Cypriot cuisine is rather simple and it is based on meat. A lot of
meat. And although we are living on an island, you will discover that
pork meat is the “star” here.
You will find lots of salads to try, and fish and seafood also, but
everywhere you go it will be easier to find meat dishes. Don’t miss
the desserts at the end of the article!
Let’s see what is traditional for the island.
Top 10 traditional dishes you have to try while in Cyprus
Meze
You can choose the meat one or the fish one. Depending on this, wisely choose your tavern.
You will get a selection of small dishes, starting with dips like tzatziki, hummus, and taramosalata, served with bread, and then various grilled meats or seafood will keep appearing on your table.
Souvla
We are talking about chunks of pork or chicken, on big skewers, on the famous “motorized” grills that Cypriots have. Plenty of lemon squeezed on top and some salad, and you’re done.
Kleftiko
Slow-cooked lamb with herbs, typically baked in a sealed clay oven for tenderness. The best ones you will find at the traditional taverns, in the villages, not in the tourist areas.
Sheftalia
Grilled sausages made from minced pork or lamb, wrapped in caul fat. It has onions and parsley, and it is cooked on the charcoal.
I recommend you have these at the traditional tavern, homemade, not the ones from the supermarkets. The taste can be totally different.
Pastitsio
Baked pasta dish with ground meat and béchamel sauce, similar to moussaka. It is something any Cypriot woman will cook very often, for regular meals and for the special ones. You have to try it once.
Souvlaki
Grilled pork or chicken skewers, often served with pita bread, tzatziki, and salad. You can find it at the taverna or at the Cypriot style fast food.
Halloumi
Grilled or fried Cypriot cheese, known for its squeaky texture and salty flavor. Try to find the homemade style, in the tavern, not the one they are selling in the supermarket, and you will see the difference.
Koupes
It is like a snack, made with minced meat or mushrooms, onion and parsley, wrapped in a bulgur wheat and deep fried. It goes perfectly with lemon squeezed on top. You will find it in the bakeries.
9. Afelia
Pork marinated in red wine and coriander seeds, slow-cooked until tender. Similar to a stew.
Cyprus potatoes
French fries or traditional in the oven, you have to have the Cypriot “patates”!!! They are the best in the world and don’t even think about not having the real deal while on holiday here.
Top 4 sweets you have to try in Cyprus
Loukoumades
Crispy small donuts, passed through honey or sugar syrup. That is the traditional way. You can also try the modern ones, with gelato and different kind of flavors.
Pita satzis
This is more of a snack, than a desert. But it is sweet, so you can add it on your list. It is just pita with honey and cinnamon, but is delicious.
Tahinopita
It is a Cypriot cake flavored with sesame paste. You will find it in bakeries and I recommend you try the big version, not the small one. Just ignore its looks and take the first bite.
Portocalopita
It is probably more of a Greek dessert, but you can find it here also, in the bakeries and at the restaurants. Try it, it is very good.