The island climate and soil play their part in supplying an abundance
of fresh local produce that enriches every meal. Eating out is the highlight
of every holiday. This is a good way to sample local flavours. In either
Polis or Latsi choose one of the many reputable taverns. Ordering a “meze”
will allow you to nibble on a full range of traditional specialties all
in one sitting. Many of the taverns all over Cyprus organize folklore
evenings. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the local cuisine whilst
dancing to live bouzouki music. You will soon find yourself clapping along
with everyone else unless you joined in on the dance floor having the
time of your life.
Cyprus Meze
A Cyprus Meze is certainly one of the most famous Cypriot delicacies. Or
to put it another way: Mezedes are a great number of different Cypriot delicacies.
Eating a Meze is one of the musts on any visit to Cyprus, and is a great
guide to understanding the Cypriot mentality. Mezedes can include up to
20-30 dishes!
Fish
It would be a real pity to miss the opportunity to eat Mediterranean fish
in one of the many fish restaurants that you can find near the coast. There
are lots of delicious fish dishes to discover, grilled or fried, salty or
sour, spicy or plain. In many cases there will be no menu, the waiter will
tell you about the catch of the day and how it will be prepared.
Yemista
Yemista are stuffed vegetables all kinds, favorites in every Cypriot family.
Especially in summertime you will appreciate the interesting taste of this
Mediterranean specialty. You can order the great number of stuffed vegetables
as starters or as main dishes. They can served hot or cold. The famous stuffed
wine-leaves are called 'Koupepia'. Also tasty are stuffed peppers, tomatoes,
onions, courgettes, aubergines or stuffed petals from courgettes. The filling
is made with rice and grated tomatoes. However the cook likes minced meet
and different spices like parsley or mint can be added.
Kleftiko
Nowadays 'Kleftiko' is a typical dish for every single celebration. It is
a piece of lamb or goat wrapped in foil and baked in special ovens, that
in any case must be closed airtight, until the Kleftiko will be baked. The
origin of this dish, as history tells us, goes back to the Cypriot freedom
fighters of the 19th Century that lived in the mountain. They had to prepare
their stolen meat, the Kleftiko, neither that some could smell it, nor that
it could be seen. Though they baked it closed in special earthenware pottery
that they had buried under the ground.
Mousakas
The famous 'Mousakas' for sure will be find on every menu. It is a typical
summer meal and can be eaten warm or cold. Mousakas is prepared with potatoes
or/and courgettes and aubergines, and covered with a tasteful cream.
Cyprus Beer
The mild Mediterranean climate of Cyprus produces rich wheat and allows
it to brew light beer (of high quality). There are two breweries in the
Republic of Cyprus established: KEO, the Cypriot brewery and the world known
Carlsberg brewery.
Cyprus Brandy
A good wine makes also a good Brandy. The Cyprus Brandy is popular because
of its mild taste. Pure or in long drinks, not only experts will enjoy it.
It also makes the famous 'Brandy Sour' to the specialty that it is.
Cyprus Wine
Cyprus wine has been produced for thousands of years and since the time
of the Crusades it has also been exported to Europe. 'Commandaria' has enjoyed
a reputation as a fine dessert wine since the 12th century. Today wine is
one of the most important exports of Cyprus.
Cyprus Coffee
Coffee in Cyprus is always served with a glass of cold water. Each traditional
coffee shop has it's own variety of making coffee and it is a real pleasure
to take a gastronomic trip around the city and taste the varieties of different
coffee aromas.
