Traditional Crete Food
Crete boasts a vibrant and delicious selection of traditional food that you likely won’t find anywhere else. If you’re looking to enjoy classic Cretan cuisine, then Dakos is a must-try. This traditional salad consists of dried bread or barley rusks soaked in olive oil, topped with grated fresh tomato and crumbled feta or mizithra cheese.
While moussaka is revered as an iconic Greek dish, the Cretan version puts its own spin on this beloved recipe. Layered with sliced potatoes, sautéed aubergines, minced meat simmered in a rich tomato sauce, and topped with a creamy béchamel, Cretan moussaka is a heartier, more rustic version of its mainland counterpart, often featuring local cheeses and olive oil.
Seafood Specialties
Seafood plays a big part in Cretan cuisine, so if you’re a fan of fish then you’re in for a real treat in Crete. Grilled octopus is a staple here, with the tender meat marinated in olive oil and vinegar before being charred to perfection. Another great option for seafood lovers is seafood saganaki. This culinary experience includes a mix of sautéed shellfish such as prawns or mussels, bathed in a spicy tomato sauce and flambéed with ouzo.
Meat Dishes
There are plenty of great meat-based dishes found in Cretan cuisine, with lamb being a really popular protein choice. Lamb with stamnagathi – a wild Cretan herb – highlights the island’s penchant for combining meat with greens. The lamb is typically slow-cooked until tender, complemented by the slightly bitter taste of the stamnagathi, all enriched with lashings of local olive oil.
If lamb isn’t your favourite, why not consider Apaki as an authentic Cretan alternative? This smoked pork delicacy is seasoned with aromatic herbs and vinegar, then air-dried to intensify its flavour. Apaki can be enjoyed on its own as a savoury snack or added to various dishes to impart a smoky richness.
Cretan Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Cretan food is a culinary nirvana for vegans and vegetarians – this region really knows how to elevate simple vegetables. Stuffed zucchini is a delightful vegetarian dish made with zucchinis hollowed out and filled with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes pine nuts or raisins, showcasing the versatility of Cretan vegetables.
If you’re looking to try out some pulses, then fava is another great dish to try. Not to be confused with fava beans, this traditional dish is made from yellow split peas, cooked and pureed into a creamy dip, and typically served with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of chopped onion or lemon zest.
Cheeses of Crete
Greek cheese has a global reputation for quality and flavour, and this extends to Cretan cheese, too. Graviera is one of Crete’s premier cheeses. This hard cheese has a sweet, burnt caramel flavour, making it perfect for grating over dishes or enjoying with fruit. Another cherished Cretan cheese is mizithra, which is a type of soft cheese. This creamy cheese is often used in pies or as a dessert cheese with honey.
Cretan Pastries and Sweets
Kalitsonia are small cheese or herb pies that are emblematic of Cretan cuisine. Made with thin pastry dough, they are filled with cheese or greens, and sweet versions are drizzled with honey. If you’re really looking to treat your sweet tooth, then look out for loukoumades. Loukoumades are deep-fried dough balls soaked in honey and sprinkled with cinnamon or nuts. These sweet, sticky treats are a festive staple in Cretan cuisine.
Popular Drinks in Crete
You’ll no doubt be feeling parched after enjoying the sun and food that Crete has to offer, so why not sample some traditional drinks like raki? Also known as tsikoudia, raki is a potent grape-based spirit that is integral to Cretan social life. Often homemade, it’s traditionally served with small plates of food or meze. For something a little closer to home, Cretan wines are a must-try. These local wines, benefiting from the island’s ancient winemaking tradition, vary from robust reds to light, aromatic whites, all reflecting the region’s diverse terroir.
Where to Eat: From Tavernas to Markets
To experience authentic Cretan cuisine, visit a local taverna where traditional dishes are prepared with the freshest ingredients, often sourced from the family’s own garden or local producers. For a quick and delicious bite, street food vendors and local markets are ideal for tasting a variety of Cretan specialities, from grilled meats to fresh cheeses and vegetables.
Travelling to the island of Crete is made simple with Corendon Airlines, which offers a seamless online booking process. Planning your culinary journey to Crete is just a few clicks away, ensuring that holidaymakers can easily embark on a flavorful exploration of Cretan culture and cuisine.
