Delicious local Greek foods you need to try

There is lots of amazing local food here on Lesvos, and with lots of fresh local produce, traditional family run tavernas and low food miles, it's an ideal place to explore new dishes. Here's some must-try Greek foods that will tantalise your taste buds and offer a glimpse into the heart of Greek traditions -

Souvlaki - the King of Street food

Let’s start with a classic: souvlaki. These savoury skewers of grilled meat—usually chicken, pork, or lamb—are marinated in a blend of olive oil, lemon, and herbs, then cooked to perfection over a charcoal grill. Typically served with pita bread, fresh vegetables, and a dollop of creamy tzatziki, souvlaki is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. You’ll find souvlaki at nearly every corner in Greece, often enjoyed as a quick lunch or dinner.

Tip: Try it instead with gyros meat, another popular street food where the meat is cooked on a rotating vertical spit and thinly sliced, usually served wrapped in pita, and great value!

Fava

One of the interesting things about the meze or starter dish of Fava is that it isn’t actually made with fava beans (broad beans) but is actually made from yellow split peas. But you can also make them with Santorini Fava beans which are that little bit more special!

Santorini Fava is what’s known as a ‘Protected Designation of Origin’ or PDO. That’s because the particular beans grown on the island in the rich volcanic soil and have been grown there exclusively for 3,500 years! And they must come from the island to be known as Santorini Fava because of the designation. Taste wise, they are known for having a velvety texture and being sweeter than other Fava beans.

Most Fava is made simply from yellow split peas, onions, garlic, lemon and of course Greek extra virgin olive oil! Ideal served slightly warm with extra olive and pita bread for dipping!

Sardines - famously from Kalloni

The sardines of Kalloni Bay, Lesvos are considered to be the best sardines in the whole of Greece! This sardine, is smaller in size and a whitish colour, whereas open water sardines are slightly larger and darker. The sheltered and protected waters of the Gulf of Kalloni are regarded as one of the worlds unique “natural” fish farms.

Some claim that the sardines' special taste is due to the ideal climatic conditions and the increased outflow of nutrients from rivers and streams through the estuary into Kalloni Bay.

The Kalloni sardines are heavily cured in salt for no more than 24 hours, whereas other fish and sardines need two to three days. When they are cooked they become light and crispy, the ideal meze to accompany the world famous Lesvos ouzo! Skala Kalloni hosts the famous Sardine Festival each year where visitors can sample lots of different ways to eat sardines!

Moussaka

If you’re in the mood for something hearty, look no further than moussaka. This iconic dish is a comforting casserole made with layers of aubergine (eggplant) and potato, spiced ground meat (usually lamb), and a rich béchamel sauce. It’s then baked until golden and bubbling. The combination of savoury meat, tender vegetables, and creamy sauce is an unbeatable crowd-pleaser. Every family has its own version, but they all share the same soul-warming appeal. Interestingly it's usually served warm rather than hot.

Ladotyri

Ladotyri is a traditional cheese from Lesvos. It has been made since ancient times and the cheese is preserved in olive oil and also has ‘Protected Designation of Origin’ or PDO status. It is made from sheep and goat milk. Its a very versatile cheese, and you may see it served cold with fruits as part of a meze platter, seved alongside olives or feta, grated over pasta or vegetable dishes, or baked and served as a saganaki with oil, garlic and possibly tomatoes. However it is served, ladotyri makes a delicious addition to many meals and is ideal accompanied by local wine or ouzo!

Greek desserts

If you love doughnuts, loukoumades are a must-try. These little dough balls are deep-fried to golden perfection, then drenched in honey syrup and sprinkled with cinnamon. They’re crispy on the outside and light and airy on the inside, making them the ultimate indulgent treat. Often served hot, loukoumades are the perfect snack to enjoy during a leisurely stroll through a Greek town or at a local taverna. For dessert, you can't go wrong with baklava, a rich, flaky pastry filled with chopped nuts (usually pistachios or walnuts) and sweetened with syrup or honey. Its layers of buttery filo dough are both crispy and tender, making each bite a delightful experience. The sweetness of the syrup combined with the nuttiness creates a perfect balance that will have you coming back for more.

Have you tried any of these dishes before? Which one are you most excited to try? We'd love to recommend some of our favourite restaurants on Lesvos, or make a reservation for you! www.reallesvos.com