Did you know that most Cretan restaurants will serve you raki and watermelon after your meal?

[nadellii]

Whether you ask for it or not, most restaurants in Crete will serve you raki and watermelon free of charge after your meal. This is part of the Cretan culture and is considered very hospitable and philotimo. I personally always looked forward to it and it was a great part of the dining experience.

 

[k_tsoukalas]

Whether you ask for it or not, most restaurants in Crete will serve you raki and watermelon free of charge after your meal. This is part of the Cretan culture and is considered very hospitable and philotimo. I personally always looked forward to it and it was a great part of the dining experience.

I love it, too. My experience has been that they often serve Raki during the meal, too, but they'll bring out watermelon or some other fruit afterwards. I went to an outdoor cafe for cocktails and they brought over loukoumades with it. At one place, I wanted a drink but didn't order food and they brought over fries with it. Seems the Cretans don't want anyone to drink without food!