Whereas the seashores are a few of the greatest options of this beautiful Island, the meals in Cyprus is fairly superb too. A mix of Arabic, Turkish and Greek flavors makes exploring the completely different dishes and greatest locations to eat in Cyprus loads of enjoyable, whether or not you’re a foodie or not.
I traveled round Cyprus as a digital nomad for round 4 months, and I liked attempting all one of the best meals in Cyprus. From sheftalies (meatballs) and souvlaki (grilled meat) to scrumptious cheeses. Cypriot meals is really superb, and tasting the standard dishes in Cyprus is certainly considered one of my favourite issues to do while there.
Finest Meals in Cyprus
I used to be lucky sufficient to have my buddies, who have been raised in Cyprus, present me round and suggest completely different dishes to me throughout my time on the island. From this, I acquired a fantastic perception into the widespread dishes in Cyprus, in addition to what the locals cook dinner at residence.
They offered some glorious suggestions for what to eat in Cyprus and the place to go. So, let me share what I realized beneath.
1. Souvlaki (Most Well-known Meals to Strive in Cyprus General)
Souvlaki is without doubt one of the hottest meals in Cyprus. Souvlaki contains cubes of meat, of which rooster and pork are the preferred, which are marinated and grilled on a skewer.
The meat is often tender and spiced to perfection and the preferred option to eat it’s in a pitta, with a lot of salad and lemon. You’ll virtually definitely be served souvlaki in case you order a meat meze too.
Souvlaki is completely different from souvla which is one other standard dish consisting of bigger items of meat cooked over a charcoal barbecue. The distinction between the dishes is the dimensions of the meat, the size of time it’s cooked, and the gap from the grill. Basically, souvlaki is the mini model of souvla!
You’ll discover souvlaki all over the place – it’s in all probability the preferred dish in Cyprus. For lunch, my favourite place to eat souvlaki is Souvlaki.GR in Larnaca. It serves scrumptious tender souvlaki (together with different native dishes), at reasonably priced costs, and in giant parts. You actually can’t go incorrect.
Souvlaki.gr Info
Tackle: 67 Archiepiskopou Makariou Avenue, 7550 Larnaca, Cyprus.
Telephone: +357 24 650670
Working Hours: 11 am – 11.30 pm (Mon-Fri)
Common Price of Dish: €7
Web site: View their Fb web page right here
2. Halloumi
Halloumi is standard in a lot of Europe however originated in Cyprus. It’s a cheese created from a mix of goat and sheep’s milk, and typically cow’s milk too. Halloumi is commonly referred to as squeaky cheese due to its texture.
It’s made domestically in Cypriot villages, and taking a tour to observe the locals making the cheese, having a go at making it your self, and all importantly tasting some samples, is a very enjoyable option to spend a day.
When it comes to the place to attempt it, it’s one other a kind of meals in Cyprus that you just’ll discover in each restaurant or taverna serving native dishes because it’s one other of the preferred elements on the island.
Whereas it’s often grilled and greatest eaten as a part of a meze, I as soon as had it in pasta at Forsos Tavern in Limassol. It was tremendous scrumptious – I’d undoubtedly suggest including it to your order!
Forsos Tavern Info
Tackle: Αγίου Ελευθερίου 49, Mouttagiaka, Cyprus
Telephone: +357 25 329490
Working Hours: 7.30 pm – Midnight (Mon-Solar)
Common Price of Dish: €7
Web site: View their Fb web page right here
3. Kleftiko
Kleftiko is a standard Greek recipe that entails marinating lamb in olive oil, onion, garlic, and lemon after which cooking in greaseproof paper to verify the meat takes all the flavour and moisture from the liquid.
Cypriots make Kleftiko utilizing a leg of lamb, which may be very tender. Usually, you’ll discover that the dish comes with potatoes which were cooked along with the meat and soaked up the scrumptious aromas and flavors from the reduce.
For those who’re staying in Nicosia, you should attempt the Kleftiko at Kyriacos. It’s one of the vital well-known locations in Cyprus to eat Kleftiko and is a well-liked place within the metropolis. It’s near Famagusta gate, their meats are melt-in-your-mouth, and the potatoes are undeniably scrumptious.
