hummus, and keftedes, is a customary way to savor the diverse flavors of Cyprus. Don't forget to try traditional desserts like baklava and loukoum, often accompanied by strong and nice Cypriot coffee.

 

Food of Cyprus

To get to know the cuisine of Cyprus, it is necessary to know its most famous dishes. The national dish of Cyprus is a delicious blend of Mediterranean flavors, influenced by both Greek and Turkish culinary traditions. With its rich history and diverse geography, the island nation boasts a wide range of local delicacies that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

At the heart of Cyprus cuisine is the meze, a variety of small dishes that are served together to create a culinary experience like no other. From grilled halloumi cheese to succulent kebab meats, the meze is a feast for the senses that showcases the best of Cypriot cuisine.

One of the most famous dishes in Cyprus is the souvla, a succulent skewer of marinated lamb or pork that is grilled over hot coals until it is tender and juicy. Another must-try dish is kleftiko, a traditional Cypriot meat dish that consists of slow-roasted lamb or goat that is seasoned with garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice.

Seafood is also a staple of Cyprus national dish, with fresh fish and shrimp grilled to perfection and served with lemon and herbs. Other popular dishes include dolmades, grape leaves stuffed with rice and herbs, and moussaka, a classic Greek dish made with layers of eggplant, ground meat, and tomato sauce.

For dessert, try loukoumades, small fried dough balls that are drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon, or halva, a sweet sesame-based confection.

Whether you are a culinary adventurer or simply looking to indulge your taste buds, Cyprus cuisine has something for everyone. So why not book a trip to this beautiful island nation and experience the delicious flavors and unique culinary traditions of Cyprus for yourself.

 

Cyprus Meatballs

Delicious Cypriot meatballs made from potatoes, mixed with breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices. They are usually fried until golden brown and served with a dipping sauce, such as tzatziki.

 

Kolakas

Kolakas is one of the popular foods in Cyprus. This dish is made with the Kolakas plant grown in different regions of Cyprus. Kolakas is a root vegetable. Kolakas is cooked using lamb or chicken meat, sunflower oil, celery stalk, tomato paste, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and water.

 

Peach Kebab

Peach kebabs are a delightful Cypriot dessert. They typically consist of fresh peaches skewered and grilled or roasted until caramelized, then served with honey and cinnamon.

Peach kebab is prepared by wrapping the stuffing inside the membrane that surrounds the internal organs of the lamb in the abdominal area. The stuffing of this dish, called Crepinette, is prepared by mixing lamb shoulder, whole chopped onion, parsley, salt, and black pepper.

Then it is shaped into a round meatball shape. These meatballs are then wrapped in membranes, strung on skewers, and grilled until brown. As the kebab cooks, the outer surface of the membrane melts and a brown layer forms on the meatballs. Due to the appearance and color of the meatballs, this dish is compared to a peach.

Peach kebab is generally served with pita bread and salad. In some regions, it is served with tzatziki made with yoghurt, cucumber, mint, and olive oil.

 

Molehiya

Molehiya is a hearty Cypriot stew made from the leaves of the jute plant. It's cooked with meat (usually chicken or lamb), garlic, and spices, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish often served with rice or bread.

Molehiya, also known as mallow, is a plant species native to Cyprus. This plant, which grows on the banks of the Nile River in Egypt, is dried during the summer months. This dish is cooked with chopped fresh tomatoes, onion, garlic, lemon juice, lamb, or chicken meat.

 

Piruhi

Piruhi are savory pastries filled with ingredients like minced meat, cheese, or vegetables. They can be baked or fried and are a popular snack or appetizer in Cyprus.

Piruhi, a dish frequently made in the Ottoman Empire, is very delicious. The filling is added to the dough and cooked. White onion, minced meat, parsley, salt, and black pepper are used in the filling.

 

Pilavuna

Pilavuna is a traditional Cypriot rice dish often cooked with various ingredients like meat, vegetables, and spices. It's similar to pilaf and is a hearty and comforting dish.

 

Halloumi Pastry

Halloumi cheese is a star ingredient in Cypriot cuisine. Halloumi pastries typically feature this cheese wrapped in pastry dough, baked until golden brown, and served as a delightful snack or appetizer.

 

Walnut Jam

Walnut jam is a sweet preserve made from walnuts, sugar, and water. It has a unique nutty flavor and is used as a topping for desserts or spread on bread in Cyprus.

 

Çullama

Çullama is a Cypriot pastry made by layering thin sheets of dough with a sweet or savory filling. It's similar to baklava but has distinct regional variations.

 

Stuffed Zucchini Flowers

In Cyprus, zucchini flowers are often stuffed with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes ground meat, then lightly battered and fried until crispy. They make for a delicious and delicate appetizer.

 

Kleftiko

Kleftiko is a famous Cypriot dish of slow-cooked lamb or goat, marinated with garlic, lemon, and various herbs. The meat is traditionally cooked in a clay oven, resulting in tender and flavorful meat that falls off the bone.