Must-try Dishes
Shakshuka - Shakshuka (poached eggs in sauce) - Poached eggs nestled in a flavorful tomato sauce with peppers and spices, often served with crusty bread. Locals enjoy this hearty breakfast dish on lazy weekends, dipping bread into the sauce.
Koupepia - Stuffed Grape Leaves - Grape leaves filled with a savory mix of rice, minced meat, and herbs, slowly simmered until tender. This dish is a staple at family gatherings, usually served with a side of yogurt.
Mousaka - Moussaka (layered bake) - Layers of eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce baked to perfection, resulting in a creamy, rich dish. It's commonly shared during dinner, especially on Sundays, when families come together.
Souvlaki - Souvlaki (grilled meat skewers) - Tender marinated meat skewers, grilled until smoky, served with pita and fresh salad. A popular street food, locals grab this quick bite for lunch, often mistaken for regular kebabs.
Foul - Foul Mudammas (stewed fava beans) - Creamy fava beans cooked with olive oil, garlic, and lemon, enjoyed as a hearty breakfast. You'll often see locals at cafes ordering this dish, ideally eaten fresh with warm bread.
Halloumi - Halloumi (grilled cheese) - Thick slices of halloumi cheese grilled until golden and slightly crispy. It's a fantastic choice for a mid-afternoon snack, and locals love pairing it with watermelon, an unexpectedly delightful combination.
Avgolemono - Avgolemono (lemony soup) - A comforting soup made with chicken, rice, and a rich lemon-egg sauce that creates a silky texture. Particularly popular during winter months, it's heartwarming during cold days when family dinners are common.
Desserts & Drinks
Cyprus Coffee - καφές Κύπρου (strong coffee) - Finely ground coffee simmered in a small pot with water, often served with a side of sugar. This rich coffee is usually enjoyed in the morning or after a meal; locals take their time sipping it, often accompanied by a chat with friends over the warm ambiance of a local café.
Commandaria - Κοινοτική Οίνος (sweet wine) - A dessert wine made from sun-dried grapes, known for its sweet and rich flavor. Perfect for toasting during celebrations, locals typically serve it slightly chilled alongside traditional Cypriot desserts, making it a festive staple especially during weddings and holidays.
Jus de Grape - Χυμός Σταφυλιού (fresh grape juice) - This refreshing drink is made from freshly pressed grapes, typically enjoyed chilled on warm days. You’ll find locals sipping this at outdoor markets or during grape harvest season, where the juice is sweet and flavorful—don’t underestimate its deliciousness!
Baklava - Μπακλαβάς (sweet pastry) - Layers of flaky pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup, resulting in a delightful, flaky texture. Often enjoyed during special occasions such as holidays or family gatherings, it’s best served slightly warm with a cup of Cyprus coffee for that perfect pairing.
Glyko Koutaliou - Γλυκό του Κουταλιού (spoon sweet) - A delightful preserved fruit served on a spoon, typically made from citrus or cherries and soaked in syrup. This sweet treat is often offered to guests, symbolizing hospitality; it’s usually served chilled, making it the perfect ending to a meal during hot summer evenings. By the way, locals often mistake it for regular jam; it's much sweeter and richer!
P.S. There are bike lanes, but not everywhere. Overall, the infrastructure feels a bit half-baked in Larnaca! »