Cypriot cuisine
Cypriot cuisine offers a huge variety of delicious and healthy dishes as well as a colorful selection. Lamb is particularly prominent in Cypriot food culture. It can be found on nearly every table in the island nation and is preferred by locals over vegetarian dishes without causing controversy! But many other types of meat also have their fans: Minced pork with fresh vegetables such as romaine lettuce leaves. Ground beef, on the other hand, makes your taste buds sing after it’s only been seasoned in the Grill House by The Beach restaurant. The name Grill House says everything you need to know about the place that has delicious food right next door.
Kebabs, stews and other curries are very popular in Cyprus, but traditional legume dishes are also popular. Normally you can also get something vegan or vegetarian as an alternative menu option at any Cypriot restaurant/tavern. Cypriot cuisine is quite different from the cuisine in Greece. Due to its geographical location, it is also characterized by oriental cuisine.
The Cypriot diet is full of healthy and colorful dishes. Lamb stands out particularly well in this kitchen because you can find it nearly on every table!
What is Meze?
The Cypriot tradition of meze is a range of appetizers and nibbles on the menu. These dishes range from vegetarian to meat-based options that you can share with your friends or family around the table! Popular dishes include stuffed vine leaves made from rice paper wrapped with a filling. These are usually served with a hot chili sauce or sometimes with a few cloves of garlic if you’re adventurous. And then there are these perfect little cubes known as halloumi cheese. Halloumi cheese is a traditional, popular specialty. It is a common dish in many restaurants.
Spices that are popular
Well-known spices such as yogurt, lemon and parsley are widely used in Cypriot cuisine. However, many dishes also contain special ingredients such as garlic or ginger that you won’t find in your supermarket!
Arugula (a type of salad) adds an interesting kick to the taste, while tarragon gives off a refreshing scent when mixed into recipes. Just make sure you don’t eat too much of it, as it will brown quickly if cooked for too long.
Fruits and vegetables from local sources
The weather in Cyprus is most of the time good, which means that various foods thrive well. There are plenty of food and drinks in the sun-drenched hills of Cyprus, including juicy oranges that tempt you to eat throughout the day. The apples in this country are big and sweet, while the pears have a rich, tasty flesh that is perfect for tarts or as a seasoning to dry! Other fruits that can be found here are peaches, whose tender skin is easy to peel off before eating whole. Even prunes, which are not only tasty but also healthy when processed into juice – what more can you ask of nature? And then there are the nuts: Almonds are naturally found on the tree trunk.
Kolokasi (also known as taro) is a common root vegetable in Cyprus
Kolokasi -Never heard of it before? This native root vegetable only grows in Cyprus and the Greek island of Ikaria in Europe, otherwise this delicious looking root crop is common throughout Asia. It is very popular with the locals and has a long history dating back to ancient times. People used to eat them for food or to use their leaves as an ingredient at festivals such as the summer celebration!
Fresh produce from the counter
Cyprus is a country with many treasures that you shouldn’t miss out on. There are some great starters in the vegetable section that you should definitely try. Especially when your taste buds crave something other than what’s normally on offer at home! In addition to popular dishes such as sheep cheese or tzatziki sauce (made from yogurt), there are also unique types of cheese such as the well-known halloumi. This is particularly recommended for those who love a special texture in their food. There are delicious dips like hummus and tahini studded with nuts that come fresh from the stove every time, as well as pickled vegetables galore; olives, for example.
Different dishes
In addition to the culinary Orient, Cyprus also has a British influence, so there are plenty of taverns and international cuisine. Also, Indian food is very popular on the island, and there are also Chinese restaurants for those who prefer something less spicy! French dishes can be found everywhere, while you’ll find dutch influences in most areas.
The Greek population in Cyprus is booming and this is reflected in over 6,000 restaurants. The number of options available has hit ratings fever: Some people think that every single one should be rated by TripAdvisor. But there are others who think they can find better places without their business being rated by TripAdvisor!
What can you not love about Cyprus? The food is fresh and varied and offers the right choice for every taste.
Conclusion: Let yourself be pampered by Cypriot cuisine!
Cyprus has a wide range of flavors and dishes that you should definitely try. So don’t miss out and allow Cypriot cuisine to pamper you and try it out for yourself.