There are a few key factors that perfectly highlight the food culture of Cyprus, firstly, we have the sheer range of various culinary influences, secondly, the food is amongst the freshest available – often utilising locally sourced ingredients – and lastly, the Cypriot people absolutely love their food.
Food and drink are a big part of any given social occasion in Cyprus, and it’s not uncommon for small talk with a local ending with an offer of a coffee, beer or a small snack. The sheer depth and breadth of food culture in Cyprus is astonishing, and there really is no better way to discover this than to explore for yourself. However, if you want a little heads-up on the culture before you visit the island nation, this convenient guide will help you to better understand this fascinating aspect of Cypriot life.
Food Culture in Cyprus
As mentioned, Cyprian people love their food, but more importantly, they love the social aspect that comes from sharing and being together. It is the norm that large families eat together on the weekends, hence the popularity of meze style dishes that are comprised of many different items for everybody to share.
Cypriots generally prefer to have long lunches and late dinners, when temperatures have fallen to a more pleasant level. Restaurants (depending on location) will typically not open until 7pm, with most customers arriving from 8 or 9 onwards. The variety of restaurants includes traditional tavernas and the slightly more formal estiadoria, as well as a whole host of international themed eateries, so you are never short of options. You can find something to suit all budgets and palates, with prices differing according to location and the type of food served.
Due to the excellent year-round climate of Cyprus, it’s not uncommon to enjoy food outside in an open air tavernas or courtyards, with most being wonderfully decorated with creeping vines and flowers, and – in some instances – accompanied by traditional Cypriot music being played live by the local skilled musicians.
Dishes of Cyprus
Traditional Cypriot food is not too far removed from Greek food (although the people of Cyprus will of course state that it’s far superior, and who are we to argue?), so you will see much that is similar such as moussaka, goubes, stuffed vine leaves, and meat cooked in a ‘souvla’ grill, or a dome shaped oven. However, there are subtle differences that make the food of Cyprus unique (such as the serving of rice in stuffed vine leaves)
Traditional Cypriot foods include souvlakia (grilled meat kebabs), shaftalia (grilled sausage), afella (pork marinated in coriander), fried halloumi cheese, olives, pitta bread, kolokasi (root vegetables), lamb, artichokes, chickpeas and rabbit stews (stifado).
