A MELTING POT OF CYPRUS FLAVOURS
The island’s cuisine derives from a delightful fusion of Eastern Mediterranean influences. These include Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern cuisines that all offer an abundant culinary melting pot of flavours to explore. Cypriot cuisine ultimately offers something for every palate and typically includes savoury meats, fresh seafood, and some flavourful vegetarian dishes. There are also several unique delicacies, as well as hearty meat stews, savoury pastries, mouth-watering desserts, and a whole range of unique beverages.
The representation below includes a good selection of must-try traditional Cypriot dishes that will satisfy most tastes.
A SELECTION OF CYPRIOT CULINARY DISHES
Souvlaki
Souvlaki is a popular Greek dish that consists of small pieces of boneless meat. Chicken, lamb, or pork are meticulously skewered and then grilled to perfection on a bed of charcoal. this dish is usually served with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a side salad.
Souvla
Similar to souvlaki but consists of larger chunks of meat that include the bone. Lamb, chicken, or pork are grilled to perfection over a bed of charcoal. This dish is usually served with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a side salad.
Sheftalia
SHEFTALIA is a type of homemade sausage made from ground pork, onions, and parsley. The meat is marinated in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs before being skewered and grilled to perfection over a bed of charcoal. This dish is usually served with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a side salad.
Kleftiko
Kleftiko is a traditional Cypriot dish that’s made with marinated lamb. It is slow-cooked for hours in a clay oven with potatoes on a very low flame. The result is a succulent, melt-in-your-mouth meat that’s bursting with flavour.
Stifado
Originally, named Stufato meaning stew, this Cypriot dish traces its origins back to Italy. The Venetians brought STIFADO to Cyprus in the 15th century where it underwent further refinements. The dish would later incorporate influences from Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisines. This saucy Cypriot dish features tender meat slow-cooked in a vinegar-based sauce with onions, tomatoes, and aromatic spices like cinnamon and cloves.
Kioftedes
Kioftedes are small meatballs that are typically made with ground beef or pork, onions, garlic, and herbs. They’re often deep-fried or oven-baked and then served with a side salad or incorporated into a pasta based dish.
Koupepia
KOUPEPIA, also known as dolmades, are stuffed vine leaves parcels that are wrapped around a delicious filling of rice, ground meat, and various herbs. Simmered in a delicate tomato sauce, they offer a delightful balance of flavours and textures. They are typically served with a side salad and are a staple of Cypriot cuisine.
Halloumi Cheese
Halloumi is a type of cheese that is made from a mixture of sheep and goat’s milk. It has a unique texture that is firm and slightly rubbery and it has a salty flavour. Halloumi is often grilled or fried and served as a side dish or as a vegetarian main course.
Makaronia Tou Fournou
Makaronia tou fournou is a classic Cypriot baked pasta dish made with macaroni, béchamel sauce, and minced meat. It is typically topped with grated cheese and baked in the oven until golden brown. It is typically served with a side salad.
Afelia
Afelia is a traditional Cypriot pork dish that is marinated in red wine and coriander seeds. The aromatic spices and the richness of the wine infuse the meat, creating a symphony of flavors. The pork is then is then lightly fried and stewed in a tomato and wine based sauce. The dish is typically served with potatoes and a side salad.
Koupes
KOUPES are a traditional Cypriot street food that is made from a mixture of ground meat, bulgur wheat, and spices. The mixture is shaped into small, oval-shaped balls, stuffed with seasoned meat and then deep-fried until golden brown. They are typically taken with fresh lemon.
Loukoumades
LOUKOUMADES are a traditional Cypriot dessert that is similar to doughnuts. They are small, round, and deep-fried until golden brown. They are then coated in honey and sprinkled with cinnamon.
A FOOD LOVER'S PARADISE
Cyprus has often been labelled a food lover’s paradise, and this small selection of must-try Cypriot dishes represents a fraction of the Cypriot culinary creations that currently exist. The unique combination of flavours, which tell stories of the island’s history, its Mediterranean influences, and the love and care that goes into the preparation of each dish, goes hand in hand with Cypriot hospitality and represents a unique culinary experience for anyone wanting to indulge. Flavours range from the savoury delights of souvlaki and sheftalia to the irresistible sweetness of several Cypriot desserts, such as ‘LOUKOUMADES’ or ‘GLYKO’. Cypriot cuisine has something to satisfy every palate, offering bold, hearty meals, as well as, sweet and delicate WINES, and DESSERTS, it is obvious that to fully appreciate the depth and diversity of Cypriot food culture, one must explore beyond the selections above!
