Greek Breakfasts Most Common Today

[GreekGirlCooks]

I am a Greek American and my breakfasts have gotten Americanized. I asked my older Greek family members who came from Greece what they ate for breakfast in Greece (30+ years ago) and the answer I got was Greek coffee, cigarettes, and maybe a pastry and/or some feta and olives.

I asked someone who lived in Greece more recently and she said fruit and yogurt.

Granted, I only asked a few people ... so I understand this wasn't a good example. What do people do now?

 

[k_tsoukalas]

Breakfast in Greece has definitely evolved over the years! Traditionally, like your family mentioned, breakfast wasn’t a big meal—often just coffee, maybe a pastry like bougatsa (a creamy or cheese-filled phyllo pastry) or some bread with cheese and olives. Many older Greeks kept things simple and light, especially compared to the more elaborate American breakfasts.

Nowadays, though, things have shifted. A lot of people, especially in cities, enjoy a more modern, health-conscious breakfast. Greek yogurt with honey and fruit has become really popular, and so have smoothies or even eggs with koulouri (a sesame-covered bread ring). Some people might grab a spanakopita (spinach pie) or a sandwich on the go.

So, it’s a mix of old traditions and modern trends. You’ll still find people enjoying coffee and a small pastry, but more and more are opting for lighter, healthier options like yogurt, fruit, or toast.