Greek Food, Cooking and Recipe Community

Herbal Teas to Bring Back from Greece?

1 - 3 of 3 Posts
D

dimi_pat

Active member
I’ll be visiting Greece soon, and I’m thinking of bringing back some Greek teas as souvenirs and gifts. I know Greek teas are popular for their unique flavors and health benefits, but I’m not really sure which ones are must-haves. I’d love any recommendations for teas that are well-loved in Greece or have a traditional significance. I’m especially interested in teas that highlight local herbs or unique blends I might not find elsewhere.

I know about Greek mountain tea and maybe chamomile, but are there others I should look for? Also, if you know any good spots in Athens or Thessaloniki to buy quality teas, I’d love to hear about them. Thanks in advance for any advice...This is a part of Greek culture I never learned about, my family never really drank tea!
 
Greek teas are fantastic souvenirs and gifts! Here are some must-try options to consider when you're traveling. You can find them all over Greece:
  • Greek Mountain Tea (Tsai Tou Vounou): A classic made from Sideritis, grown in high-altitude regions. It has an earthy flavor and immune-boosting properties.
  • Dittany of Crete: A rare herb with a slightly spicy aroma, known for its medicinal benefits.
  • Sage (Faskomilo): A fragrant herb with a peppery taste, great for relaxation.
  • Mint (Dyosmos): Refreshing and perfect for digestion.
  • Herbal Blends: Look for unique combinations featuring thyme, oregano, or lavender.
 
Last edited:
1 - 3 of 3 Posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION AND READ OTHER GREEK INFO:

Grilling Lamb Chops Tips

I grill lamb chops every so often, especially when the weather’s nice, and I usually keep it pretty simple. My go-to is a marinade with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. I’ll let them sit for a few hours, then throw them on a hot grill and cook them pretty quickly so they don’t dry out. They always come out good, but I feel like maybe I can try some different things!

Curious how you guys handle lamb chops on the grill. Do you stick with a similar marinade or go in a different direction? Anyone skip marinade altogether and just season right before grilling? Also wondering about timing, do you go super hot and fast, or a little slower?

How do I know if it's real Greek yogurt?

I picked up a container of “Greek yogurt” from the supermarket recently, and something about it just felt… off. The texture was a bit thinner than I expected, and the flavor didn’t have that same tangy richness I’m used to. It wasn’t bad, just not quite right, and I can’t fully put my finger on why.

It got me wondering, how do you actually tell if it’s real Greek yogurt or just something labeled that way? Are there specific ingredients, textures, or even brands I should be looking for?

I know traditional Greek yogurt is supposed to be strained, but beyond that, I’m not sure what to look for on the label.

Adapting Baklava to a Smaller Pan?

My recipe for baklava calls for a 9 x 13 but I have a pan that is smaller than that. It's not an 8x8 - it's slightly bigger than that but smaller than a 9x13. My best guess is that it is 7 x 11. Luckily, baklava doesn't need me to be perfect, just close. What do I do?

I am going to use the same filling as the 9 x 13 so I am not sharing it. The main thing in question is the syrup. What do you think?

This is my 9 x 13 syrup:
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup honey
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 strip orange peel
  • 1 tsp vanilla
Honestly should I just make the full recipe and then wing it?

Most popular dishes of Greece?

I was talking to someone yesterday and mentioned that fasolada is considered one of the “national dishes of Greece”. I’m pretty sure I’ve heard that somewhere before. But it got me thinking, what actually are the most popular dishes in Greece?

I feel like everyone immediately thinks of things like moussaka or souvlaki, and maybe even horiatiki salad, but I’m not sure if those are the most commonly eaten foods in everyday life or just the most well-known internationally.

Are there certain dishes that Greeks themselves would consider staples or “must-haves”? And does it vary a lot by region? What dishes come to mind when you think of what is popular in Greece?

What’s a Typical Breakfast in Greece Today?

I’ve noticed that when people talk about Greek food, breakfast doesn’t come up as much as lunch or dinner. But from my own experience in Greece, mornings have always had their own rhythm, even if the food itself is pretty simple.

For me, it’s usually coffee first, and then something small like bread, toast, or a quick stop at the bakery for something like koulouri. It never feels like a heavy or overly structured meal, more just enough to start the day.

I’m curious how this compares for others. When you’re in Greece, or when you were growing up in a Greek household, what did breakfast actually look like on a typical day?
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