What to try in Cyprus: top 100 delicious dishes

Cypriot cuisine is a true treasure trove of culinary discoveries, combining the rich traditions of Mediterranean, Greek, and Turkish cuisines. This sunny island is known for its fresh ingredients, rich aromas, and diverse dishes that attract food lovers from around the world. Whether you’re planning a gastronomic journey to Cyprus or simply want to discover what to try on the island, our top 100 dishes of Cyprus is the perfect guide to the local culinary masterpieces. From meat delicacies like souvlaki and kleftiko to sweets such as loukoumades and mahalepi, Cypriot cuisine will surely offer you a unique gastronomic experience.

Meze

Meze is a mini-feast consisting of a variety of appetizers. It can include dozens of small plates featuring hummus, olives, cheeses, fried and marinated vegetables, meats, and seafood. Trying meze is the best way to dive into the diversity of Cypriot cuisine.

Halloumi

Halloumi is a cheese made from goat’s and sheep’s milk. Its unique texture allows it to be grilled without melting, making it perfect for serving either cold or hot. Halloumi is often served with watermelon or in salads.

Kleftiko

Kleftiko is a lamb dish slowly baked in a clay oven. The meat is marinated with herbs and then slow-cooked for hours, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful meat. It is one of the most famous traditional Cypriot dishes.

Souvla

Souvla is a type of kebab where large pieces of meat are slowly grilled on skewers over charcoal. The meat, typically pork or lamb, is often cooked without marination, allowing the natural flavor of the meat to shine.

Souvlaki

Souvlaki consists of small kebabs often served in pita bread with vegetables, potatoes, and tzatziki sauce. It is one of the most popular street food dishes in Cyprus, available in restaurants and at street markets.

Htapodi Krasato

This dish features octopus stewed in red wine. The long cooking process makes the octopus meat exceptionally tender. It is served with vegetables or potatoes, giving the dish a special harmony of flavors.

Trachana

Trachana is a traditional Cypriot soup made from fermented goat’s milk and wheat. The soup has a slightly sour taste and a thick texture. It is valued for its simplicity and deep historical roots.

Sheftalia

Sheftalia are Cypriot sausages wrapped in a natural fat casing and grilled over coals. They are incredibly juicy due to the slow cooking process and fresh ingredients, including pork, onion, and herbs.

Afelia

Afelia is pork stewed in red wine with coriander seeds. This unique Cypriot dish has a deep aroma and rich flavor thanks to the spices and wine.

Loukaniko

Loukaniko are pork sausages flavored with orange zest, coriander, and spices. They are cooked in red wine, giving them a distinctive taste and aroma. The best loukaniko can be found in the Paphos region, where they are made according to traditional recipes.

Moussaka

Moussaka is a layered casserole made with eggplant, potatoes, and minced meat, typically lamb. Each layer is topped with a rich béchamel sauce, giving the dish a creamy texture. Similar to the Greek version, Cypriot moussaka usually contains more robust spices and sometimes includes halloumi.

Kolokas

Kolokas is a root vegetable similar to a potato, usually stewed with meat, often chicken or pork. This dish is rare outside of Cyprus, making it unique to the island. The taste of kolokas is slightly sweet, resembling sweet potatoes, with a soft, juicy texture.

Koupepia

Koupepia is the Cypriot version of dolma, where grape leaves are stuffed with a mixture of rice, meat, and spices. The filling is prepared with herbs such as mint and dill, giving the dish a fresh aroma and rich flavor. Koupepia is often served as part of a meze or as a standalone dish.

Tavas

Tavas is a traditional Cypriot dish where meat (usually lamb or goat) is stewed with rice, potatoes, and vegetables in a clay pot. The slow cooking process allows the ingredients to blend, creating a rich flavor with spicy notes from the seasoning.

Shefta

Shefta are meatballs made from minced meat mixed with herbs such as mint and parsley. They are pan-fried or grilled, giving them a crispy exterior and juicy interior. This dish is often served with rice or salad.

Soutzoukakia

Soutzoukakia are aromatic meatballs made from minced lamb, prepared with garlic, spices, and bread soaked in wine. The meatballs are stewed in a tomato sauce, giving the dish a rich flavor with light sweet and sour notes.

Makaronia tou Fournou

This is the Cypriot version of pastitsio, a baked pasta dish. The main ingredients include thick pasta, béchamel sauce, and pork mince. The distinctive feature of the Cypriot version is the use of halloumi cheese, which adds a special flavor and texture.

