Traditional Cypriot food: 12 delicious must-try dishes

When it comes to exploring the rich culinary heritage of Cyprus, there is an abundance of flavors. From hearty meat stews to savory pastries and mouthwatering desserts, Cypriot cuisine is a delightful fusion of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences. If you're a food enthusiast, here is a delectable overview of a traditional Cypriot breakfast and a list of 12 must-try dishes that will transport you to the sun-kissed island in the Mediterranean.

Let's begin our gastronomic journey with a traditional Cypriot breakfast. In Cyprus, breakfast is often a simple yet satisfying affair. Picture yourself sitting at a cozy café by the sea, as you savor the first meal of the day. Your plate arrives, adorned with warm bread, creamy Halloumi cheese, luscious olives, fresh tomatoes, and cucumbers. Accompanying these delights is a golden drizzle of locally-produced olive oil and a sprinkle of fragrant herbs. As you take your first bite, you can't help but be enchanted by the simplicity and freshness of the flavors that dance on your palate. It's a breakfast that awakens your senses.

Now, let's dive into the heart of Cypriot cuisine with 12 traditional dishes that are a must-try:

Koupepia

Also known as dolmades, these are tender grape leaves wrapped around a delicious filling of rice, ground meat, and herbs. Simmered in a delicate tomato sauce, they offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

Stuffed grape leaves bursting with savory goodness.

Afelia

Tender pork marinated in red wine and flavored with coriander seeds, cooked until it becomes melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness. The aromatic spices and the richness of the wine infuse the meat, creating a symphony of flavors.

Succulent pork marinated in red wine and aromatic spices.

Ttavas

If you're seeking a hearty and comforting meal, look no further than ttavas. This rustic dish features braised lamb or goat, slow-cooked with potatoes, onions, and tomatoes. The tender meat falls off the bone, while the vegetables soak up the savory juices, resulting in a deeply satisfying feast.

Tender lamb or goat cooked to perfection with potatoes and tomatoes.

Mousakas

Layers of eggplant, ground meat, and potatoes come together in this iconic Cypriot dish. Baked to perfection with a creamy béchamel sauce on top, each forkful offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Layers of eggplant, meat, and potatoes baked to golden perfection.

Kleftiko

Considered a true Cypriot delicacy, kleftiko is a dish that will transport you to the heart of the island's culinary traditions. Imagine tender lamb or goat marinated in garlic, lemon juice, and aromatic herbs, then slow-cooked until it reaches a level of tenderness that simply melts in your mouth. It's a feast fit for a king.

Melt-in-your-mouth lamb or goat slow-cooked with garlic and herbs.

Souvla

Embark on a flavorsome journey with souvla, a beloved Cypriot specialty. Succulent chunks of meat, usually pork or lamb, are marinated and grilled on a skewer, resulting in juicy and smoky bites of perfection.

Juicy chunks of marinated meat grilled to smoky perfection.

Fasolada

Fasolada is a comforting bean soup made with white beans, vegetables, herbs, and olive oil. The combination of flavors and the velvety texture of the beans make it a soul-warming delight.

Hearty white bean soup infused with Mediterranean flavors.

Keftedes

These savory meatballs are a staple of Cypriot cuisine. Made from a mixture of ground beef or lamb, onions, herbs, and breadcrumbs, they are typically served with a tangy tzatziki sauce. Each bite bursts with a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving for more.

Savory meatballs bursting with herbs and spices.

Makaronia tou Fournou

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with makaronia tou fournou. This baked pasta dish layers macaroni, ground meat, béchamel sauce, and grated cheese, resulting in a heavenly, oven-baked delight. The crispy golden top adds an irresistible texture to this hearty and satisfying dish.

Baked pasta with layers of meat, béchamel sauce, and cheese.

Sheftalia

Get ready to savor succulent and flavorful sausages that are a true Cypriot delight. Made from a combination of ground pork or lamb, onions, and herbs, these sausages are wrapped in caul fat and grilled to perfection. The smoky aroma and juicy goodness will keep you coming back for more.

Flavorful sausages wrapped in caul fat and grilled to perfection.

Stifado

Prepare to be enchanted by the rich and aromatic flavors of stifado. This traditional Cypriot beef or rabbit stew is slow-cooked with onions, red wine, vinegar, and spices, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish that is simply unforgettable.

Aromatic beef or rabbit stew cooked with onions, red wine, and spices.

Yemista

Vibrant and bursting with flavors, yemista is a dish that celebrates the bounty of the Mediterranean. Colorful bell peppers or tomatoes are stuffed with a mixture of rice, ground meat, herbs, and spices, then baked until they are juicy and fragrant. Each bite is a burst of summer on your plate.

Colorful bell peppers or tomatoes stuffed with a flavorful rice and meat mixture.

Each of these traditional Cypriot dishes tells a story, showcasing the unique flavors and culinary traditions that have been passed down through generations. From the tender meats infused with aromatic spices to the skillful use of fresh herbs and local produce, Cypriot cuisine embraces simplicity and quality ingredients. So, don't be shy, grab your fork and join the feast! And remember, for the perfect pairing, don't forget to enjoy these delightful dishes with a glass of zivania, a traditional Cypriot spirit that adds an extra touch of enjoyment to your culinary experience.