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greggd12

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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?
 
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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.
 
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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.
 
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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.
 
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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
 
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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
This looks stunning, swimming in butter, lemon and oil just like I like it!
 
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?
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!
 
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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!
So true, frozen lobster is just not the same
 
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?
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:

 

Learning about Greek food and wine pairing

I've recently developed a fascination with Greek wines and am eager to explore their potential pairings with various cuisines. Greek wines, with their rich history and unique grape varieties, offer a tantalizing range of flavors that I believe can complement a wide array of dishes beautifully. However, my experience in effectively pairing these wines is somewhat limited, and I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights from those more familiar with this area.

Particularly, I'm interested in understanding which types of Greek wines (white, red, or rosé) pair best with specific dishes or cuisines. Here are a few specific questions I have in mind:
  1. Assyrtiko: Known for its crisp acidity and citrus notes, which dishes would best highlight Assyrtiko's characteristics?
  2. Agiorgitiko: Often described as smooth and velvety, what kinds of meals would complement this type of red wine?
  3. Xinomavro: With its robust tannins and complex flavor profile, what are the best food pairings to balance its intensity?
  4. Retsina: Given its unique pine resin flavor, are there particular foods that match well with this traditional wine?
Additionally, I'm curious if there are any general rules of thumb when it comes to pairing Greek wines with dishes from other culinary traditions outside of Greek cuisine.

Thank you!

Bougatsa Recipe - Delicious Breakfast!

When I was in Greece, I loved having bougatsa for breakfast. I don't have it much when I am back home so I decided to learn how to make it. Here's the recipe I use:

I do have a question, I find using the puff pastry the easiest. However, what do they use in Greece?

Dough:
  • 1 package (about 17.3 ounces) frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Custard:
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup fine semolina flour
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
  • Ground cinnamon, for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Custard Filling:
    • In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it's hot but not boiling.
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, semolina flour, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
    • Gradually pour about 1/4 of the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
    • Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining hot milk, whisking constantly.
    • Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a custard-like consistency, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the Bougatsa Dough:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    • Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets onto a clean surface. Brush melted butter generously over one sheet of puff pastry.
    • Place the second puff pastry sheet on top of the buttered one. Brush the top with more melted butter.
    • Roll up the puff pastry sheets tightly into a log. Cut the log into 12 equal portions.
  3. Assemble the Bougatsa:
    • Take one portion of the puff pastry and flatten it into a thin circle on a floured surface, using a rolling pin.
    • Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled custard filling in the center of the pastry circle.
    • Fold the edges of the pastry circle over the custard filling, creating a sealed pouch. Place the filled bougatsa onto the prepared baking sheet.
    • Repeat this process with the remaining puff pastry portions and custard filling.
  4. Bake the Bougatsa:
    • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the bougatsa until the pastry is golden brown and crispy, about 25-30 minutes.
    • Remove the bougatsa from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Different kinds of baklava to try?

I've recently found myself on a delicious quest to explore the world of baklava, that rich, sweet pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup. I understand that baklava has roots in many culinary traditions across the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia, each bringing its own unique twist to this iconic dessert.

From what I’ve gathered, the variations of baklava are as numerous as they are delicious, differing in nuts, spices, types of syrup, and preparation methods. However, navigating through these variations is quite the challenge, and that’s where I’m seeking your collective wisdom!

I am curious what you guys think!

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.

Traditional Greek soups in Greece?

Most of the Greeks I know are from the United States - so it's been a few generations since a lot of them spent extended time in Greece.

From what I understand, Greek cuisine kind of changes. From what I can tell, in the United States, the most popular soup is Egg and Lemon soup (avgolemono) but in Greece, I don't see to as much or rather, hear of it as much.

What are the most popular soups in Greece?
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