World
Explore Greek cuisine: Diverse flavors, rich history, and fresh ingredients
There are a number of reasons that draw travelers to Greece, from the sun-soaked islands to the historically rich mainland. However, one of the best reasons is having the opportunity to savor the extraordinary cuisine that the nation proudly offers.
Even if a trip to Greece isn’t in the cards, you can recreate the experience at home or explore your local Greek restaurant. Here are various delectable Greek dishes worth savoring at least once in your lifetime:
- The Mediterranean diet
- Mezes
- The souvlaki and gyro
- Seafood
- Regional specialties
- Sweets
- Wine and spirits
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On the list of the most popular international destinations for summer 2023 is Athens, Greece. (iStock)
The Mediterranean diet in Greece reflects a cultural connection to their food. Meals are viewed as a communal experience, bringing people together to share stories and create lasting memories. Local markets are crowded with produce, and the aroma of freshly baked bread emphasizes the importance of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
Characterized by olive oil, fresh vegetables, whole grains and an intake of fish and wine, this diet is not just a way of eating but a way of life in Greece.
“The Greek Mediterranean diet is not merely a diet, but rather a way of life: it constitutes a set of skills, knowledge and practices, promoting social interaction, since communal meals are the cornerstone of social customs and festive events,” reads the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
To prepare dolmades, grape leaves are typically blanched to soften them before being carefully filled with the rice and herb mixture. (Cyrus McCrimmon/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
No Greek dining experience is complete without indulging in mezes, a selection of small dishes meant for sharing. Tzatziki, a yogurt and cucumber dip, and Taramasalata, a creamy fish roe spread, are just the beginning.
- Spanakopita: A savory pastry filled with spinach and feta that offers a delightful blend of flaky crust and rich, herby filling.
- Dolmades: Grape leaves stuffed with seasoned rice and pine nuts that provide a burst of Mediterranean flavors in each bite.
- Keftedes: Seasoned meatballs often served with a zesty yogurt-based sauce, showcasing the skillful balance of spices in Greek cuisine.
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The variety within mezes reflects the country’s regional diversity, with each region contributing its own unique twists to these shared dishes. Whether enjoyed in a seaside taverna with the sound of waves as a backdrop or in a cozy family-owned restaurant tucked away in a charming alley, the experience of mezes goes beyond the culinary – it’s a celebration of togetherness.
A gyro with pork (called the Herc) at Saloniki, a fast-food Greek restaurant, in Boston. (Suzanne Kreiter/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
The iconic souvlaki and gyro, cherished as typical Greek street foods, are the very essence of Greek comfort food. Whether wrapped in warm pita bread or skewered and grilled to perfection, these dishes will hit the spot every time.
WHERE DID THE GYRO COME FROM?
The interplay of meats, typically lamb, chicken or pork, with a medley of fresh tomatoes, crisp onions and a generous dollop of velvety tzatziki, creates delicious Mediterranean flavors in every bite.
Visitors can enjoy this Greek food on the streets of Athens or in a quaint village square. These beloved street foods are a testament to the Greeks’ mastery of simple yet exquisite cuisine.
Sun drying octopus at Limenaria village in Thassos, Greece. Greeks have been eating octopus since ancient times, and it is still on the menu of the country in many fish taverns. (Athanasios Gioumpasis/Getty Images)
With its extensive coastline, Greece offers a number of seafood delights:
- Grilled octopus
- Sea bass
- Red snapper
- Crispy fried calamari
- Kakavia, the stereotypical Greek fisherman’s soup.
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Kakavia is typically made with a variety of fish, shellfish and other seafood, combined with vegetables such as tomatoes, onions and potatoes. The soup is seasoned with herbs and spices, creating a savory and aromatic dish.
Visitors can travel to coastal tavernas for a seafood feast that reflects the freshness and simplicity of Greek coastal life.