Kyriacos Info
Tackle: 6 Vernardaki St, Palouriotissa, Nicosia
Telephone: +357 22 432750
Working Hours: 7 pm – 12:30 am (Mon-Solar)
Common Price of Dish: €15
Web site: View their Fb web page right here
4. Sheftalia
Sheftali or sheftalia (singular) or Sheftalies (plural) are a must-try meals in Cyprus. Sheftali goes completely with souvlaki and is greatest served with a contemporary salad.
The sheftali is a straightforward however tasty sausage made with pork or lamb shoulder, or typically a little bit of each. What actually makes this dish particular and completely different from a standard sausage, is the herbs and spices used.
Normally, they function parsley, cinnamon, and mint which makes for a really fragrant and flavorful sausage.
The key to consuming sheftalies, is to sprinkle a bit of salt and a superb squeeze of lemon on them. This cuts by way of the oil and actually brings out the flavors.
Once more, you’ll discover sheftalies in most taverns and native eating places, however one of the best sheftalies I’ve ever eaten have been from Aristos & Kikis. I like to recommend that you just get a pitta, with souvlaki and sheftalia. They’re crispy however juicy they usually have simply the precise stability of herbs.
Aristos & Kikis Info
Tackle: Αριάδνης, Germasogeia, Cyprus
Telephone: +357 25 323769
Working Hours: 12 pm-12 am (Tues-Solar) closed Mondays
Common Price of Dish: €6
Web site: View their Fb web page right here
5. Moussaka
Moussaka is a casserole or lasagna-type dish that’s made from layered minced meat and eggplant. The dish turned very fashionable in Greece after the chef Nikolaos Tselementes topped moussaka with a layer of béchamel sauce, which is now thought of the Greek manner of creating it. It’s completely unbelievable.
In Cyprus, the minced meat is often floor pork which is cooked with salt, pepper, and cinnamon. Halloumi or anari (one other native Cypriot cheese) can be added to the béchamel too to present it a barely cheesier, saltier style.
Moussaka is without doubt one of the hottest meals in Cyprus, and also you’ll discover it all over the place, whether or not in vacationer eating places or native taverns. For those who’re staying in Paphos, Argo serves a implausible Moussaka. The serving is completely big so make sure you arrive with an urge for food.
Argo Info
Tackle: 21 Paphias Aphrodites, Paphos, Cyprus
Telephone: +357 26 933327
Working Hours: 6-10 pm
Common Price of Dish: €10
Web site: You possibly can view their Fb Web page right here
6. Koupepia
Koupepia are just like dolmades, stuffed vines, or cabbage leaves. Nevertheless, the Cypriots have modified the recipe barely.
Along with the rice, minced meat, and spices that you just discover in dolmades, tomato paste, lemon juice, and onions are sometimes added to make Koupepia. Koupepia are sometimes served chilly too, in contrast to dolmades that are often served heat.
For those who go for meze at a neighborhood tavern, you’ll be served Koupepia. They’re a very fashionable meals in Cyprus, which frequently function in a Sunday lunch with household in Cyprus.
If you wish to attempt Koupepia, and also you’re in Larnaca, head to To Sieradiko. It’s a implausible tavern that serves unbelievable Koupepia in addition to different meze dishes.
To Sieradiko Info
Tackle: Pavlou Valsamaki 14-16, Larnaca Cyprus
Telephone: +357 99 314723
Working Hours: 5 pm – 11:45 pm (Mon-Solar)
Common Price of Dish: €5
Web site: View their Fb web page right here
7. Pilafi Pourgouri
I really like this dish. It’s actually easy, but in addition fairly troublesome to get proper – (I communicate from expertise!). This dish is created from bulgar (wheat), tomato purée or sauce, and onion.
It’s often a aspect dish that goes nicely with souvlaki or sheftalies, and also you’ll discover it in lots of mezes. It’s a typical meals in Cyprus and one which locals make typically.
A much less widespread option to discover it cooked is as a breakfast cereal. Generally it’s boiled with milk to type a sort of oatmeal and eaten with honey or sugar.
You’ll discover the tomato model of this dish in most native tavernas. One which sticks in my thoughts for this specific dish in Cyprus is Militzis Tavern in Larnaca. You will get this on the aspect of some scrumptious grilled meat or select it as a starter with some yogurt dip.
