Crete is the largest and most populous island in Greece, known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and vibrant culinary culture. The Cretan diet is renowned for its use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients and its emphasis on health and well-being. In this article, we will explore the many different kinds of Cretan food and their prices.
Dakos
Dakos is a traditional Cretan dish made with a rusk, topped with chopped tomato, feta cheese, and olive oil. It’s a simple yet delicious dish that’s perfect for a light lunch or snack. Dakos typically costs around €3-€5.
Boureki
Boureki is a vegetable pie made with zucchini, potatoes, and cheese. It’s a popular dish in Crete, and it’s often served as an appetizer or side dish. Boureki usually costs around €6-€8.
Sfakianopita
Sfakianopita is a traditional cheese pie from the region of Sfakia in Crete. It’s made with local cheese, and it’s often served with honey or syrup. Sfakianopita usually costs around €8-€10.
Kalitsounia
Kalitsounia are small, cheese-filled pastries that are popular in Crete. They’re often made with a mixture of local cheeses and herbs, and they’re perfect for a quick snack or breakfast. Kalitsounia usually cost around €1-€2 each.
Tzatziki
Tzatziki is a creamy dip made with yogurt, cucumber, and garlic. It’s a popular dish in Greece, and it’s often served as a side dish or condiment. Tzatziki usually costs around €3-€5.
Souvlaki
Souvlaki is a popular Greek dish made with grilled meat (usually pork, chicken, or lamb) and vegetables. It’s often served on a skewer and accompanied by pita bread and tzatziki sauce. Souvlaki usually costs around €5-€7.
Moussaka
Moussaka is a traditional Greek dish that’s popular in Crete. It’s made with layers of eggplant, ground meat, and a creamy béchamel sauce. Moussaka usually costs around €8-€10.
Seafood
Crete is an island, so it’s no surprise that seafood is a big part of the local cuisine. Fresh fish and seafood dishes are abundant in Crete, and they’re often served grilled or fried. Prices vary depending on the type of seafood and the restaurant, but you can expect to pay anywhere from €10-€30 for a seafood dish.
Wine
Crete is also known for its excellent wine, which is often made from local grape varieties. Prices for wine vary depending on the type and the restaurant, but you can expect to pay anywhere from €5-€10 per glass.
The prices for food in Crete are quite reasonable, especially considering the high quality of the ingredients used. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a full meal, there’s something for everyone in the rich culinary culture of Crete. So, the next time you visit this beautiful island, make sure to try some of the delicious local dishes and savor the unique flavors of this magical place.
In addition to the dishes mentioned above, there are many other traditional Cretan foods that are worth trying. Here are a few more examples:
Gamopilafo
Gamopilafo is a traditional Cretan wedding dish made with rice, meat, and broth. It’s typically served at weddings and other celebrations, and it’s a hearty and flavorful meal. Gamopilafo usually costs around €10-€15.
Staka
Staka is a type of creamy butter made from sheep’s milk. It’s a traditional Cretan product that’s used in many different dishes, including soups, stews, and pies. Staka is typically sold in small jars or containers and costs around €5-€10.
Xerotigana
Xerotigana are traditional Cretan pastries that are typically served during the holiday season. They’re made from a thin dough that’s fried and then soaked in honey syrup. Xerotigana are usually sold in small batches and cost around €5-€10.
Loukoumades
Loukoumades are small, fluffy doughnuts that are popular throughout Greece. They’re typically served with honey syrup and sprinkled with cinnamon or chopped nuts. Loukoumades usually cost around €3-€5 for a small portion.
Raki
Raki is a traditional Cretan spirit that’s made from grapes or other fruits. It’s typically served as a digestif after a meal, and it’s often accompanied by small snacks or appetizers. Raki is usually quite strong, so it’s best consumed in moderation. Prices for raki vary depending on the quality and the restaurant, but you can expect to pay anywhere from €2-€5 per shot.
Apaki
Apaki is a smoked pork meat that is a specialty of Crete. The meat is marinated in a mixture of vinegar and herbs before being smoked, giving it a distinct flavor. Apaki is often served as a snack or appetizer, and it’s also used in many traditional Cretan dishes. The price of apaki varies depending on the quality and the restaurant, but you can expect to pay around €10-€15 for a small plate.
Dolmades
Dolmades are stuffed grape leaves that are popular throughout the Mediterranean. In Crete, they are typically filled with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes meat, and they are often served as an appetizer or side dish. Prices for dolmades vary depending on the restaurant, but you can expect to pay around €5-€10 for a small portion.
Kleftiko
Kleftiko is a traditional Greek dish that’s popular in Crete. It’s made with lamb that’s slow-cooked in a clay pot with vegetables and herbs, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish. Kleftiko is typically served as a main course, and it usually costs around €15-€20.
Saganaki
Saganaki is a type of fried cheese that’s popular throughout Greece. In Crete, it’s typically made with graviera cheese, which is a local variety. Saganaki is often served as a meze (appetizer) or as part of a larger meal. The price of saganaki varies depending on the quality and the restaurant, but you can expect to pay around €5-€10 for a small portion.
Galaktoboureko
Galaktoboureko is a sweet pastry that’s popular throughout Greece. It’s made with a semolina custard filling and phyllo dough, and it’s often served with a syrup made from honey and lemon. Galaktoboureko is typically served as a dessert, and it usually costs around €5-€10 for a small portion.
Cretan food is a wonderful mix of traditional Greek flavors and local specialties. Whether you’re looking for fresh seafood, hearty meat dishes, or sweet pastries, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Prices for food in Crete are generally reasonable, and the quality of the ingredients is often very high, making it a great destination for foodies and travelers alike.
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