A bougatsa pie, a delicious sweet treat made of white cheese and thin pastry baked in the oven is served in Heraklion, Greece. (Bastian Parschau/Getty Images)
1. Crete
Crete is known for its high-quality, tender lamb, and it’s prepared in various ways to showcase its natural taste. Grilled lamb chops, slow-cooked stews and roasted lamb with aromatic herbs are some of the popular lamb dishes you might encounter on the island.
2. Thessaloniki
Bougatsa is a traditional Greek pastry that originated in the city of Thessaloniki. It is a type of phyllo dough pastry that can be either sweet or savory. The most common types are sweet bougatsa with custard filling or sweet cream, and savory bougatsa with cheese or minced meat filling.
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3. Santorini
Domatokeftedes are a Greek dish hailing from the beautiful island of Santorini. These are tomato fritters that showcase the island’s rich agricultural produce, particularly its vibrant and flavorful tomatoes. The dish perfectly captures the essence of the Aegean sun-soaked harvest, offering a burst of Mediterranean flavors.
Baklava pastries are seen at a pastry shop in Istanbul. Baklava is a pastry made of layers of filo pastry filled with semolina cream and Antep pistachio. (OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images)
Greek desserts are a sweet celebration of tradition and local ingredients. Sink your teeth into the luscious layers of baklava, a decadent pastry crafted from delicate phyllo dough and an irresistible medley of nuts. For a taste of golden perfection, savor loukoumades, delectable fried dough orbs generously drizzled with golden honey.
Conclude your culinary journey with Greek spoon sweets, featuring fruits preserved in rich, syrupy perfection — a sweet note to end your Greek dining experience.
A waiter pours a glass of Assyrtiko wine on Santorini Island, Greece. Assyrtiko is a white grape variety native to the Greek island of Santorini, although it is also cultivated in other parts of Greece. (Xinhua/ via Getty Images)
Sip the rich narratives of Greece’s selection of wines, from the robust reds hailing from Nemea to the crisp Assyrtiko whites dancing on the vineyards of Santorini.
Each glass captures the essence of Greek winemaking. Elevate your toast with the anise-flavored allure of ouzo or the robust character of tsipouro, traditional spirits that embody the conviviality woven into the fabric of Greek dining.
From Greek mezes to seafood, regional specialties to sweet endings, every bite is a celebration of tradition and a testament to the Greek passion for life, food, and shared moments around the table.
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By Jake Lucas and Axel Boada
December 18, 2025
World
Zelenskyy calls for US to respond to ‘signals’ Russia is ‘preparing to make next year a year of war’
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday called for the U.S. and other allies to respond to bellicose “signals” from Russia.
“Today, we again heard signals from Moscow that they are preparing to make next year a year of war. These signals are not only for us. It is crucial that our partners see them, and not only see them but also respond — especially partners in the United States, who often say that Russia wants to end the war,” Zelenskyy asserted in a post on X.
Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment.
“Over the past few weeks, the President’s team has made tremendous progress with respect to ending the war between Russia and Ukraine, and as the President stated, he believes we are closer now than we have ever been,” a White House official noted.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is pictured during a press conference with Friedrich Merz, Federal Chancellor, on Dec. 15, 2025, in Berlin, Germany. (Florian Gaertner/Photothek via Getty Images)
“Yet the signals coming from Russia are the exact opposite, taking the form of official orders to their army. This Russian mindset must be recognized — and acted upon. When Russia is in this mindset, it will also undermine diplomacy — seeking, through diplomatic language and pressure over specific points in documents — to merely mask its desire to destroy Ukraine and Ukrainians, and the desire to legitimize Russia’s theft of our land. And then come other countries in Europe, which someone in Russia might one day label their so‑called ‘historical lands,’” Zelenskyy asserted in the post.
“Real protection is needed against this Russian case history of madness, and we will continue working with all partners to ensure that protection is in place. Security measures are needed, financial measures are needed — including actions on Russian assets — political measures are needed. And the courage of all partners is required: to see the truth, acknowledge the truth, and act accordingly. I want to thank everyone who supports Ukraine,” his post concluded.
