Greek Food, Cooking and Recipe Community

Is lobster popular in Greee?

1 - 10 of 10 Posts
G

greggd12

Active member
Living in the United States, I'm a huge lobster fan. Especially when I'm celebrating, or have a little bit of extra cash to spend. But one thing that I've noticed is that I've never seen lobster on the menu in Greece. How come? I always have the impression that Greece is a very seafood oriented culture. Is lobster is not found in the Mediterranean? Or is there some other reason that lobster isn't a popular item on the menu?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hash
No, it's not, and I'm not sure why because there is lobster in Greece. My wife came to America 2 years ago and had never had lobster until I took here to get it.. When I lived in Greece (2006-2013), I never saw it on the menu, but then again, my family and I never went out to eat unless we wanted a gyros or souvlaki.
 
Last edited:
I never realized that until you just said it! The only time I see lobster in Greece is on a rare occasion where its a seafood pasta. Strange...
 
When i travelled to Greece and went to athens mykonos Santorini and Mati . I was looking forward to a lobster but in all the hotels and restaurants i never found one.
 
  • Like
Reactions: seleanor
You can find lobster in Athens, I had it in a restaurant at Lykavittos near teleferik. a few restaurants in Santorini, we had it at Armeni in Oia. They normally charge you by the actual weight and it is not cheap.
You should find it in Mykonos too.
 
  • Like
Reactions: seleanor
Mediterranean lobster (different than Maine lobster, but delicious) is available in Greece. Whenever we visit Chania, the seaside taverna knows that we like it so they always advise us when they have gotten a haul. It is not necessarily found on a menu. 99FE120B-1BBA-4E7D-A8C6-A4CF7CFCA491.jpeg
 
  • Like
Reactions: seleanor
Deborah said:
Mediterranean lobster (different than Maine lobster, but delicious) is available in Greece. Whenever we visit Chania, the seaside taverna knows that we like it so they always advise us when they have gotten a haul. It is not necessarily found on a menu. View attachment 974
Click to expand...
This looks stunning, swimming in butter, lemon and oil just like I like it!
 
greggd12 said:
Living in the United States, I'm a huge lobster fan. Especially when I'm celebrating, or have a little bit of extra cash to spend. But one thing that I've noticed is that I've never seen lobster on the menu in Greece. How come? I always have the impression that Greece is a very seafood oriented culture. Is lobster is not found in the Mediterranean? Or is there some other reason that lobster isn't a popular item on the menu?
Click to expand...
For sure there is lobsters in Greece and Mykonos...we used to go lobster fishing early mornings around 5am just behind Kalafatis...and lots of them too!!..A sensitive issue why it isn't on the menu because it must be served fresh caught on the same day, frozen tastes completely different, those who who eat lobsters know this... Also be prepared to have very deep pockets!!......Best way to eat lobsters in Greece to get there first....ask the local fishermen who deliver to the restaurants and Tavernas and even catch them freshly and deliver to be cooked..... off season they fly them in from Athens!!....Just look up TripAdvisor.... Kalley Mera!
 
  • Like
Reactions: francescool
Hash said:
For sure there is lobsters in Greece and Mykonos...we used to go lobster fishing early mornings around 5am just behind Kalafatis...and lots of them too!!..A sensitive issue why it isn't on the menu because it must be served fresh caught on the same day, frozen tastes completely different, those who who eat lobsters know this... Also be prepared to have very deep pockets!!......Best way to eat lobsters in Greece to get there first....ask the local fishermen who deliver to the restaurants and Tavernas and even catch them freshly and deliver to be cooked..... off season they fly them in from Athens!!....Just look up TripAdvisor.... Kalley Mera!
Click to expand...
So true, frozen lobster is just not the same
 
greggd12 said:
Living in the United States, I'm a huge lobster fan. Especially when I'm celebrating, or have a little bit of extra cash to spend. But one thing that I've noticed is that I've never seen lobster on the menu in Greece. How come? I always have the impression that Greece is a very seafood oriented culture. Is lobster is not found in the Mediterranean? Or is there some other reason that lobster isn't a popular item on the menu?
Click to expand...
There are lobster in Greece, but they are different than the lobsters we know from the United States. I have seen it only occasionally on menus, but I have never actually tried it in Greece. I don't know why. You're right, it's not super common. I don't know why!

