Cypriote cuisine is very similar to Greek cuisine although it does have a few nuances that make it unique. If you have ever been on holidays to Cyprus before you will know that the Cypriotes don’t make food in small portions and if you ever get invited to a private dinner you would be best to not eat anything all day to make sure you have room. Below are some things to definitely try when on your holidays to Cyprus.
Seafood
In the not too distant past, most Cypriotes did not eat a lot of meat due to the expense and so seafood was eaten instead. Popular dishes included calamari, octopus, cod and salted herrings and these are still eaten today even though meat is now available everywhere. There are a variety of techniques used for cooking the seafood and you will be surprised by what you see. Make sure you try some on your next holidays to Cyprus – it’s delicious!
Mezedes
Mezedes is one of the most popular ways of eating in Cyprus. It quite literally means ‘a large selection of dishes’ and is very similar to the Spanish tapas although served differently. With Mezedes each dish is brought to the table separately and the meal begins with olives and usually ends with a desert of either glyka (sugar preserved nuts) or fresh fruit. In between the olives and the desert anything is possible so watch out for the snails and the ram’s testes if you get invited out for Mezedes on your holidays to Cyprus. These aren’t the norm but it has been known to happen.
Cypriote Wine
Cyprus has been a wine producing country for thousands of years so if you’re going to try anything on your next holidays to Cyprus make sure it’s the wine! During September and October the country is host to a wine festival and tourists are even able to help with the wine making process if they wish. There are a variety of different grapes used to make Cypriote wine so whether it is red or white that you prefer you are sure to find a variety that you enjoy.
Holidays to Cyprus are full of culinary opportunities so book your flights today and look forward to a gastronomic experience that is quite like no other.