Follow Greek Immigration to taste Greek Cuisine: When it comes to Athens, people may immediately think of the spectacular Acropolis against a backdrop of clear blue skies and seas, but the rich aromas and vibrant colors of Greek cuisine equally tantalize and tempt our taste buds. Despite being located in the heart of the Mediterranean, Greek culinary culture is not significantly influenced by Western fast food; it has maintained its very healthy eating habits.
It is said that 40% of the calories in a Greek meal come from olive oil, with dishes rich in vegetables, grains, dairy, and fruits. Lamb, aromatic wine, and vegetable salad are must-try delicacies in Greece, and of course, one must enjoy a cup of Greek iced coffee afterward; the feeling is simply refreshing!
Most restaurants in Athens are concentrated at the foot of the Acropolis, particularly around the Plaka old town and Monastiraki. There are many restaurants and cafes here, including numerous authentic Greek tavernas, characterized by wicker chair cushions, small blue tables, and the faint aroma of olive oil. Locals particularly enjoy dining and drinking beer here after midnight. The grilled seafood pasta, fried fish fillets, eggplant dip, and salads are all delicious!
Especially the salad, which we order at every meal. It consists of fresh onions, pickled olives, lettuce, tomatoes, sweet peppers, and small round cucumbers, topped with a slice of Feta cheese, sprinkled with cumin and olive oil; it is the most common appetizer in Greece. Feta is a renowned traditional cheese in Greece, typically made from a mixture of sheep's milk and goat's milk, with a bright color and rich flavor.
The unique Mediterranean charm of Greece is undoubtedly showcased in its various delicious dishes. Whole grain bread, Mediterranean fruits and vegetables, seafood, lamb, and cheese, paired with olive oil, wine, and various spices, can be considered a mythical cuisine from a mythical land.
Greeks consume more cheese than people in other EU countries. "Since Greek cheese is not expensive, you can enjoy it freely," a friend from Athens said with a smile during our conversation. Indeed, cheese is an essential part of Greek life, appearing in almost every meal from appetizers to main courses to desserts.
Greek ice cream is also a favorite of my daughter and me; every time we see the tempting colorful ice cream tubs in the shop, we can hardly move. In Greece, ice cream is sold this way. Various ice creams made from the most natural ingredients can be mixed and matched.
This ice cream, called Kaskino, has a touching mythological story. In ancient Greece, there was a goddess of food named Kas, who often recorded recipes on sheep skin scrolls. A pastry apprentice named Chino secretly fell in love with Kas, and to see her, he vowed to create the most delicious pastry. After relentless effort, Chino finally developed a "refreshing cream" that was rich and delicious in the mouth, and he tried adding some fresh fruit juice, which made it even better.
Finally, the deliciousness moved Kas, who came down to earth and fell in love with Chino. In the 13th century, an Italian pastry chef discovered the sheep skin scroll that recorded this delicacy, and to commemorate the love between Kas and Chino, he named this dish Kaskino.
No wonder this ice cream is so delicious and popular; it contains deep love and sweetness.
With the unique geographical conditions of the Mediterranean, rich fruits and vegetables nurture the happy people of this land. Delicious salads moisten our taste buds every day, and these sweet cherries, peaches, and grapes accompany us through the mountains and waters of Greece. My husband, a true grape enthusiast who has traveled to dozens of countries, says that Greek grapes are the most delicious he has ever tasted.
The beautiful scenery and myths of Greece nourish and stimulate our senses and vision; the delicious food of Greece tempts our taste buds. This mythical land allows us wanderers to truly experience what it means to be "unable to resist!"