Pame na fame - a phrase that you will certainly hear a lot during your vacation, as eating out in Greece is one of the most important social events.

Greek cuisine is a mixture of Turkish, Italian and Arabic elements. Whether you are in the north or south of Greece or on one of the islands, the basic form of the kitchen always remains the same, as the ingredients are the same everywhere. It is also healthy, tasty and versatile. Healthy, as it is mainly cooked with extra virgin olive oil and lots of vegetables. Tasty, as tomatoes and onions, lots of oregano and parsley, dill, lemon and other fresh herbs are often added to meat and vegetables. Versatile thanks to the wide selection of starters, side dishes as well as meat, fish and vegetable dishes.

The table community is very important in Greece. The Greeks do not like to go to their tavern alone and, for example, they eat together from the many different starter plates. The main course, however, is served individually to everyone. It is also unusual for each guest to pay their share - whoever eats together pays together. In plain language: One pays for all. Very easily. And afterwards you will somehow come to an agreement. A tip of 5 to 10% is also common in Greece. In contrast to our latitudes there is no menu in some taverns, instead you go to the kitchen, look into the pots and point your hand at what you want. So it is easy for the non-Greek speaking guest to find a dish that suits his taste. Even if you already know one or the other dish from your favorite Greek at home, we would like to introduce you to a few specialties or terms from the kitchen that are worth knowing:

Keftedes: stuffed meatballs
Souvlaki: Meat skewer
Choriatiki Salad: Farmer's salad with tomatoes, cucumber, onions, olives and sheep cheese
Marouli: green salad
Garides: Crabs
Kalamarakia: Octopus
Xifias: Swordfish
Barbouini: Beard
Astacos: Hummer
Baklava: Cake with almonds, syrup and honey
Kataifi: Vermicelli dough with honey and nuts
Carpousi: watermelon
Peppers: musk melon
Verikoka: apricots
Stafilia: grapes
Rodakina: peaches
Cafe: Coffee
Beer: Beer
Ouzo: anisette
Metaxa: Greek cognac
Retina: resinated wine
Krassi: wine
Psomi: Bread
Black: Water
Tools: Salt
Piper: pepper
Xidi: Vinegar
Lady: Olive oil