The largest Greek island, Crete, is a paradise for history, nature enthusiasts, and gourmets. Cretan cuisine, similar to traditional Greek food, is characterized by fresh ingredients and offers a wealth of flavors. In this article, we will introduce you to some of the most well-known dishes and drinks that are integral to the Cretan and Greek dining menu.
- Dakos—Cretan Salad with Barley Rusk
One of the most typical Cretan dishes is dakos, a traditional Cretan salad that embodies summer in every bite. The base of this salad is a barley rusk (or dried bread), known as “paximadi,” which is soaked in olive oil and topped with chopped tomatoes, olives, capers, and grated mizithra cheese. Mizithra is a soft, mildly salted cheese that perfectly complements the flavors of the other ingredients—it’s something between ricotta and feta. Dakos is a classic example of Greek food that is simple yet full of flavor and represents the Mediterranean diet, which is typically healthy and light.
- Kalitsounia—Cretan Cheese Pastries
Another Cretan food you shouldn’t miss is kalitsounia. These small, savory pastries are most commonly filled with mizithra cheese, ricotta, or a mixture of spinach and herbs. However, they are also available in sweet …
