Must-try Dishes
Pie - Κερκυραϊκή Πίτα (Corfu pie) - A savory pastry filled with ground meat, herbs, and local cheeses, baked until golden. Locals often enjoy it at lunch, gathering at bakeries where the buttery crust is just perfection.
Pastitsada - Πατσάδα (beef stew) - Tender beef slow-cooked with tomatoes, red wine, and spices, served over a bed of thick pasta. This dish is a Sunday favorite, often enjoyed in family-run tavernas after church, bringing everyone together for a hearty meal.
Bourdeto - Μπουρδέτο (spicy fish stew) - Fish simmered with a zesty tomato sauce, seasoned with red pepper and herbs, creating a rich and fiery dish. You’ll find it best enjoyed in coastal taverns, dusted with breadcrumbs and paired with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Giouvetsi - Γιουβέτσι (oven-baked dish) - A delicious combination of lamb or beef cooked with orzo pasta in a savory tomato sauce and cheese, baked until bubbling. Locals savor it during festive gatherings, often cooked in earthenware pots for that homey touch.
Souvlaki - Σουβλάκι (grilled meat skewers) - Skewered and grilled marinated meat, often served with pita and fresh vegetables, perfect for a quick meal on the go. It’s a popular street food, enjoyed any time of day, especially after a late-night outing in the town square.
Fava - Φάβα (split pea puree) - Smooth, creamy spread made from yellow split peas, drizzled with olive oil and served with capers. Commonly found in tavernas as an appetizer, but locals enjoy it as a hearty breakfast dish when spread on fresh bread.
Rizi - Ρύζι (pilaf-style rice) - Fluffy rice cooked in rich broth, often featuring vegetables or seafood, reflecting the bountiful flavors of the sea. Perfect for summertime lunches, this dish is often accompanied by a side of grilled fish for an extra protein punch.
Chorta - Χόρτα (wild greens) - A mix of steamed wild greens seasoned with lemon and olive oil, creating a fresh and healthy dish. Typically eaten as a side but enjoyed by locals as a filling main in the spring, showcasing the pride of foraging local ingredients.
Desserts & Drinks
Greek Coffee - Ελληνικός καφές (rich, strong coffee) - Finely ground coffee boiled with water and sugar in a special pot called a briki. Locals enjoy it throughout the day, often while leisurely chatting on a café terrace, and it's typically served unfiltered, meaning you have to let the grounds settle to the bottom (watch out for that!).
Frappé - Φραππέ (iced coffee) - Instant coffee shaken with water and ice to create a frothy drink, usually topped with condensed milk for sweetness. Perfect for hot summer days, you’ll find this refreshing pick-me-up at any beachside café, and it’s typically enjoyed anytime after breakfast while sunbathing.
Rakomelo - Ρακόμελο (spiced honey spirit) - A warm mix of raki (local spirit) with honey, cinnamon, and cloves, often enjoyed as a cozy winter drink. You might see locals sipping it during festive gatherings or after winter meals, and it makes for a delightful complement to traditional dishes during the colder months.
Bougatsa - Μπουγάτσα (custard pie) - Flaky pastry filled with creamy custard, sprinkled with powdered sugar and cinnamon. Commonly enjoyed in the morning as a breakfast treat with coffee, don't be surprised if you find the savory versions sneaking into your order—just be clear if you want sweet!
Frozen Yogurt - Γιαούρτι με μέλι (tangy frozen yogurt) - Thick, tangy yogurt swirled with local honey and nuts, often enjoyed as a light dessert on hot days. Popular during summer months, especially after dinner as a sweet cool down, it's a must-try for anyone craving something refreshing and authentically Greek.
