Home › Travel Blog › Traditional Greek Dishes Explained: A Beginner's Guide
Greek food is loved around the world for its fresh ingredients, generous portions and relaxed, sociable style of eating. Yet if you are new to it, a Greek menu can be full of unfamiliar names. What exactly is the difference between souvlaki and gyros? Is moussaka like lasagne? And what should you order if you do not eat meat? This beginner's guide explains the most popular traditional Greek dishes, so you can order with confidence, whether you are dining at The Pines restaurant in Chippenham or on holiday in the Mediterranean.
The Greek way of eating
Greek meals are often built around sharing. Instead of each person ordering a single starter and main course, a table might order a selection of small dishes, known as meze, to share with bread, followed by one or two larger dishes. Olive oil, lemon, garlic, oregano, fresh vegetables, pulses, cheese and grilled meat or fish are the building blocks of the cuisine. Food is meant to be enjoyed slowly, with conversation.
Dips and starters
Tzatziki
Probably the best-known Greek dip, tzatziki is made from thick yoghurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil and often a little dill or mint. It is cool and refreshing, and it goes with almost everything, from bread to grilled meat.
Taramasalata
A creamy dip made from fish roe blended with bread or potato, olive oil and lemon juice. Traditional versions are pale beige rather than the bright pink sometimes found in supermarkets.
Melitzanosalata
A smoky dip of roasted aubergine mashed with garlic, olive oil and herbs, perfect for vegetarians.
Dolmades
Vine leaves wrapped around a filling of rice and herbs, sometimes with minced meat. They are usually served with a squeeze of lemon or a spoonful of yoghurt.
Halloumi
This firm, salty cheese, most closely associated with Cyprus, holds its shape when grilled or fried and is served hot, often with lemon. It is a favourite starter for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Classic main courses
Moussaka
Moussaka is perhaps the most famous Greek dish of all. Layers of fried or baked aubergine (and sometimes potato) are combined with a rich minced lamb or beef sauce flavoured with tomato, cinnamon and herbs, then topped with a thick layer of creamy béchamel and baked until golden. It is comforting and filling, and yes, it is a little like a Greek cousin of lasagne, with aubergine in place of pasta.
Pastitsio
Pastitsio is closer still to lasagne: tubes of pasta layered with a spiced meat sauce and béchamel, baked in the oven and served in generous squares.
Souvlaki and gyros
Souvlaki are small pieces of marinated meat, usually pork or chicken, grilled on skewers. Gyros is meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie and sliced thinly. Both are often served wrapped in pitta bread with tomato, onion, chips and tzatziki, or on a plate with salad and rice.
Keftedes
Keftedes are Greek meatballs, typically made with minced meat, onion, breadcrumbs and plenty of herbs such as mint and oregano. They can be fried and served as meze, or cooked in a tomato sauce as a main course.
Kleftiko
Kleftiko is lamb, often a shank or shoulder, slow-cooked with garlic, lemon, herbs and potatoes until the meat falls off the bone. Traditionally it was cooked in sealed pots or clay ovens, and it remains a favourite for special occasions.
Stifado
A warming stew, usually of beef, cooked slowly with small whole onions, tomato, red wine and spices such as cinnamon and cloves.
Grilled lamb chops
Simple but delicious, lamb chops marinated in olive oil, lemon, garlic and oregano, then grilled and served with lemon wedges, potatoes and salad.
Pies, salads and vegetable dishes
Spanakopita and tiropita
Crisp filo pastry pies filled with spinach and feta (spanakopita) or a mixture of cheeses (tiropita). They can be served as a snack, a starter or a light meal.
Greek salad (horiatiki)
The classic village salad: chunks of tomato, cucumber, green pepper, red onion and olives, topped with a slab of feta, a sprinkle of oregano and plenty of olive oil. Traditionally it contains no lettuce.
Gemista and briam
Gemista are tomatoes and peppers stuffed with herby rice and baked, while briam is a tray of mixed vegetables such as courgettes, aubergines, potatoes and peppers roasted in olive oil and tomato. Both are excellent vegetarian choices.
Desserts
Baklava
Layers of buttery filo pastry filled with chopped nuts and soaked in honey or syrup. It is rich and sweet, so a small piece goes a long way.
Loukoumades
Light, bite-sized doughnuts drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon or nuts.
Galaktoboureko
A custard pie wrapped in filo pastry and soaked in a lemony syrup.
How to order a Greek meal
- Share a few starters: choose two or three dips or meze plates for the table with bread.
- Balance your main courses: pair a baked dish such as moussaka with something grilled.
- Ask about vegetarian options: many Greek dishes are naturally meat-free.
- Mention allergies: Greek food often includes nuts, dairy, gluten and sesame, so always tell staff about any allergies or intolerances.
- Leave room for dessert: even a small piece of baklava makes a perfect end to the meal.
Greek food at The Pines in Chippenham
At The Pines Guest Accommodation, our Greek chef has created a menu that combines Greek home cooking with English favourites, so everyone in your group can find something they enjoy. Dishes such as moussaka, keftedes and grilled lamb sit alongside British classics, and the menu changes from time to time, so please ask for the day's choices and vegetarian options. The restaurant is open every evening from 6pm to 10pm for residents and non-residents, and the bar is open from 5pm to 11pm, with a beer and patio garden for warmer evenings. Planning a celebration? Read our tips on hosting a small reception or party in Chippenham.
Conclusion
Traditional Greek dishes are all about simple, fresh ingredients cooked with care and shared around the table. Once you know your moussaka from your pastitsio and your souvlaki from your gyros, a Greek menu becomes an invitation to explore. Come and try Greek home cooking for yourself at The Pines restaurant, or make an evening of it by staying the night in one of our rooms.
Stay at The Pines in Chippenham
The Pines Guest Accommodation is a Victorian guest house close to Chippenham town centre and station, with single, double, twin and family rooms, breakfast included, free parking and Wi-Fi, a bar and a Greek and English restaurant. View our rooms or check availability.