Cretan gastronomy is a legend in itself. Capturing the culture and spirit of an island blessed with fertile lands and abundant sunshine, Cretan gastronomy constitutes one of the most characteristic and healthy examples of the Mediterranean diet. Mouth-watering yet nutritious the Cretan cuisine is a legend to be shared with the world.
Are you ready to witness the distinctive Cretan culinary tradition and spread the word?
Let’s get a taste of the island and a glimpse into genuine Cretan delicacies.
Every region of Crete bears its own microclimate and therefore has its own characteristic specialties and flavours. The salty breeze meets the sweet scent of vineyards and the sharp smell of cedar coming from Psiloritis creating a flavoursome atmosphere to indulge in a feast of the finest Mediterranean cuisine.
Wake up to the fragrant smell of Kalitsounia, sweet cheese pastries stuffed with myzithra cheese, cinnamon & sugar. Those who rather enjoy salty, savoury foods are advised to try one of the local pies, traditional cheese pies (made of myzithra, xyno-myzithra, graviera and herbs), yogurt pies or hortopites, homemade pies stuffed with local greens (fried fennel pie or pies stuffed with leek, spiny chicory, Mediterranean Hartwort, bryony and spinach). Many variations of fried pastries sprinkled with local cheese and honey are also a common delicacy in Crete.
After a delicious morning there is no better way to start your meals than with a traditional Ntako, a Cretan rusk topped with tomato, feta cheese, olives, oregano and olive oil and a side of local boiled wild greens or apaki (smoked pork with herbs & spices).
Some of the must-taste dishes of Crete include Bourbouristoi Chochlioi (rolled over snails fried with rosemary), vine leaves or zucchini blossoms stuffed with rice, minced meat, onion, oregano, tomato, cloves, parsley and garlic, fried rabbit with wine and rosemary, Chaniotiko boureki (local pie made of potatoes, courgettes, anthotyro or xinomyzithra cheese and mint), Antikristo (Traditional Roasted lamb or pork meat with sea salt cooked against the fire) and Kakavia (the Cretan fisherman’s soup with assorted small fish, tomatoes, onions, fennel bulbs and parsley) and Goat or rooster with curd staka cheese and spaghetti noodles.
After you have experienced the ultimate in Cretan gastronomy make sure not to miss a traditional Cretan feast or wedding celebration. It is your chance to truly understand the Cretan “temperament” and culture and enjoy a dish of “Gamopilafo”, a distinct wedding specialty made with boiled goat and rice that should be accompanied with a glass of local raki or tsikoudia, the distilled alcoholic drink of Crete.
Visit Crete, Get a Taste of its Tradition & Spread the most delicious legend!