Here are is a link with the different lobsters available in Greece:

www.tasteatlas.com

Astakos | Local Lobster From Greece

What is Astakos? Astakos is the Greek name for lobster, and it typically refers to two species of lobster that inhabit the Mediterranean Sea, namely the European lobster (Homarus gammarus) and the European spiny lobster (Palinurus elephas). The first species is distinguished by a smooth...
www.tasteatlas.com
 
1 - 10 of 10 Posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION AND READ OTHER GREEK INFO:

What do you think of Gyro variations?

There are some gyro shops near me in the United States and they seem to be putting a different spin on the classic dish. There are some variations. What do you guys think of the variations?

I don't recall seeing these variations in Greece, but I could be wrong. Variations such as - gyros made with different meats, like chicken, those made with Greek meatballs, souvlaki, etc.

And what do you think of putting fries in Gyros? I do see that in Greece.

Current food trends in Greece?

I understand that Greece is just like other countries where there might be food trends, new dishes, etc to enjoy.

I'm looking to understand more about the latest trends that are currently shaping it. I'm particularly interested in how traditional Greek recipes are being reimagined by modern chefs, how regional variations are gaining popularity, or if there's a rise in any particular ingredients or cooking methods.

Is anyone here keeping tabs on contemporary movements in Greek food? Maybe you've dined at a restaurant that surprised you with a modern twist on a Greek classic, or you've come across new food blogs with innovative recipes.

The cuisine of Greece is as much about the traditional recipes we all love as it is the trends and the way the cuisine moves forward!

Mediterranean Diet Tied to Lower Blood Pressure, Greek Study Shows!

No Meat Dolmades (Stuffed Grape Leaves) Recipe

It has taken me a long time to get vegetarian dolmades to the point where I enjoy them. Here is my recipe. It uses a lot of oil, so strict fasters shouldn't eat them. But most people aren't super strict so I would even say these are good for lent!

Ingredients:​

  • 1 jar of grape leaves (about 60-70 leaves)
  • 1 cup short-grain rice
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh dill
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Water

Instructions:​

  1. Prepare the Grape Leaves:
    • If using grape leaves preserved in brine, rinse them well under cold water to remove excess salt. If using fresh grape leaves, blanch them in boiling water for about 1 minute, then drain and rinse with cold water. Trim off any stems.
  2. Prepare the Filling:
    • In a large bowl, combine the rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped dill, chopped mint, chopped parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
  3. Fill and Roll the Grape Leaves:
    • Place a grape leaf flat on a clean work surface, shiny side down, with the stem end facing you. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the rice filling onto the center of the leaf, near the stem end.
    • Fold the bottom of the leaf over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll tightly into a small cylinder.
    • Repeat with the remaining grape leaves and filling, arranging the rolled dolmades seam-side down in a large pot or deep skillet, packing them snugly together.
  4. Cook the Dolmades:
    • Once all the dolmades are rolled and packed in the pot, drizzle with a little olive oil and lemon juice.
    • Pour enough water into the pot to just cover the dolmades.
    • Place a heatproof plate or lid directly on top of the dolmades to keep them submerged during cooking.
    • Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer gently for about 45-60 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the grape leaves are tender.

Stuffed grape leaves - how much filling?

I haven't made stuffed grape leaves in a while and I have some questions.

First of all, I am having a hard time judging how much filling to put in each leaf? I have a friend who helped me and tried to explain. She'd put a teaspoon of filling in the leaf, then add or subtract more after looking at it. She's quick rolling, and I have no idea how she knows how much filling.

And she really couldn't explain it - just said that you have to look at it and it's by feel. It sounds like my yiayia and she's younger than me! I told her that and she just shrugged. She tried to talk me through it as we were rolling together but it seemed so random to me.
Sign up for a free account and share your thoughts, photos, questions about Greek food, travel and culture!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top