1 - 2 of 2 Posts

d_kakavouli

Active member
I love Greek street food and I understand pita is one of the common ones. Are there any regional variations or lesser-known pita dishes that I should try?

I’d love to hear about any unique fillings or combinations that go beyond the typical pork or chicken with tzatziki. Do some places offer vegetarian or even vegan versions with different spreads or veggies? Also, I’ve heard about something called pita me kavourma—is that common, and what exactly is it?

Lastly, any tips on the best way to enjoy these pita delights—specific condiments, sauces, or ways to assemble them? Looking forward to trying something new and expanding my Greek street food knowledge. Thanks for any recommendations!
 
Absolutely, Greek pita is versatile and offers many regional variations! Aside from the classic pork or chicken gyros, some places serve pitas filled with beef, lamb, or even seafood. If you're looking for vegetarian or vegan options, you’ll find pitas with grilled vegetables, falafel, or fillings like revithia (chickpea spread) or fava (yellow split pea puree), often paired with olives, eggplant, or tahini.

As for pita me kavourma, it’s a regional specialty featuring slow-cooked, spiced preserved meat (usually pork or beef). It’s not as common as gyros but is a flavorful treat, especially in Northern Greece.

For the best experience, try adding tyrokafteri (spicy feta dip), a drizzle of olive oil, or melitzanosalata (eggplant dip).
 

What are Epirus pies?

I was chatting with a friend recently about Greek food, and she mentioned “Epirus pies.” I’m of Greek descent and pretty familiar with traditional dishes, but I honestly had never heard of them! She made it sound like there’s a whole category of pies unique to the Epirus region—both savory and sweet—but I didn’t get a lot of details.

Is this really a regional thing? Are they different from the spanakopita and tiropita I grew up with? I’m curious about what makes them special—different fillings, crusts, or preparation?

If anyone here is from Epirus or has experience with these pies, I’d love to hear more. Are there any classic ones I should try making? Would also be great to know if they’re found in bakeries elsewhere in Greece, or mostly made at home.

Thanks in advance—always excited to learn more about the regional food traditions I didn’t grow up with!

Getting grilled octopus tender?

Hey all, I could use some advice. I absolutely love Greek-style grilled octopus—tender, smoky, a little charred, and drizzled with olive oil and lemon. I’ve been trying to recreate it at home, but my early attempts haven’t been quite right. The flavor’s there, but the texture is tough or rubbery, and I know that’s not how it’s supposed to be.

What’s the secret to getting it tender before grilling? I’ve heard everything from boiling it in vinegar water, to freezing it first, to slow braising it. Some say marinate, others say don’t. I’d really appreciate any tips—especially from people who’ve actually managed to get that perfect tender-crisp balance. Do you cook it first, and for how long, or go straight to the grill? I’d love to get this right!

Sardelles Plaki - Fresh Sardines with Tomatoes

I like to try different things when it comes to Greek food, and lately I’ve been experimenting with more traditional variations. I make plaki fairly often—usually with cod or haddock—and it always turns out great. But on a trip to Greece a few years ago, I had sardelles plaki at a seaside taverna and loved how flavorful it was. I’ve been thinking about trying it at home, but I’m not sure if there’s anything different I should know when using sardines instead of a white fish fillet.

Has anyone here made sardelles plaki from scratch? Do you use fresh or canned sardines? Any prep tips—like whether to remove the heads or bones? I’d love to hear how you season it and what you serve it with. Thanks in advance for any advice!

Seasoning / Sauce for Dolmades?

Hey everyone! I’ve been making dolmades at home more often lately (the rice-stuffed grape leaves, not the meat ones), and I usually love finishing them with a nice avgolemono sauce. The lemony egg mixture adds such a cozy tang, but honestly, some nights it just feels like too much effort—especially when I’m already tired from rolling all those leaves!

I’m wondering if anyone has simpler ways to finish dolmades that still give that bright, lemony flavor without making a separate sauce. I’ve tried just squeezing fresh lemon over the top, but it feels like something’s missing. Do you add lemon zest, broth, or olive oil to the pot while cooking? Maybe a shortcut sauce that doesn’t involve tempering eggs?

Would love to hear what’s worked for you. I want them to still feel special, just not complicated. Bonus points if it makes the whole dish feel more comforting! Thanks in advance!

Making tzatziki in advance?

I’m planning to make tzatziki for a party and would love some advice on making it ahead of time. I’ve noticed that when it sits in the fridge too long, the garlic can become really intense—sometimes even overpowering. I love a garlicky tzatziki, but I don’t want it to turn bitter or sharp by the time guests arrive.

How far in advance can I safely make tzatziki without the flavor becoming too strong or the texture going watery? Are there any tips for keeping it fresh—like straining the yogurt longer, or waiting to add the garlic or cucumber until the last minute?

Any tricks for keeping the flavor balanced if it’s stored overnight or for a full 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