The Greeks have quite a history when it comes to gastronomical delights. Stretching back over 2000 years, some recipes have stood the test of time and for good reason. With both sweet and savoury options available, there is something for all palates to help you start your day right, nip inside for a quick lunch, or treat yourself on your way home.
Olives, bread, and wine have been a staple of Greek diets for centuries, which is no different in modern Greece. The ingredients and cooking methods have changed little because what’s the point in changing something that works so well already?
With its history of small farmers, Greek food includes a range of cheeses including Feta and Graviera. But it’s not just this creamy goodness that locals and tourists adore.
Oils and fruits or nuts and legumes are all staples of a Greek diet, and you’ll also find vegetables, greens and herbs that complement the flavours (and enhance the experience) along the way. They are crucial for providing essential nutrition as well as variety, so you are sure to find something that appeals to your taste buds.
Although sit-down meals are popular, Greece also has a strong tradition of street food. The most popular type of street food you’ll come across exploring any city in Greece is Koulouria. This sesame seed-dusted bread ring is crunchy on the outside but soft and chewy on the inside. Apollo Bakery has brought the recipe across the continent, so you can see what all the fuss is about.
All countries have taken influence from other cultures that are woven into their history, and Greece is no different. Greece arguably is the first example of fusion cuisine, with its roots traceable as far back as 350 BCE.
Alexander the Great brought Northern and Eastern influence into the Greek diet following the Greek Empire’s expansion into Europe and India. Later, after Greece was conquered by the Roman Empire, Greek food blended with Roman favourites. After 330 AD, the Byzantine Empire (later the Ottoman Empire) demanded that Greek dishes be renamed under Turkish names, something that is still present today.
To the untrained tongue, Greek and Turkish coffee are - essentially - the same, and the famous baklava and Loukoumi are dishes shared by both cultures.
These influences have certainly made Greek cuisine more interesting and are part of why it has survived for over 2000 years, evolving along the way.
Apollo Bakery has a wide range of Greek food available, ranging from traditional snacks and bread to modern interpretations that are sure to fill your stomach with delight. If you’re in the area, feel free to stop by for a bite and choose from our wide selection. Check out our Menu to see what we have on offer.
