What Food To Try in Ayia Napa and Food Prices

Halloumi - Grilled Cheese (savory delight) - Slices of this salty, squeaky cheese are grilled until crispy on the outside while remaining soft inside. Locals enjoy it at breakfast or as a mezze, recommending a drizzle of good olive oil for extra flavor.

Souvlaki - Skewered Meat (street favorite) - Tender pieces of marinated pork or chicken grilled over charcoal and served on a pita or plate with fresh tomatoes and tzatziki. You’ll find locals snacking on it late at night after a night out, often served with a side of fries.

Stifado - Beef Stew (hearty main) - This thick stew features slow-cooked beef with onions, red wine, and aromatic spices, creating a rich, flavorful dish. Traditionally served for Sunday family dinners, it pairs perfectly with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Kleftiko - Lamb Shank (local specialty) - Marinated lamb is wrapped in parchment and slow-cooked until utterly tender and infused with garlic and herbs. Locals savor it during special occasions, often shared among family and friends.

Meze Platter - Mezedes (unexpected combo) - A mix of various dips, grilled vegetables, and protein, presented as a colorful arrangement. Many mistakenly think it’s a starter, but locals often enjoy it as a main meal while sipping on something refreshing (by the way, try the garlic dip!).

Foul Medames - Broad Bean Stew (breakfast treat) - This rich stew made from fava beans, garlic, and spices is often topped with a drizzle of olive oil and served with bread. Perfect for a hearty breakfast, it's usually enjoyed during the cooler months, especially on weekends.

Stuffed Zucchini - Kolokithokeftedes (seasonal favorite) - Zucchini filled with rice and herbs, slowly cooked in a savory tomato sauce until tender. Popular in late summer when zucchini is fresh, it’s a beloved dish often enjoyed at home during family gatherings.

Broiled Octopus - Octapodi Sti Schara (seafood delight) - Tender octopus is grilled to perfection, resulting in a smoky flavor with a slightly charred finish. Locals swear by it as a must-have at seaside tavernas during warm evenings.

Frappe - Φραπέ (iced coffee) - A frothy iced coffee made from instant coffee, water, sugar, and milk. Locals often sip on this refreshing drink while lounging in cafes, especially during the hot summer months. By the way, don't be surprised if you get served without milk; many prefer it black!

Zivania - Ζιβανία (local spirit) - A potent distilled spirit made from the remnants of grape pressing, usually around 40% alcohol. Typically enjoyed as a digestif after meals, especially at local festivals or weddings, it’s often served in small shot glasses. Just a heads-up, ordering this neat can catch some newcomers off guard, but locals often add water.

Orange Juice - Χυμός Πορτοκάλι (fresh citrus juice) - Freshly squeezed orange juice, particularly from local Cypriot oranges, is a sweet and zesty delight. This drink is most commonly enjoyed at beach cafes throughout the day—what better way to hydrate under the sun? You'll usually notice locals accompany it with a light breakfast, but it’s perfect any time.

Baklava - Μπακλαβάς (sweet pastry) - Layers of phyllo pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey syrup, this dessert has a delicate, flaky texture. While you can find it most days, it’s particularly popular during celebrations and holidays. A common mistake is to underestimate how sweet it can be—one small slice is usually enough!

Ice Cream - Παγωτό (frozen treat) - Creamy, rich ice cream with local flavors like mastiha (local resin) or halva, served scooped or in soft-serve style. Best enjoyed at a beachside stall in the evening as the sun sets, this treat never fails to attract a crowd. Here’s a tip: go for the mastiha—you won’t find anything like it elsewhere!