Greek Culture

Eating & Drinking

“The face of Mediterranean cuisine, Greek food brings together what many hail as the quintessential ingredients of the coast, Balkans, and the Levant in its own unique way.”

Today’s Greek cuisine consists of a blend of Ancient Greek practices and modern influences from Southeastern Europe. Many of the traditional dishes and recipes came to the land after the Ottoman conquest. And, they became one with the older cooking techniques over time. The result is one of the healthiest diets in the world, based on local ingredients that are proven to do wonders for your body and soul. Olives from the most fertile groves, best quality fish from the exuberant Mediterranean, and the lightest cooking techniques in any cuisine… This is the summary of Greek cuisine. Prepare to be tantalized by a sensual feast of sights, smells, and tastes.

Moussaka, tzatziki, myriad soups, Baklava, and the aromatic Ouzo. Greek delicacies more than we can count. Coriander and oregano are the spices that give that incredible taste you are experiencing. Traditional pita bread accompanies almost every meal, along with the world-famous meze dishes. These are the heart and soul of Greek culture. Some must-try meze includes dolmades, made with exquisite vine leaves and olive oil, fried calamari, and skordalia, a mashed potato dip with plenty of garlic. As for sweeter tastes, the traditional bread Tsoureki is a recipe that is almost a thousand years old. It is the ultimate street food and pastry delight you will come across in Greece.

The star of Balkan alcoholic drinks, Ouzo is Greek to the bone. This anise-flavored wonder is not only the number one souvenir to take from Greece but also the cornerstone of a hearty culinary ritual. Ouzo is served with some feta cheese, fresh fruits, and the best mezes in the country. Warm conversations and lots of laughter accompany it. So while you are there, make sure you reserve a scenic table for some ouzo with your travel buddies.

Religion & Etiquette

The national religion of Greece is the Greek Orthodox Church, and a majority of the population are followers. However, most Greek people who identify as Greek Orthodox don’t practice the religion devotedly. It is a major constituent of traditions and the concept of national unity in Greece. Family is the core of society according to the belief. This makes Greece one of those countries that value loyalty, unity, and cooperation more than anything else. However, the Mediterranean spirit plays a pivotal role in the deliverance of religious custom. This means that nothing is too uptight in Greek culture, and they tend to be as relaxed as possible in their normative ways.

The Greek way of politeness is to accept what you are offered, especially if it is food. Your acceptance and thankfulness will mean that you trust the other party. Also, Greek people are very fond of giving their possessions to other people if they show too much interest. Don’t expect everything, or everybody, to be on time. Long siestas have affected Greek culture so deeply that it is perfectly fine to be a couple of dozen minutes late. If someone invites you over for a meal, it is even customary to be late. So, try to loosen up and blend in with the chill vibes in Greece.

The Greeks are fairly modern and open-minded when it comes to issues such as dressing or public displays of affection. Since most of the places you will be visiting are coastal, it is almost always okay to walk around in revealing clothes. However, Greek people usually dress up when going to dinner or for drinks. If you are visiting churches or monasteries, they may require you to cover your legs and shoulders before going in, especially for female visitors.