Militzis Tavern Info
Tackle: Piale pasha 42, Larnaca 6029 Cyprus
Telephone: +357 24 655867
Working Hours: 12:30 – 11:30 pm (Mon-Fri)
Common Price of Dish: €6
Web site: View their Fb web page right here
8. Makaorionia Tou Fournou
Makaronia tou Fournou, or Cypriot Pastitsio, is considered one of my favourite conventional meals in Cyprus.
It’s created from macaroni pasta, minced meat, spices, and béchamel sauce. It’s an oven-baked dish that appears a bit of like moussaka when it’s carried out.
The Cypriot model differs from the Greek model because of the usage of halloumi cheese and mint which supplies it a contemporary and creamy style. It’s a massively standard meals in Cyprus and kinds a part of a typical meal throughout the week.
At eating places, it’s typically a part of a meat meze, which is a wonderful option to order this alongside quite a lot of different scrumptious and conventional dishes in Cyprus.
For those who’re exploring the unbelievable Cypriot village of Omodos then pop into Ambelothea Tavern to attempt Makaronia tou Fournou. It’s situated simply off the primary sq. and is an genuine taverna to do this typical meals in Cyprus.
Ambelothea Tavern Info
Tackle: E601 a1 Omodos 50225, Omodos, Cyprus
Telephone: +357 2542 1366
Working Hours: Every single day, 12 pm to 10.30 pm
Common Price of Dish: €10
9. Stifado
Stifado is an unbelievable beef stew cooked in a pink wine and tomato sauce. It’s a well-liked and well-known foremost meal in Cyprus and it’s straightforward to see why – it’s scrumptious.
The stew often consists of potatoes, chunks of beef, complete, small onions, greens, spices, pink wine, and cognac. The pink wine is commonly Maratheftiko, a neighborhood, standard pink wine. There’s typically a sweetness to the sauce from the usage of cinnamon and cloves.
Initially, it’s believed that Stifado was introduced over to Cyprus by the Venetians. The Cypriots then added tomatoes to excellent their tackle this hearty dish.
Stifado is historically served in a clay pot, straight from the oven. It’s served with rice or bulgar wheat and is a scrumptious staple meals of Cyprus.
It’s a fantastic possibility within the winter and shoulder months in Cyprus, when the temperatures are a bit of cooler; it’s positive to heat you up and hold you glad.
For those who’re in Paphos, do that dish at any of the native, Cypriot tavernas. Hondros, (claimed because the oldest conventional taverna in Paphos), presents this scrumptious specialty down by the harbor.
Hondros Info
Tackle: Apostolou Pavlou Ave, Paphos, Cyprus
Telephone: +357 2693 4256
Working Hours: Every single day, 12 pm to 9 pm
Common Price of Dish: €15
10. Tzatziki
Once I consider typical Cyprus meals, Tzatziki is high of the checklist. It’s standard all over the world and particularly so in Cyprus, the place it’s served with most meals.
Tzatziki is a must-try dish in Cyprus in case you haven’t tried it earlier than. It’s a deliciously mild yogurt dip mixed with cucumber, garlic, salt, oil, and often lemon juice.
In Cyprus, it’s served with pitta bread and makes a scrumptious starter or perhaps a bar snack in case you’re feeling puckish. For those who’re ordering a meze, there’ll virtually undoubtedly be Tzatziki as a part of the procession of conventional Cypriot meals dropped at your desk.
You’ll discover Tzatziki on each menu of each Greek and Cypriot restaurant in Cyprus. I liked it as half of a giant meze within the glorious Meze Taverna Restaurant in Outdated City Limassol.
Meze Taverna Restaurant Info
Tackle: Agiou Andreou 209, Limassol 3036, Cyprus.
Telephone: +357 2536 7333.
Working Hours: Monday to Saturday, 12 pm to midnight, closed on Sundays
Common Price of Dish: €2 – €4
Web site: www.mezetaverna.com
11. Tirokafteri
One other widespread meals in Cyprus, and one other dip. Tirokafteri is considered one of my favourite snacks in Cyprus and it’s scrumptious with some pitta bread and a chilly beer.
Tirokafteri is a cheese dip or unfold created from feta cheese, yogurt, garlic, chili pepper, and olive oil. It has a sure degree of spice to it which might be why I prefer it a lot.
Tirokafteri is often eaten by itself as a snack with pitta bread, or as a part of a meze meal. It’s greatest when unfold on heat pitta bread and has turn out to be considered one of my favourite meals in Cyprus.
