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:

Do you put potatoes in your briam?

I've noticed that there are quite a few variations of briam, especially when it comes to which vegetables people include. One ingredient I'm particularly curious about is potatoes. Do you always put potatoes in your briam, or do you prefer making it without them?

I usually think of briam as a combination of zucchini, eggplant, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, and plenty of olive oil. I love how the potatoes absorb all those wonderful flavors as everything slowly roasts together in the oven.

However, I've seen recipes that leave the potatoes out entirely and focus more on the summer vegetables. I imagine that makes the dish a little lighter.

I'm also curious whether there are regional differences in how briam is prepared throughout Greece. Does your family have a particular way of making it? And what vegetables do you consider absolutely essential?

Greek cooking without a recipe?

I've been thinking about how much traditional Greek cooking relies on instinct rather than following exact recipes. Some of the Greek dishes I learned to make were taught to me by feel, with someone showing me what to do rather than measuring everything out.

I actually enjoy cooking this way, but I've noticed that it can make certain dishes difficult to recreate consistently! Sometimes everything comes together perfectly, and other times I wonder what I did differently.

I'm curious how others approach this. Did you learn Greek cooking by watching your yiayia, mother, or other relatives? Do you measure ingredients, or do you just know when something looks, smells, or tastes right?

Do you make Greek lentil soup with vinegar

I’ve always made fakes with a splash of vinegar, either stirred into the pot near the end or added individually at the table. To me, that little bit of acidity is part of what makes the soup taste right, especially with the earthy lentils, olive oil, onion, garlic, and bay leaf.

But I have a Greek friend who makes hers very differently. She doesn’t use vinegar at all and instead adds quite a lot of tomato product, so her version is much redder and more tomato-forward than mine.

Now I’m curious about what is considered more traditional in Greek cooking. Is vinegar usually a standard part of fakes, or is it more of a regional or family preference? Are tomato-heavy versions just as traditional?

How do you make yours, and what did your family serve growing up?

Do You Put Cinnamon in Your Keftedes?

I’m curious how everyone here makes keftedes, especially when it comes to cinnamon. I know some Greek families add a little cinnamon to the meat mixture, while others would never think of putting it in.

In my experience, even a small amount can change the flavor quite a bit. It gives the keftedes a warmer, slightly sweeter spice in the background, but I can also see how it might not be for everyone. I’ve had versions that lean more heavily on oregano, mint, parsley, garlic, and onion instead.

Do you put cinnamon in your keftedes? If you do, how much do you usually use, and was that something your family always did? I’d also be curious to know if it varies depending on what part of Greece your family comes from.

Would love to hear how everyone seasons theirs and what you consider essential for really good keftedes.

How does your family season dolmades?

I’ve been thinking about how much dolmades can vary from one family to another, especially when it comes to seasoning. Even when the basic ingredients are similar, the flavor can be completely different depending on which herbs and spices are used.

How does your family season dolmades? Do you use mostly dill and parsley, or do you add mint as well? I’ve also seen recipes that include green onions, oregano, or even a little cinnamon, especially when meat is part of the filling.

I’m curious whether you season the rice mixture pretty heavily before rolling the grape leaves or keep it simple and let the lemon and olive oil provide most of the flavor. Does your family add lemon juice directly to the filling, or only during cooking and serving?

I’d especially love to hear about any regional or family traditions. What gives your dolmades their distinctive flavor?
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