Andzoulamou

Andzoulamou is a traditional Cypriot pie filled with meat or vegetables, baked in a crust. The filling options can vary but often include spinach, cheese, or meat with added spices. The pie has a crispy crust and a juicy filling.

Lounza

Lounza is smoked pork tenderloin, thinly sliced and often served with olives and bread. This meat dish is popular both as an appetizer and as a main course, commonly found on the menus of most taverns.

Koupes

Koupes are croquettes filled with meat and wrapped in a bulgur shell. The filling typically consists of minced meat, parsley, onions, and spices. Koupes are fried to a crispy finish, making them an ideal snack or accompaniment to a main dish.

These dishes showcase the richness and tradition of Cypriot cuisine, each reflecting the island’s cultural heritage and unique culinary flavors.

Commandaria

Commandaria is one of the oldest wine varieties in the world, produced in Cyprus for over 4,000 years. This sweet dessert wine is made from sun-dried grapes, giving it a rich aroma and sweetness. It pairs perfectly with desserts and cheeses.

Cypriot Coffee

Cypriot coffee is an important part of the island’s culture. It is brewed slowly over low heat in small copper pots and served with a thick layer of sediment. It is often accompanied by loukoum (a traditional sweet) and a glass of water.

Stifado

Stifado is a stew made with meat (usually beef or rabbit) cooked with onions, garlic, and tomatoes. The dish is slow-cooked to make the meat tender and infused with the aromas of spices like cinnamon and red wine.

Loukoumades

Loukoumades are small fried doughnuts dipped in syrup or honey. These crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside sweets are often served at festive events and fairs.

Soutzoukia

Soutzoukia are eastern-style kebabs made from minced meat, spices, and onions. They are often served with vegetables and tzatziki sauce, wrapped in flatbread. This is a popular street food in Cyprus, especially among tourists.

Ttalattouri

Ttalattouri is the Cypriot version of the Greek tzatziki sauce, made from yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, and olive oil. It is served as a dip with meat dishes, souvlaki, and vegetables.

Zalatina

Zalatina is a Cypriot cold appetizer similar to aspic. It is made from pork that is slowly cooked with lemon juice and spices until it reaches a thick, jelly-like consistency. This dish is often served as part of a meze.

Pasteliaki

Pasteliaki are traditional Cypriot sweets made from honey and nuts, often hazelnuts or peanuts. These crunchy treats are a perfect end to a meal or a snack on their own.

Katarides

Katarides are pickled capers, a popular addition to salads and meze in Cyprus. Their intense flavor adds a tangy twist to any dish.

Flaounes

Flaounes are traditional Easter pastries filled with cheese, eggs, and mint, baked in dough. They can be served either sweet or savory, depending on the recipe.

Fasolia Yiahni

Stewed Beans with Tomatoes, Onions, and Garlic. This traditional dish is often served during fasting days or as a side dish to main courses.

Ttiria

A Cypriot pie filled with cheese and made from puff pastry. It is a hearty and crispy snack, especially popular during holidays.

Piterkia

Fried potato chunks seasoned with spices. This simple yet incredibly tasty dish is served as a side or a standalone snack.

Kalimeraikia

Small pies filled with meat or cheese, popular during festive occasions. They are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Glyka tou Koutaliou

Traditional Cypriot desserts consisting of fruits cooked in sugar syrup. Common choices include figs, quince, and walnuts.

Palouzes

A dessert made from grape juice and starch. It resembles a thick pudding and is often served chilled as a treat.

Vari Macheria

Stewed meat with legumes and vegetables, slowly cooked over low heat, allowing all ingredients to become tender and infused with rich flavors.

Purka

Cypriot smoked pork sausages, commonly served as an appetizer. They are often found in traditional Cypriot taverns.

Zivania

A strong spirit made from grape pomace. Zivania is widely popular in Cyprus and is a part of the island’s cultural heritage.

Palakalakia

A dish made from stewed eggplant with tomatoes and spices. This delicious vegetable dish is often served as a side or during fasting periods.

Melomakarona

Traditional Christmas cookies made with honey and walnuts. They are often soaked in syrup, making them tender and sweet.

Karydopita

A walnut cake made from ground walnuts, flour, sugar, and spices. It is typically soaked in syrup, giving it a moist and rich texture.

Galaktoboureko

A dessert made from phyllo dough with a creamy semolina filling, baked in sweet syrup. It resembles Greek baklava but has a milk-based filling.

Sardeles tis Sxaris

Grilled sardines served with lemon and olive oil. These fish dishes are popular in coastal areas of Cyprus and are often paired with a salad garnish.

