Sharing good, fresh local food is an important part of Cyprus culture. Traditionally, locals gather all their family and friends for a meze and it is more of a social event than a formal meal. Cypriot cuisine is an exotic blend of Greek and Middle Eastern cultures and with many dishes shared around the table, it is an experience worth seeing first hand.
Why not get some Cypriot meze for your next family foodie party? Usually consisting of 15-20 plates, cold snacks come first, followed by lighter hot dishes, the main course and fruit and pastries for dessert.
These meze dishes are indispensable, and will make your guests want to jump right on the plane to the Mediterranean island.
Olives and dips
Start your meze with a selection of juicy olives and tasty dips. Whether yogurt, Hummus, Tahini (sesame seed based), Skordalia (with potato and garlic), Taramosolata (fish roe dip) or Tsatziki (cucumber and mint), a selection served with pita bread and crisp salad will be a treat. be.
Grilled halloumi
After a light start, it's time to step it up and bring out the big guns – grilled halloumi cheese. A Cypriot cheese, it is undeniably a popular dish. It is best to grill before garnishing with arugula and tomatoes.
Sheftalis
Then add Sheftalies to the mix. It is a type of sausage but without the skin and is usually made from ground pork or lamb shoulder, mixed with finely chopped onion and parsley.
Tip: these also go well with warmed pita bread and a handful of fresh salad.
Koupepia
One of the most traditional Cyprus dishes and a must for your evening is Koupepia. Simply, vine leaves stuffed with a mixture of ground beef and rice. Easy to prepare, just fill the vine leaves with the above, plus tomato, mint, parsley and lemon juice before cooking in the oven.
Tip: this can easily be a vegetarian dish too!
Stifado
One that is easy to prepare and succulent in taste is Stifado, or more simply, beef stew. Stifado is made with onions, tomatoes, garlic, red wine, cinnamon and anise, added to the pan and allowed to simmer until tender.
Skewers of meat
For meat lovers, skewers of lamb, grilled chicken or pork chops are always a winner, and a good way to signal that the next round of dishes is on the way. Simply grill your chosen meat and serve with lemon wedges.
Moussaka
For something savory, Moussaka is a must. A layered dish of aubergine, lamb (beef or pork is also possible), tomatoes and potatoes. It's the perfect dish to entertain, and even a dish for friends and family to take out and reheat for the next day!
Kleftiko
Lamb and potatoes cooked with bay leaves and oregano is known as Kleftiko in Cyprus. Kleftiko means "stolen" in Greek and dates back centuries to when sheep were stolen and cooked underground to prevent the stench from betraying the thief. Kleftiko is a must for a dish with a story!
Tip:the longer you cook, the better!
Yemista
To accompany your main dishes, stuffed vegetables make the best side dishes. Yemista, as the Cypriots call it, can consist of peppers, tomatoes, onions, courgettes or aubergines filled with tasty rice and melted cheese.
Bourekia
Finish your meze with fresh fruit, pastries and coffee. A Cypriot favorite is Bourekia me Anari, small pastries filled with Anari cheese and cinnamon. These delicious treats are best when baked and dusted with powdered sugar.
