Greek Food, Cooking and Recipe Community

Where can I buy the freshest ingredients and food in Greece?

1 - 8 of 8 Posts
B

blopez34

Active member
I’m an aspiring home chef and self proclaimed foodie and I'm looking to get my hands on the best ingredients for when I’m cooking at my airbnb in Greece. I have a feeling that local Greeks aren’t shopping at the supermarket all day. What are your tips for getting fresh and authentic ingredients in Greece?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Joni T.
As a kid going to Greece every Summer, my Yiayia (grandmother) would take me to the Greek local farmers markets. From what I remember they used to happen every Saturday morning and everyone in the village would get together and sell their fresh crops. There were no Whole Foods supermarkets back then! :)
 
  • Like
Reactions: Joni T.
blopez34 said:
I’m an aspiring home chef and self proclaimed foodie and I'm looking to get my hands on the best ingredients for when I’m cooking at my airbnb in Greece. I have a feeling that local Greeks aren’t shopping at the supermarket all day. What are your tips for getting fresh and authentic ingredients in Greece?
Click to expand...
If your airbnb is in Crete, you're all set. Every taverna we went to there seemed to serve vegetables picked that day. Fishing boats came in in the morning, and then restaurants and locals would buy and eat the fish of the day.
 
  • Like
Reactions: blopez34 and Worldwide Greeks Editor
Access to fresh, organic food in Greece is easy to find! Supermarkets are great for staples but the local laiki (farmers market) is the best place to go. Every area has one on a different day of the week so it's important to ask a local the when and where of their laiki.
They are a lot of fun to go to you will find fresh eggs, fruits, vegetables, seafood, clothes, housewares, baked goods and I have even seem some live chickens for sale :). Going to the Laiki is one of my favorite things to do when visiting family. Either way, you can't go wrong the food just tastes better in Greece!!!
 
  • Like
Reactions: blopez34
Whenever I use to be in Greece I used to be at Greek food as I considered among the best and best on the planet. With an accentuation on heated as opposed to singed food, most customary dishes dodge expand sauces, favoring the aroma of spice flavors. Likely any place I'm I use to look for a new fixing at one my number one store Wegmans.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: blopez34
blopez34 said:
I’m an aspiring home chef and self proclaimed foodie and I'm looking to get my hands on the best ingredients for when I’m cooking at my airbnb in Greece. I have a feeling that local Greeks aren’t shopping at the supermarket all day. What are your tips for getting fresh and authentic ingredients in Greece?
Click to expand...
The best place is the local 'laiki' - i.e. the weekly street market and these exist in big towns all over Greece. In central Athens there's also the main market in Athinas street for meat and fish produce. The surrounding area is also wonderful for food shopping of all kinds - including for herbs and spices.
 
  • Like
Reactions: blopez34
Effrosyni Moschoudi said:
The best place is the local 'laiki' - i.e. the weekly street market and these exist in big towns all over Greece. In central Athens there's also the main market in Athinas street for meat and fish produce. The surrounding area is also wonderful for food shopping of all kinds - including for herbs and spices.
Click to expand...
Thank you! Do you know if the laiki is open every day?
 
blopez34 said:
Thank you! Do you know if the laiki is open every day?
Click to expand...
Depends! Each town or Athens suburb chooses a different day and they always are a once a week thing. Most of the time they take place on Fridays or Tuesdays, I believe. Just ask the locals :)
 
1 - 8 of 8 Posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION AND READ OTHER GREEK INFO:

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!

Stuffed grape leaves - how much filling?

I haven't made stuffed grape leaves in a while and I have some questions.

First of all, I am having a hard time judging how much filling to put in each leaf? I have a friend who helped me and tried to explain. She'd put a teaspoon of filling in the leaf, then add or subtract more after looking at it. She's quick rolling, and I have no idea how she knows how much filling.

And she really couldn't explain it - just said that you have to look at it and it's by feel. It sounds like my yiayia and she's younger than me! I told her that and she just shrugged. She tried to talk me through it as we were rolling together but it seemed so random to me.

What do you serve for Greek Easter?

With Greek Easter just around the corner, I'm getting excited to celebrate with family and friends. One of my favorite parts of this holiday is the delicious feast we enjoy together. I'm curious to hear what dishes everyone serves at their Greek Easter gatherings.

Whether you have cherished family recipes passed down through generations or you're trying something new this year, I'd love to hear about it. From traditional favorites like lamb and tzatziki to mouthwatering desserts like baklava and tsoureki, every dish adds to the festive atmosphere.

So, what's on your Greek Easter menu this year? Are there any must-have dishes or special treats that you look forward to? Feel free to share recipes, tips, or simply your excitement for the upcoming celebration. Let's swap ideas and inspire each other to make this Greek Easter memorable!

Us? We are grilling a leg of lamb and serving it with lemon potatoes and fasolakia. For dessert we are doing some kind of a chocolate cake and of course koulourakia.

Best meze to serve at Easter?

What is the best Greek meze to serve for Greek Easter? I want dishes that will wow my guests and make this Easter unforgettable. I’m looking for meze that are both traditional and have that ‘wow’ factor in terms of visual appeal and taste. I’d appreciate if you could share your favorites and perhaps some personal tips or recipes that make them stand out.

Here’s what I’m considering so far, but I’d love your input:
  • Tzatziki - A refreshing yogurt, cucumber, and garlic dip.
  • Spanakopita - Hearty spinach and feta pie encased in flaky pastry.
  • Dolmadakia (Stuffed Grape Leaves) - A tangy and herb-infused delight.
  • Feta cheese. A classic - I sometimes drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano.
  • Olives. No meze spread is complete without olives.
What else should I put out? Or is that enough? We're having about 20 people.

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.
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