Let’s talk about the food on Crete. As you might know, the Mediterranean diet is one of the healthiest in the world. Fresh fish, flavorful fruits, vegetables, and herbs are the secret to amazing food. I thought I hated tomatoes- little did I know I just had only been eating tasteless tomatoes in the US.  Most tavernas offer small plates so you can try a little of everything, and you should! Below are some of my favorites.

Cretan Salad (Horiatiki- translates to Village Salad): A classic Greek salad made with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, green peppers, olives, and feta cheese, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with oregano. You might have had a Greek salad at home, but it will never taste like it tastes in Greece, the flavors just hit different here.

Grilled Octopus (Htapodi): Octopus is a common seafood delicacy in Crete, often marinated in olive oil, vinegar, and herbs before being grilled. Find a beach taverna and look up, there are probably Octopus drying in the sun on a line.                      

Kalitsounia: These are small savory or sweet pastries filled with various ingredients such as cheese, herbs, or honey. We always stop to buy these as soon as we land at the nearest bakery- so good with a cup of coffee!     

Horta, Wild Greens are the key to a healthy life and since ancient times, horta has been used as a medicine, recognized for its antiseptic and anti-rheumatic properties. We ordered a plate every time we went to a taverna, just to feel like we were getting our greens. They are actually delicious if done right, with olive oil and lemon drizzled on top. 

Zucchini Blossoms and Dolmades (stuffed grape leaves) are always a crowd favorite, while you might have had Dolmades outside Greece, we discovered zucchini blossoms one year and now are forever on the hunt for them. They are seasonal so if you find them, order them asap! Both Grape Leaves and Zucchini Blossoms are stuffed with various items, usually depending on the cook’s family recipes. We have had rice and meat, or cheeses stuffed in the blossoms they are sometimes fried while the Dolmades are almost always boiled.               

Gigantes Plaki or Beans Gigantes as my friends lovingly call them is another dish that is always ordered at the taverna. Giant beans in a chunky tomato sauce with lots of olive oil are a great option for vegetarians or meat eaters alike. Dishes like this are so simple but the amazing fresh ingredients on Crete make a healthy, flavorful dish that can’t be duplicated with average ingredients.        

Fresh Fish is everywhere and cooked in several different ways. Whether you like grilled or fried you’ll find it on every menu. I don’t personally like the little fried fish or marithia (μαριδούλα / μαρίδια) but most people love them! Fish is part of the super healthy diet on Crete so if you love fish, you’re in luck here!                    

Lamb is a staple meat in the Cretan diet, and it is prepared in a number of ways.

Souvlaki (Grilled Lamb Skewers): While souvlaki is a Greek dish, it’s also popular in Crete. Chunks of marinated lamb are skewered and grilled over an open flame, resulting in juicy and flavorful meat. Souvlaki is often served with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a side of vegetables or fries.

Antikristo: This is a traditional Cretan method of cooking lamb, where the meat is skewered and suspended over an open fire, allowing it to cook slowly and develop a delicious smoky flavor. This method is often used during celebrations and festivals in Crete.

Arni Sto Fourno (Oven-Baked Lamb): This dish involves marinating lamb pieces with garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs like oregano and rosemary before baking them in the oven. The slow cooking process allows the meat to become tender and flavorful.

Lamb Kleftiko is a historical dish and is said to be named after the Klephts, who were a group of bandits who fought Ottoman rule in Greece. These sheep-rustling bandits would cook their stolen gains on coals in a covered hole or underground pit to avoid detection. Kleftiko involves slow-cooking lamb with garlic, onions, tomatoes, and various herbs until the meat is incredibly tender and falls off the bone.

That’s just a little intro into the food on Crete, but honestly this barely scratches the surface. Sometimes the best food can be found in little tavernas where they have been cooking the same way for years and using family recipes passed down from generation to generation. If you see Yiayia cooking outside in a stove like this below, you stop and eat whatever she wants to feed you- it will be the best meal of your life!