For those who’re in Protaras, I’d suggest the classically named, Conventional Cypriot Taverna Protaras which serves Tirokafteri as a starter or as a part of a meze.
Conventional Cyprus Tavern Protaras Info
Tackle: Leoforos Ksenodoxeion 26, 5289, Protaras, Cyprus.
Working Hours: Every single day throughout summer season, 10 am till 11 pm
Common Price of Dish: €2 – €4
12. Tsoureki Bread
Tsoureki is a candy bread, like a brioche, that’s flavored with elements like mahlab, cardamom, and vanilla. It’s a scrumptious, mushy bread that’s historically eaten at Easter.
It’s additionally referred to as Lambrosomo or Lambrojouloura with Lambri that means Easter. It’s completely scrumptious and in case you’re visiting round Easter, you’ll have the ability to discover it simply in all of the bakeries.
I attempted Tsoureki bread at Pier One in Limassol. It’s served as a breakfast dish with feta and scrambled eggs. Whereas I wouldn’t have put it collectively myself, I’m so glad they did, because it’s unbelievable. I wholeheartedly suggest a go to in case you’re in Limassol and fancy a scrumptious brunch.
Pier One Info
Tackle: Limassol 3042, Cyprus
Telephone: +357 25 022375
Working Hours: 9am-11:30pm (Mon-Solar)
Common Price of Dish: €4 from a bakery, €16 for brunch
Web site: http://pierone.com.cy/
13. Spanakopita
Spanakopita, or spinach pie, is a scrumptious, baked delicacy in Cyprus. This pie has been impressed by Greek cusine and is created from layers of buttery filo pastry with a spinach and cheese filling.
The standard Greek recipe makes use of feta cheese whereas the Cypriot model, after all, makes use of halloumi along with feta.
Each are extensively accessible in Cyprus and are sometimes present in bakeries and low retailers. They arrive in both squares or rolls and are scrumptious with espresso as a mid-morning snack.
One in all my favourite issues to do in Limassol is to go to La Croissanterie for a frappé espresso and a slice of Spanakopita. There are many Croissanterie cafes in Cyprus, however my favorites are alongside the seaside highway in Limassol. Take a drink, and a slice of pie, and revel in some people-watching.
La Croissanterie Info
Tackle: Vasileos Georgiou, 95 Germasogeia, 4048, Cyprus, (and lots of others accessible throughout Cyprus).
Working Hours: 6 am – 11 pm every day
Common Price of Dish: €3
14. Baklava
Baklava is a massively standard meals in Cyprus, typically eaten on the finish of a meal accompanied by Cypriot tea or espresso.
It’s a very candy dish, created from layers of filo pastry and crushed nuts (often pistachios) which are then soaked in syrup or honey. It units to make a scrumptious, sticky chunk. Baklava is commonly served in small squares for simply the correct amount of sweetness.
Baklava is standard all through the Center East and dates again to Roman instances. Most nations add their very own aptitude to this tasty dish and in Cyprus, you’ll discover loads of baklavas have cinnamon and lemon juice added to present it its personal distinctive taste.
For those who’re in Limassol, you may attempt a variety of various and scrumptious flavors of baklava on the unbelievable Zorbas Bakery. This native chain has a fantastic number of all types of candy treats which is able to hold you coming again for extra.
Zorbas Bakery Info
Tackle: Georgiou Griva Digeni 109, Avenue 3101, Cyprus, (but in addition discovered throughout Limassol).
Telephone: +357 2536 0031
Working Hours: Open 24 hours a day, daily
Common Price of Dish: €1 – €6 (relying on whether or not you’re in a restaurant or a bakery).
Web site: www.zorbas.com.cy/en
15. Loukoumades
Loukoumades are small spherical doughnuts served with honey, syrup, cinnamon, nuts, or simply plain in Cyprus. It’s considered one of my favourite dessert meals in Cyprus. An indication of excellent loukoumades is once they have a tough exterior and a mushy, doughy inside.
They’re often served as a dessert in native tavernas, however there are additionally retailers and bakeries that promote them throughout Cyprus. My favourite is My Candy’s Loukoumades in Limassol.
They high them with all types of scrumptious toppings together with melted chocolate, ice cream, pâtisserie cream, cinnamon sugar… actually any deal with you could possibly think about. You must do that place when you’ve got a candy tooth.
