Halloumi
Halloumi is Cyprus' most famous food export. This squeaky salty cheese is made from a mixture of goat's & sheep's milk, & it's perfect for grilling or frying. Cypriots love to eat halloumi with watermelon in the summertime or in a pitta bread with tomato & cucumber. You can find halloumi on the menu at most Cypriot restaurants or pick up a packet to take home from a local market.
Souvlakia
Souvlakia are small pieces of marinated meat, usually pork or chicken, that are skewered & grilled over charcoal. They're served with a salad, pitta bread & a variety of dips, including tzatziki, hummus & taramasalata. The best souvlakia are made with meat that has been marinated for at least 24 hours, to give it a rich smoky flavour.
Meze
Meze is a selection of small dishes that are served together as a complete meal. It's similar to the Spanish tapas or the Italian antipasti. A typical Cypriot meze might include dishes such as dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), moussaka (a baked eggplant and meat dish), spanakopita (spinach and feta pie) & keftedes (meatballs). Meze is usually served with bread and a variety of dips & it's a great way to sample a range of Cypriot dishes in one sitting.
Kleftiko
Kleftiko is a traditional Cypriot dish that's made with slow-cooked lamb. The meat is marinated in garlic & lemon then wrapped in parchment paper and cooked in a clay oven. The result is a tender juicy lamb that falls off the bone. Kleftiko is usually served with roast potatoes & a Greek salad, and it's a must-try for meat lovers.
Loukoumades
Loukoumades are small, deep-fried doughnuts that are drizzled with honey syrup & sprinkled with cinnamon. They're a popular dessert in Cyprus & they're perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. You can find loukoumades at most Cypriot bakeries or try making them yourself at home.
Commandaria
Commandaria is a sweet dessert wine that's been made in Cyprus for over 4,000 years. It's made from two grape varieties, xynisteri & mavro that are left to dry in the sun before being pressed. The resulting wine is rich & complex, with notes of caramel, raisins & figs. Commandaria is perfect for sipping after dinner or as a gift to take home.
Zivania
Zivania is a strong, clear spirit that's made from the pomace of grapes. It's similar to Italian grappa or French marc. Zivania is usually served as an aperitif & it's a great way to start off a meal. It's also used in cooking to add flavour to dishes such as souvlakia or kleftiko.
