Cyprus, a beautiful island nestled in the eastern Mediterranean, boasts a rich and diverse culinary heritage that reflects its history and unique blend of Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern influences. The island’s warm climate and fertile soil allow for a wide variety of fresh ingredients to be grown, ensuring that the dishes are both flavourful and wholesome. In this culinary journey, we’ll explore the must-try dishes of Cyprus, from mouth-watering meze to delicious desserts, and everything in between.
Traditional Cypriot Meze
What is meze?
Meze, an essential part of Cypriot culture, is a selection of small dishes served as appetizers or as a meal in itself. Meze offers an opportunity for friends and family to gather around the table, share food, and engage in lively conversation. The concept of meze is rooted in the idea of hospitality, where guests are welcomed with an array of dishes that showcase the flavors and textures of the local cuisine.
Popular meze dishes
Tzatziki
A creamy yogurt-based dip made with cucumber, garlic, and olive oil, tzatziki is a refreshing and tangy starter that pairs well with warm pitta bread.
Hummus
This popular Middle Eastern dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic is a staple in Cypriot meze.
Taramasalata
A creamy, slightly salty dip made from fish roe, olive oil, lemon juice, and breadcrumbs, taramasalata is a favourite among seafood lovers.
Dolmades
These delicate parcels of vine leaves stuffed with rice and herbs are often served with a drizzle of lemon juice and olive oil.
Halloumi
A semi-hard, unripened cheese made from sheep’s and goat’s milk, halloumi is often grilled or fried and served as a meze dish with a sprinkling of fresh mint.
Sheftalia
These small, succulent sausages made from minced pork or lamb, onion, and parsley are typically grilled and served with a side of pitta bread.
Keftedes
These juicy meatballs made from minced meat (usually pork or beef), onions, and herbs are a crowd-pleasing meze dish.
Olives and pickles
No Cypriot meze spread is complete without a bowl of olives and an assortment of pickled vegetables, such as caper berries, gherkins, and peppers.
Best places to try meze in Cyprus
Nicosia: To Pyxida, located in the old town, is renowned for its extensive meze selection and warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Larnaca: Militzis, a family-run taverna situated by the sea, offers a delicious meze accompanied by stunning views of the Mediterranean.
Limassol: Meze Taverna Iseris, a popular local spot, serves up a vast array of traditional Cypriot meze dishes in a cozy setting.
Paphos: 7 St. Georges Tavern, a charming family-owned tavern, is famous for its generous meze spreads made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
Ayia Napa: Kalamies Restaurant, situated in a picturesque fishing harbour, is an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy a meze feast with a side of fresh seafood.
Savory Delights
Souvlaki and Sheftalia
Souvlaki, a popular Greek dish, has found its way into Cypriot cuisine and is beloved by locals and tourists alike. Tender pieces of marinated meat (usually pork or chicken) are skewered and grilled to perfection. Sheftalia, a Cypriot variation, consists of minced meat, onion, and parsley wrapped in caul fat and grilled. Both souvlaki and sheftalia are often served with pitta bread, salad, and a generous helping of tzatziki.
Moussaka
Moussaka is a classic Cypriot dish made with layers of sautéed eggplant, minced meat (usually lamb or beef), and a creamy béchamel sauce. It’s baked in the oven until golden and bubbling, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. The fragrant combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice gives this dish its unique flavor profile.
Kleftiko
Kleftiko, a slow-cooked lamb dish, is a favorite among Cypriot meat-lovers. The lamb is marinated in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then wrapped in parchment paper or foil and slow-roasted for several hours. The result is melt-in-your-mouth, tender meat infused with the flavors of the marinade.
Stifado
Stifado is a slow-cooked beef stew that features a rich, aromatic tomato sauce with onions, garlic, red wine, and a blend of spices such as cinnamon and cloves. This hearty dish is typically served with crusty bread or a side of rice or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.
Kolokasi
Kolokasi, or taro root, is a unique Cypriot vegetable with a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. It’s often prepared in a tomato-based stew with pork or chicken and served alongside a fresh, crusty loaf of bread. Kolokasi must be cooked correctly to avoid itchiness in the throat when consumed, so it’s best to try this dish at an authentic Cypriot restaurant.
Koupepia
Koupepia, also known as Cypriot stuffed vine leaves or dolmades, are a delicious combination of rice, minced meat, and herbs wrapped in tender grape leaves and cooked in a tomato sauce. This dish is often enjoyed as part of a meze spread or as a standalone meal with a side of Greek yogurt or tzatziki.
Halloumi
This semi-hard, unripened cheese made from sheep’s and goat’s milk is a national treasure in Cyprus. Halloumi has a high melting point, allowing it to be grilled or fried without losing its shape. It’s often served with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh mint, creating a perfect balance between salty and fresh flavours.