My Candy’s Loukoumades Info
Tackle: Kitiou Kyprianou 51, Limassol 3041, Cyprus
Telephone: +357 25 762555
Working Hours: 2-11 pm (Mon-Solar)
Common Price of Dish: Between €3-€8 (relying on topping and amount).
Web site: View their Fb web page right here
Meals Excursions in Cyprus
Among the finest methods to attempt the unbelievable meals of Cyprus is by taking a tour. These unbelievable day journeys take you into the center of Cyprus to expertise actually conventional meals and wine that maybe you wouldn’t discover in any other case.
Troodos Village Meals and Vineyard Tour
Fairly presumably one of the best ways to attempt a few of the greatest standard meals in Cyprus, in addition to some native wine. An unbelievable 1-day mountain tour wherein you’ll go to conventional Cypriot villages.
You’ll attempt do-it-yourself halloumi, honey, village bread, and wines, and also you’ll take pleasure in a full meze lunch too.
Halloumi Making Tour
That is the last word conventional meals tour for these desirous to get again to fundamentals and actually perceive the artwork of creating what’s fairly presumably probably the most well-known dish in Cyprus.
The implausible native Cypriot hosts will information you into the Troodos Mountains and to a cheese-making workshop. You’ll make your individual cheese in addition to stopping at numerous different locations for olive oil, honey, conventional sweets, wine, and extra.
Inexperienced Line Meals Tour
For those who’re visiting Nicosia, then this unbelievable 3-hour meals tour alongside the Inexperienced Line is a singular and unforgettable expertise. Guided by the superb Eleni, you’ll study life on this divided capital metropolis and the distinctive mixture of cultures and meals it produces.
You’ll attempt Armenian avenue meals, go to one of many oldest bakeries in Nicosia and revel in lunch in a standard Taverna. A extremely rated and glorious tour.
Style of Cyprus Tour
If you wish to mix attempting some conventional native meals in Cyprus with an introduction to Cypriot artwork and wine, then this 1-day cultural tour from Paphos is a wonderful option to expertise native traditions.
You’ll go to a neighborhood smokehouse for home-smoked meats, a chocolate manufacturing unit in Platres, cease at a few of the greatest native villages in Cyprus, and go wine tasting at a neighborhood vineyard – the complete works and a very good cultural expertise!
Cyprus Meals FAQs
Listed below are some generally requested questions on Cyprus meals.
Halloumi, olives, and souvlaki are a few of the most conventional (and scrumptious) meals in Cyprus.
Cypriots, like many within the Mediterranean, are inclined to eat dinner later as soon as the solar has set. Count on eating places to open from round 7 pm and to get busy from 8 pm onwards.
Lunch is usually served and eaten between noon and a pair of.30 pm. It could both be a lighter snack, because of the warmth, or a full meal.
Breakfast is taken anytime between 7 am and 10 am in Cyprus.
As with many elements of Europe, tipping is appreciated, nevertheless it’s non-compulsory. Typically, a tip of 10% for a restaurant meal is the norm and is enormously appreciated by the employees.
Grilled kebabs equivalent to souvlaki are arguably the preferred meals in Cyprus, along with their well-known halloumi cheese, stifado beef stew, and scrumptious baklava desserts.
A conventional cooked Cypriot breakfast consists of eggs, halloumi cheese, lountza meat (pork), cucumber, and tomato. It’s possible you’ll discover figs and jams on raw variations of breakfast.
Cyprus has unbelievable meals. For me, Cyprus meals is a few of the greatest within the Mediterranean because of its distinctive geographical location which presents a mix of contemporary Med seafood and Center Jap influences.
In Conclusion
There’s some superb meals in Cyprus to be tried, examined, and devoured. Cyprus delicacies is numerous with a lot of superb flavors, and my favourite factor about it’s that you’ve tastes from all around the world.
There are such a lot of completely different dishes to attempt; my recommendation is to order just a few completely different mezes from some native tavernas. It’s a implausible option to attempt a lot of the completely different meals in Cyprus that function on this checklist in a single sitting. Completely different tavernas will embrace completely different dishes and takes on every plate, in order that they’re nice enjoyable to check out.
I hope this helps you determine what to eat in Cyprus and offers you a place to begin on the place to start with all of the scrumptious meals!