Lefkomakarona

Traditional Cypriot pasta often served with stewed meat or a tomato-based sauce with spices. The dish is usually topped with halloumi cheese and herbs.

Frikasse

A Cypriot stew made from meat, typically lamb or chicken, with vegetables and herbs. The sauce is lemon-based, giving the dish a fresh and slightly tangy flavor.

Zalatina (Cypriot Aspic)

This is a special type of aspic made from pork. The dish contains gelatin and has a bold flavor due to the addition of lemon and spices.

Termahouda

Baked vegetables, such as eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, and potatoes, slowly roasted with olive oil and herbs.

Horta

Horta are dishes made from wild greens, sautéed with garlic and olive oil. This popular side dish is especially common in rural areas of Cyprus.

Garidesaganaki

Fried shrimp cooked in a tomato sauce with feta cheese. This dish is popular along the coast and is often served with bread.

Psilokamos

A small pie filled with herbs, often including cheese. It is served as an appetizer or part of a meze, especially in rural areas.

Mourassos

Cypriot mushrooms cooked with garlic, lemon, and olive oil. They are often served as a side dish with meat or as part of a meze.

Ttiropsoma

Ttiropsoma is a cheese bread made from simple dough with the addition of halloumi or other local cheeses. It is very popular among Cypriots for breakfast or as a snack.

Pastitsi

Miniature pies filled with meat or cheese, popular in Cypriot cafes and bakeries. They are made from puff pastry and served as a quick snack.

Koupes

Koupes are meat patties, similar to kebabs, grilled to perfection. The dish is served with sauces and fresh vegetables, usually wrapped in flatbread.

Kadaif

Kadaif is a dessert made from the finest pastry threads, soaked in syrup and filled with nuts. Similar to baklava, it has a crispier texture.

Tahini

Tahini is a sesame paste used in Cyprus as a sauce or spread. It is often served with bread or added to dishes for a nutty flavor.

Cypriot Olives

Olives are a staple of Cypriot cuisine. They are marinated with various herbs and spices, served as an appetizer or part of a meze.

Gigantes

Gigantes are large beans cooked in a tomato sauce with herbs and spices. This vegetarian dish is often served as a side or part of a meze.

Cypriot Greek Salad

This salad resembles the traditional Greek salad but includes local ingredients like halloumi cheese, fresh vegetables, olive oil, and lemon. It’s a light, refreshing side dish often paired with meat.

Lahmajoun

A thin dough topped with a mixture of ground beef, tomatoes, onions, and spices, baked in the oven. This dish resembles a mini-pizza and is often served with lemon and herbs.

Macheras

A lamb soup with wheat and vegetables. It is one of Cyprus’ traditional winter dishes, enjoyed during the cold months.

Kaysezluk

A fried sweet pastry made from dough filled with syrup and nuts. Kaysezluk is a perfect dessert for those with a sweet tooth.

Lahanorizo

Rice with cabbage, stewed in a tomato sauce with olive oil. This simple and vegan dish is very popular on the island, especially in rural areas.

Agriozo

Small, round fried dough balls with cheese or herb fillings. This popular snack is served in taverns as part of a meze.

Kotopoulo sou Vilanno

Chicken baked with lemon and potatoes. This traditional Cypriot dish is infused with the flavors of lemon, garlic, and olive oil.

Skordalia

Skordalia is a thick potato puree mixed with garlic, olive oil, and vinegar. It pairs wonderfully with fish and meat dishes.

Kokoretsi

A dish made from grilled offal, often prepared for large celebrations. It is known for its rich, intense flavor.

Tahinopita

Tahinopita is a sweet pie filled with sesame paste, baked in the oven. Its soft texture and sweet flavor make it an ideal snack for tea or coffee.

Grilled Cypriot Fruits

Grilled fruits, such as figs and peaches, are a favorite in Cyprus. They are served with honey or yogurt, offering a light and refreshing dessert.

Skarou

A dish of grilled fish, typically served with olive oil, lemon, and fresh vegetables. The simplicity of the preparation enhances the flavor of the fresh fish.

Goat Cheese Anari

Anari is a soft and mild goat cheese used in desserts and traditional snacks. It can be enjoyed fresh or baked, often served with honey or fruits.

Kalitsounia

Small pies filled with anari cheese or vegetables. These pies can be sweet or savory and are often made for large holidays like Easter.

Fallaros

Fallaros is a traditional pastry filled with nuts and sugar, similar to baklava. This dessert is known for its thin layers of pastry and sweet syrup.

