From dusk to dawn Greek Gastronomy will feed all appetites!

When hungry…

Whether you are an experienced foodie, a gastronomy aficionado, a food blogger, or simply hungry, there is no better way to satisfy your needs and appetites than by exploring the benefits of the Greek Gastronomy!

Glorified by the Gods in ancient times and praised by food experts and nutritionists in our times, the elements that make Greek Gastronomy so valuable, are many, unique and worth exploring.

Today, both private and public entities in Greece are making significant efforts to get consumers and experts better acquainted with the richness and diversity of the tastes of Greece, by organizing regular exhibitions such as the Hotel Restaurant and Café annual trade show and the Food Expo among others, which attract hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of visitors, whilst providing an exemplary opportunity for visitors and professionals to learn more about the culinary and nutritional value of Greek foods and beverages. Throughout the year, when visiting Greece, it is easy to become familiar with the ways of Greek Gastronomy, given that various regions organize food festivals, competitions or even gourmet festivals. More and more, the new generation of talented Greek chefs are promoting their innovative gastronomic ways through the use of social media or by joining international competitions, and sometimes going a bit further by combining tradition and innovation, but as the old saying goes, ‘peri orekseos…’, meaning each to his own or no accounting for different tastes!

“Greek Breakfast” Time!

For those who wish to get acquainted with the huge variety of gastronomic choice offered by the local cuisine of their favorite Greek destination, the initiative taken by the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels since 2010 to utilize and connect the cultural-gastronomic wealth of the country with the local hotel business, is the way to go!

The Greek Breakfast is a programme designed to enrich the breakfast experience offered in hotels around Greece while highlighting the wholesomeness and uniqueness of Greek products. Moreover, it wishes to introduce all guests to traditional local dishes in different regions and acquaint them with the gastronomic variety of every place, with a focus on the beneficial aspects of the Mediterranean Diet. It goes without saying that Greek cuisine is a most praised ambassador of the Mediterranean diet and so pleasure and wellness are all combined in a single bite!

Starting with bread and rusks, topped with olive oil and olives or cheeses and traditionally cured meats, eggs and legumes, fresh vegetables and the old time classic Greek yoghurt, combined with honey or the traditionally prepared sweets with fresh and dried fruits, nuts and homemade pies, the basis of Greek breakfast appeals to both sweet and savory! It is important to note that depending on the region, local gastronomy and cuisines offer an incredible variety of dishes and products. So visitors can learn about how their fava beans and cherry tomatoes have been harvested in Santorini, why the Lefka Ori mountains in Crete offer the best soil for the production of the most delicious gruyere and if it is true that the olive groves of Messinia produce the nectar of all nectars (aka extra virgin olive oil of the Peloponese). So if you are hungry, you have a good reason to travel around Greece and discover the gastronomy, culture and natural landscapes combined.

Hungry in the city!

So you‘ve packed your bags, bought your guides, your sunscreen and hats and you are ready to explore Athens! One might think that visiting the great Greek metropolis is only about history, culture, great landscape, archaeological sites and of course that beautiful seaside. But there is something more to that, a gastronomic treasure which is a lot more tasty and fun and today’s visitors can easily find out how to eat like a local while exploring the streets of Athens!

Take for example the Culinary walks of Athens and visit the open farmers markets, find out how the best Greek honey is made and where it is sold, taste “loukoumades”, the Greek ancestor of donut, find out who makes the best souvlaki in town, take a break with a refreshing Greek yogurt or just indulge in crispy phyllo pies for a savoury snack. Care for some fish? Head to Piraeus or drive along the coastline and visit Lavrio where fish is very fresh and will be cooked right in front of you! Those who wish to learn more about the history behind the gastronomy can visit the Gastronomy Museum in Plaka which offers cooking lessons as well as learning with thematic exhibitions. But there are also endless sources of information, from food bloggers and travelers to experts and chefs who share their views, experiences and tips, making it easier for all of us to dig a little deeper and discover on our own how to eat the Greek way.