Lountza
Lountza is a traditional Cypriot cured pork tenderloin that has been marinated in red wine and smoked. It can be enjoyed in various ways, such as thinly sliced and served as part of a meze platter, grilled and added to sandwiches, or pan-fried and served alongside eggs for breakfast. Its smoky, savory flavor makes it a popular addition to many Cypriot dishes.
Seafood Specialties
Grilled octopus
Grilled octopus is a favourite among seafood lovers in Cyprus. The tender octopus is marinated in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano, then grilled to perfection. The result is a succulent, slightly charred dish with a taste of the Mediterranean Sea.
Calamari
Calamari, or squid, is another popular seafood dish in Cyprus. It can be prepared in various ways, including fried, grilled, or stuffed with a mixture of rice, herbs, and minced meat. Fried calamari, with its crispy golden coating, is often served as a meze dish with a side of tangy tartar sauce or a squeeze of lemon.
Whitebait
These tiny, tender fish are a delectable treat in Cyprus. They are typically coated in a light batter and deep-fried until crispy. Whitebait is often served with a side of fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkling of sea salt, making for a simple yet delicious seafood snack.
Red mullet
Red mullet is a prized fish in Cypriot cuisine, known for its delicate flavor and tender, flaky texture. It can be prepared in a variety of ways, such as grilled, pan-fried, or baked in the oven with a mix of fresh herbs, olive oil, and lemon juice. Red mullet is often served with a side of fresh salad or roasted vegetables.
Sea bass and sea bream
Sea bass and sea bream are both popular fish choices in Cyprus, appreciated for their mild, delicate flavours and firm textures. They are typically grilled or baked whole, seasoned with a blend of herbs, lemon juice, and olive oil. These fish dishes are best enjoyed with a side of boiled or roasted potatoes and a crisp green salad.
Breads and Pastries
Pitta bread
Pitta bread is a staple in Cypriot cuisine, often used to accompany various dishes, from souvlaki to meze spreads. This soft, slightly leavened bread is perfect for scooping up dips, sauces, and toppings, making it an essential part of any Cypriot meal.
Koulouri
Koulouri is a popular Cypriot bread that is ring-shaped and covered in sesame seeds. It has a slightly sweet flavor and a chewy texture, making it a perfect snack on the go or a tasty accompaniment to a cup of coffee.
Flaounes
Flaounes are traditional Cypriot pastries made during Easter celebrations. They are filled with a mixture of cheese, raisins, and mint, then enclosed in a yeasted dough and baked until golden. Flaounes are often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee for breakfast or as an afternoon treat.
Tyropita and Spanakopita
Tyropita (cheese pie) and spanakopita (spinach pie) are delicious Cypriot pastries made with layers of flaky phyllo dough and savoury fillings. Tyropita features a creamy cheese filling, while spanakopita contains a mixture of spinach, feta cheese, and herbs. These pastries are typically served as appetizers, snacks, or light meals.
Bourekia
Bourekia is a Cypriot pastry with sweet or savoury fillings. The sweet version is filled with a mixture of soft cheese, sugar, and cinnamon, while the savoury version contains minced meat, onions, and spices. Both types of bourekia are wrapped in thin phyllo dough, then deep-fried until crispy and golden. They make a delicious treat any time of day, whether as a dessert, snack, or appetiser.
Sweet Delights
Loukoumades
Loukoumades are mouth-watering Cypriot doughnuts made from deep-fried balls of dough, drizzled with honey or sugar syrup, and sprinkled with cinnamon and crushed nuts. These golden, fluffy treats are often served at festivals, celebrations, and as a tempting dessert at local eateries.
Baklava
Baklava is a well-known Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dessert, and Cyprus is no exception to its popularity. This sweet pastry is made with layers of thin, flaky phyllo dough, filled with chopped nuts, and soaked in a fragrant syrup made from sugar, honey, and spices like cinnamon and cloves.
Galaktoboureko
Galaktoboureko is a heavenly Cypriot dessert made from layers of buttery phyllo dough, filled with a creamy, sweet semolina custard. It’s baked until golden and crispy, then soaked in a sweet, citrus-infused syrup. This rich and satisfying dessert is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Glyko koutaliou (spoon sweets)
Glyko koutaliou, or spoon sweets, are a traditional Cypriot treat made by preserving fruit or nuts in sugar syrup. They come in various flavours, such as cherry, apricot, walnut, and citrus fruits. These delightful sweets are often served with a glass of cold water or a cup of Greek coffee, making for a light and refreshing end to a meal.
Mahalepi
Mahalepi is a refreshing Cypriot dessert made from a sweet, rosewater-flavored cornstarch pudding. It is usually served chilled, topped with a drizzle of sweet rose syrup and a sprinkling of crushed nuts. This cooling dessert is perfect for hot summer days and a delightful way to end a meal.
Cyprus offers a rich culinary landscape for food lovers to explore. From savoury meze dishes and mouth-watering seafood to delectable pastries and sweet treats, there’s a dish for every palate. Venture into the world of Cypriot cuisine and discover the unique flavours and textures that make this Mediterranean island a food lover’s paradise.