Nestled in the eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus is not only known for its stunning beaches and rich history, but also for its diverse cuisine that reflects a blend of Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern influences. For travellers seeking an unforgettable gastronomic experience, Cyprus offers a diverse range of dishes that are guaranteed to satisfy the taste buds. From traditional mezes and fresh seafood to sweet desserts, discover the best food in Cyprus with Ezoria.
What To Eat In Cyprus
Traditional Meze
No trip to Cyprus is complete without indulging in a traditional meze feast. A Cypriot meze contains a collection of small dishes, each bursting with flavour and representing the best food in Cyprus. From creamy hummus and smoky baba ganoush to tangy halloumi cheese and savoury kleftiko, every meze food tells a story of Cyprus’s rich culinary heritage. Don’t forget to pair your meze with a glass of locally produced wine or ouzo for a local dining experience.
SouvlakiÂ
When considering what to eat in Cyprus, souvlaki has to be high on the list. Originating from Greek cuisine, this Cypriot street food consists of skewered and grilled meat, typically pork, chicken, or lamb, accompanied by fresh vegetables, tzatziki sauce, and wrapped in warm pita bread. The succulent meat, seasoned to perfection with aromatic herbs and spices, combined with the coolness of tzatziki and the crunch of fresh vegetables, makes souvlaki a local favourite.
Halloumi
Renowned worldwide for its unique taste and texture, halloumi is a semi-hard, unripened cheese that is a culinary treasure of Cyprus. Although many of the best foods to eat in Cyprus have origins traced back to Greece, Turkey or the Middle East, halloumi originates from the island. Made from a combination of goat’s and sheep’s milk, this versatile cheese is characterised by its robust flavour and high melting point, making it perfect for grilling or frying.
Kleftiko
Kleftiko, a rustic Cypriot dish with deep historical roots, traces back to the era of mountain bandits. Slow-cooked lamb or goat, marinated in garlic, lemon juice, and aromatic herbs, is sealed in parchment paper or foil to preserve its succulence. This Mediterranean delicacy, often accompanied by potatoes, vegetables, and crusty bread, offers a flavourful homage to Cyprus’s culinary scene. Thinking about what to eat in Cyprus? This dish is our top recommendation!Â
Loukoumades
No visit to Cyprus would be complete without a taste of loukoumades, irresistible bite-sized pastries that are a beloved indulgence across the island. These golden, crispy dough balls are deep-fried to perfection, then drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon, creating a heavenly combination of sweetness and warmth. Whether enjoyed as a dessert or a delightful street food snack, loukoumades are guaranteed to satisfy every sweet tooth craving.
SeafoodÂ
With its vast coastline, Cyprus presents an abundance of fresh seafood, which offers some of the best food in Cyprus. Visitors to the island can head to the traditional fishing villages of Larnaca or Paphos to sample mouthwatering dishes like grilled octopus, fried calamari, and seafood risotto, all of which are prepared with the catch of the day. For a truly unforgettable experience, dine at a seaside taverna and experience stunning views as the sun sets over the Med.
Moussaka
Originating in the Levant, moussaka is a hearty casserole that is as comforting as it is delicious. Layer upon layer of sliced eggplant, potatoes, and seasoned ground meat are nestled together and topped with a creamy béchamel sauce, then baked to golden perfection. The result is a dish that is rich, flavourful, and satisfyingly indulgent – the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. Moussaka is one of the best foods in Cyprus and not to be missed!
Middle Eastern Food
Having touched upon the Levant and its influence on Cypriot cuisine, when considering what to eat in Cyprus, it is important to factor in some of the dishes that have originated from the Middle East. Situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, Cyprus has long been a melting pot of cultures, and nowhere is this more evident than in its cuisine. Try dishes like shawarma, falafel, and kebabs which make regular appearances on menus across the island.
Sheftalia
One of the best foods in Cyprus and a hidden gem of local cuisine is sheftalia. This savoury sausage is made from a mixture of ground pork, lamb, or beef, combined with onions, parsley, and a blend of aromatic spices. Sheftalia is wrapped in caul fat before being grilled to perfection. Often served as part of a meze platter or enjoyed on its own with a squeeze of lemon juice, sheftalia offers a unique experience for the taste buds and is a true testament to Cypriot cuisine.
Baklava
Indulge your sweet tooth with baklava, a beloved dessert that has captivated taste buds around the world for centuries. Originating from the Ottoman Empire but embraced as a quintessential part of Cypriot cuisine, baklava is a decadent pastry made from layers of thin phyllo dough, filled with chopped nuts (typically walnuts, pistachios, or almonds), and sweetened with a syrup made from sugar, honey, and fragrant spices such as cinnamon and cloves.
Explore The Best Food In Cyprus With Ezoria
At Ezoria, we understand that no holiday is complete without experiencing the local flavours and culinary traditions of your destination. That’s why we’re committed to providing our guests with access to the best food experiences in Cyprus, from traditional tavernas serving up mouthwatering meze to hidden gems showcasing the freshest seafood the island has to offer. With our handpicked selection of luxury villas in Cyprus located in some of the island’s most picturesque locations, you can relax and unwind in style after a day of culinary exploration.
Looking for more inspiration for your Cyprus holiday? Discover our guide on the best places to stay in Cyprus. So why wait? Choose your favourite Cyprus destination and book your dream villa with Ezoria today!