Zelenskyy also conveyed the message in a Ukrainian-language video.
US OFFICIALS TOUT PROGRESS IN TALKS TO REACH ‘LASTING AND DURABLE PEACE’ BETWEEN UKRAINE, RUSSIA
In this photo distributed by the state agency Sputnik, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin speaks during an expanded meeting of the Russian Defense Ministry Board at the National Defense Control Center in Moscow on Dec. 17, 2025. (Mikhail TERESHCHENKO / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)
Russian President Vladimir Putin declared during a Defense Ministry board meeting on Wednesday that Russia will accomplish its goals, through either diplomacy or military force.
“The goals of the special military operation will undoubtedly be achieved. We would prefer to accomplish this and address the root causes of the conflict through diplomatic means. However, if the opposing side and its foreign patrons refuse to engage in substantive dialogue, Russia will achieve the liberation of its historical lands by military means. The task of creating and expanding a security buffer zone will also be carried out consistently,” Putin said, according to a Kremlin transcript.
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Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., arrives for a House Republican conference meeting at the U.S. Capitol on May 6, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
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Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., a staunch proponent of U.S. support for Ukraine, asserted in a post on X, “Again… the U.S. should send 200 long-range and extremely accurate cruise missiles to Ukraine. Maybe then, Putin will get serious and seek peace. Putin started this war, and he’ll stop this war once he realizes he cannot win and that the cost of war is too high.”
President Donald Trump’s administration has been attempting to help broker peace between Russia and Ukraine.
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Following tense negotiations among the 27 member states, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday pushed the signature of the contentious Mercosur agreement to January to the frustration of backers Germany and Spain.
The trade deal dominated the EU summit, with France and Italy pressing for a delay to secure stronger farmer protections, while von der Leyen had hoped to travel to Latin America for a signing ceremony on 20 December after securing member-state support.
Without approval, the ceremony can no longer go ahead. There is not set date.
“The Commission proposed that it postpones to early January the signature to further discuss with the countries who still need a bit more time,” an EU official told reporters.
After a phone call with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she supported the deal, but added that Rome still needs stronger assurances for Italian farmers. Lula said in separate comments that Meloni assured him the trade deal would be approved in the next 10 days to a month.
The Mercosur agreement would create a free-trade area between the EU and Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. But European farmers fear it would expose them to unfair competition from Latin American imports on pricing and practices.
Meloni’s decision was pivotal to delay
“The Italian government is ready to sign the agreement as soon as the necessary answers are provided to farmers. This would depend on the decisions of the European Commission and can be defined within a short timeframe,” Meloni said after speaking with Lula, who had threatened to walk away from the deal unless an agreement was found this month. He sounded more conciliatory after speaking to Meloni.
Talks among EU leaders were fraught, as backers of the deal – concluded in 2024 after 25 years of negotiations – argued the Mercosur is an imperative as the bloc needs new markets at a time in which the US, its biggest trading partner, pursues an aggressive tariff policy. Duties on European exports to the US have tripled under Donald Trump.
“This is one of the most difficult EU summits since the last negotiation of the long-term budget two years ago,” an EU diplomat said.
France began pushing last Sunday for a delay in the vote amid farmers’ anger.
Paris has long opposed the deal, demanding robust safeguards for farmers and reciprocity on environmental and health production standards with Mercosur countries.
The agreement requires a qualified majority for approval. France, Poland and Hungary oppose the signature, while Austria and Belgium planned to abstain if a vote were held this week. Ireland has also raised concerns over farmer protections.
Italy’s stance was pivotal.
However, supporters of the agreement now fear prolonged hesitation could prompt Mercosur countries to walk away after decades of negotiations for good.
After speaking with Meloni, Lula said he would pass Italy’s request on to Mercosur so that it can “decide what to do.”
An EU official said contacts with Mercosur were “ongoing,” adding: “We need to make sure that everything is accepted by them.”
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