Cypriot cuisine is a unique blend of various culinary cultures, featuring fresh local ingredients and, of course, an abundance of olive oil! On Cypriot festive tables, you’ll always find a variety of cheeses, olives, sauces, freshly baked bread, exquisite meat dishes, and seafood delicacies.
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Features of Cypriot Cuisine
The traditions of Turkey, Greece, England, and Italy have merged with the distinctive characteristics of Cypriot dishes, creating a diverse cuisine filled with the flavors of the sea, herbs, and the freshness of vegetables and fruits.
From Turkey and Greece, Cypriots have inherited numerous grilled dishes and the extensive use of parsley, garlic, and yogurt in cooking. Mint, arugula, cardamom, and tarragon, adopted from Italy, are also staples in Cypriot cuisine. Meanwhile, curry and ginger were introduced by the British and have become well integrated into Cypriot cooking.
The island’s mild and warm climate and fertile soil ensure the availability of fresh vegetables and fruits, which are a constant presence on Cypriot tables. The oranges and grapefruits here are incredibly delicious, and there are even local bananas. Grapes, pears, nuts, and olives thrive on the island and are widely used in local cuisine.
Cypriot meat dishes are typically made from lamb, pork, rabbit, and poultry. The most popular fish include dorado (sea bream) and lavraki (Cypriot sea bass). Other favored seafood includes shrimp, octopus, mussels, and cuttlefish. To sample a variety of meat or fish dishes, you can order “meze,” which will serve you several plates of different culinary delights from fish or meat, allowing you to savor each one.
Top 10 Cypriot Dishes
Here are some of the most popular Cypriot dishes you should definitely try!
Appetizers
Taramasalata, Tzatziki, and Tahini
These are three sauces that start off a meal, usually served with soft, aromatic bread and mild salted butter. They can be enjoyed as standalone appetizers or used as dressings for salads or meat.
- Taramasalata is made from smoked cod roe, milk-soaked bread, potatoes, and olive oil, blended into a puree.
- Tzatziki is a yogurt-based sauce with cucumber, garlic, herbs, mint, and a few drops of lemon juice, giving it a tangy, spicy flavor.
- Tahini is made from sesame paste and spices, known for being both delicious and healthy due to the beneficial properties of sesame.
Main Dishes
Souvla or Souvlaki
These are variations of kebabs, with souvla being larger chunks and souvlaki smaller ones. The meat is marinated in Greek yogurt before grilling, which makes it exceptionally tender. It can be made with pork, chicken, or lamb, and is typically drizzled with lemon juice and served with taramasalata, tzatziki, or tahini.
Halloumi
This is a famous and incredibly tasty cheese made from sheep and goat milk. It has a crispy crust on the outside and a soft, tender inside. Halloumi is renowned and considered a hallmark of Cyprus.
Kleftiko
This dish consists of lamb slow-cooked with spices, herbs, and olive oil, wrapped in foil and baked in a traditional clay oven. The meat becomes extremely tender and aromatic and is typically served with vegetables and bread baked in the same clay oven.
Moussaka
Moussaka is a layered dish similar to a casserole. Its ingredients can vary but usually include ground meat, vegetables, and béchamel sauce. The layers can consist of eggplant, tomatoes, ground meat, onions, potatoes, mushrooms, and grated cheese, all generously topped with sauce.
Pastitsio
Similar to moussaka, this dish is a light and fluffy baked casserole with multiple layers, making it a hearty and delicious option.
Fish Meze
A set of seafood dishes that usually includes golden mullet, tsipura fillet, marinated octopus, delicate mussels, fried calamari, and large king prawns. A meze for two is often enough to feed four due to the abundance of dishes included!
Dessert
Baklava (Pachlava)
This famous Eastern dessert is also widespread in Cyprus. It’s made from layers of filo dough filled with nuts and dried fruits. Each layer is brushed with butter and generously soaked in spiced syrup.
Given the culinary influences from Turkey, Greece, and England, Cypriot menus also feature popular treats from these countries. In a Cypriot restaurant, you might find cheesecake, halva, loukoum, and soudjouk, as well as a delicate rice pudding. However, we recommend enjoying the local fruits and berries (such as strawberries, figs, peaches, oranges, watermelon, melon, and grapes) for dessert, which are exceptionally tasty here!
Recipe for Kleftiko in the Oven
Here’s a recipe for the most famous Cypriot meat dish that you can try making at home. While you may not have access to an authentic Cypriot clay oven, this dish can be easily prepared in a regular oven.
Ingredients for Two Servings:
- Lamb – 1 kg
- Potatoes – 7-8 pieces
- Bay leaf
- A pinch of marjoram
- Salt to taste
- You’ll also need parchment paper, foil, and a piece of tile.
Instructions:
- Cut the meat into pieces, rub it with salt, marjoram, and add a bay leaf for extra aroma.
- Cut the potatoes into quarters, season them with salt and spices.
- Lay the potatoes on parchment paper, place the meat on top, and wrap everything first in parchment and then in foil.
- Place a tile at the bottom of a large, deep baking tray and add water to about a 3-finger depth.
- Place the wrapped meat and potatoes on top of the tile and cover everything tightly with foil to ensure the dish cooks in steam.
- Bake in the oven at a low temperature for 4-5 hours.
The result is incredibly juicy and aromatic meat, along with perfectly seasoned potatoes, making this dish ideal for both a simple family meal and a festive feast!