Hiroftiri

It is an aged cheese that ripens in the sun and has a strong and pungent taste. It is usually served as an appetizer or with wine.

Cypriot Lentil Soup

Lentil soup is a simple yet nutritious dish. Lentils are boiled with tomatoes, onions, and garlic, and olive oil and lemon juice are added for extra flavor.

Oftho Kleftiko

A version of kleftiko, where the meat is baked with potatoes and vegetables in a ground oven. This ancient cooking technique gives the dish a unique, smoky flavor.

Lapa with Halloumi

A dish made from lentil grains with the addition of halloumi cheese. This simple and nutritious side dish is often served with meat or fish.

Za’atar Pita

A flatbread sprinkled with a blend of herbs, olive oil, and spices. This dish is popular in the eastern part of the island and makes a great snack or accompaniment to main dishes.

Kavallou

Kavallou are small pies filled with meat or vegetables, similar to pastries but with a thin dough. They make an excellent snack or part of a large family meal.

Atzeri

Atzeri is a traditional Cypriot soup made from lamb with vegetables and beans. Rich in proteins and vitamins, it is a popular choice during the winter months.

Patates tis Mielas

Baked potatoes with honey and spices. This sweet and unique dish is the perfect side for meat dishes.

Loukanika

Long, thin pork sausages marinated in red wine and spices before being grilled. They are popular in village taverns and served with bread and fresh vegetables.

Levkoma

Small snack breads made from olive oil and flour, with added spices and herbs. Levkoma is often served as an appetizer alongside main dishes.

Eliezes

A traditional Cypriot sweet made from dried fruits such as figs, dates, and almonds, mixed with honey. This dish is often prepared for holidays and family gatherings.

Sipies

Grilled squid with olive oil and lemon. One of the most popular dishes along the coast of Cyprus, served with light vegetable salads.

Karagiosi

A dish made from chicken cooked with cream and vegetables. Often served with potatoes or rice, Karagiosi has a creamy texture and rich flavor.

Cypriot Cheese Pancakes

Pancakes made from wheat flour with the addition of halloumi or anari cheese. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, served with honey or savory sauces.

Portokalopita

An orange cake made from phyllo dough with orange zest and syrup. It is a refreshing and aromatic dessert popular in Cyprus.

Tirokeftedes

Cheese fritters made from various types of cheese, fried to a golden crust. This dish is often served as an appetizer or part of a meze and is very popular with cheese lovers.

Plaki

A dish of baked white beans in a tomato sauce with vegetables and herbs. Plaki is a vegetarian dish often served as a side or a main course.

Gouvetsi

Gouvetsi is a meat dish, usually made with lamb or beef, stewed with vegetables and pasta in a tomato sauce. It is cooked in a clay pot, giving the dish a rich flavor and aroma.

Tavuk Pirazi

A dish of chicken stewed with beans and herbs. This hearty and nourishing dish is popular in the winter when warm, filling meals are needed.

Bourabia

Small almond cookies usually served during holidays. The cookies are crispy and sweet, often accompanied by tea or coffee.

Oktofados

A salad made from octopus marinated in vinegar and olive oil with fresh vegetables and herbs. A refreshing and light salad, perfect for a summer meal.

Tartlets with Anari Cheese

Small pies filled with soft anari cheese, often mixed with honey and cinnamon. This is a traditional dessert served at festive events.

Arni Yoghurtlou

Lamb stewed in yogurt with garlic and mint. This dish has a rich and unique flavor thanks to the combination of meat and tangy yogurt.

Feta Saganaki

Fried feta cheese served with honey and sesame seeds. This dish combines salty and sweet flavors, making it an ideal appetizer or dessert.

Mahalepi

Mahalepi is a light and refreshing dessert made from milk, sugar, and rice starch, with added rose water or syrup. It is often served cold on hot days.

Kalouria

Kalouria are fried dough rings that resemble doughnuts but with a less sweet taste. They are often sprinkled with sugar or served with syrup.

Immersing yourself in Cypriot cuisine is more than just about food; it’s an introduction to the island’s culture and traditions that have been shaped over centuries. In every dish, you can feel the locals’ love for natural ingredients and their skill in combining them into incredible culinary masterpieces. From classic meat dishes to delicate desserts and drinks, Cypriot cuisine will satisfy even the most discerning gourmets. Whether you’re enjoying souvlaki from a street vendor or indulging in a refined dinner at a tavern, every meal in Cyprus is a true culinary discovery.