If you’ve eaten in a Greek restaurant, you may be familiar with the names of some popular vegetarian dishes: Greek salad, saganaki, spanokopita and even vegetarian moussaka.
The menus at tourist restaurants in Greece are often in several languages (English, French, German, Greek). These spots tend to offer meat-heavy dishes aimed at British and German palettes. Authentic Greek cuisine is more accessible in out-of-the-way places – and those places may not have English menus.
English-Speaking Tourist Areas Offer Several Vegetarian Options
For English-speaking tourists, there are generally one or a few vegetarian choices on the menu. The standard options include:
- Greek salad (cucumber, red onion, tomatoes, olives, feta cheese and oregano)
- Spanokopita (flaky spinach and cheese pastry)
- Saganaki (a plate of melted cheese)
- Pasta Napolatina (pasta with tomato sauce)
- Roasted vegetables
- Cheese pastries
- Dolmades (grape leaves stuffed with dill-flavoured rice)
- Olives, cheese and tzatziki plates
Most of the vegetarian dishes are heavily laced with olive oil, which adds flavour and makes them more filling than vegetables alone. It is much more challenging to find vegan dishes as many of the meatless options contain cheese.
Bean and Protein-Rich Vegetarian Dishes are Rare in Greek Restaurants
Beans and other protein-rich vegetarian foods are not common on Greek restaurant menus. However, hummus (chickpea spread) may be available and the garlicky yogurt tzatziki is ubiquitous. You may be able to find omelettes or eggs, yogurt (for breakfast) and lima beans in zesty tomato sauce (gigantes).
Most take-away restaurants have vegetable pitas and cheese pastries. However, these fat- and carbohydrate-rich foods are not the basis of a long-term diet – especially when the pitas contain fried potatoes.
Greek Vegetarian Dishes Vary Based on Regional Specialties
Authentic Greek cuisine is rich with vegetarian options, especially on the Island of Crete. However, unless you speak or read Greek, it can be challenging to seek out the authentic spots and interpret their menus. Local specialties on the Island of Crete, for example, include biram, a roasted vegetable-olive oil mixture that easily trumps Italian ratatouille.
You may also be delighted with stuffed zucchini blossoms and deep-fried vegetables (similar to tempura or Indian pakora).
Greek Vegetarian Breakfast Options
The Greeks are not big on breakfast, though rich Greek yogurt and light breakfast items may be available. For American-style breakfasts, seek out hotels that cater to this clientele.
With a little work, it is possible to seek out vegetarian options are Greek restaurants in Greece. But be prepared for a lack of variety, unless you have a Greek-speaking tour guide who can decipher regional menus.
Join the Conversation