What is Greek cuisine?

The food of Greece is world-renowned and the country has a rich culinary history dating back thousands of years.

At Gallery 7/40, we embrace that tradition by serving hearty and delicious tzatziki, taramosalata, spanakopita, Greek lamb and other favorites.

In the article to follow, we’ll unpack Greek food in full, examining the traditions and staples that have put this island nation on the culinary map.

What defines Greek cuisine?

Greek cuisine is defined by the centuries-old tradition of handling food with care, and letting individual ingredients speak for themselves.

It forms part of a Mediterranean diet, so there is an emphasis on oils and healthy fats as opposed to artificial sweeteners, sugars and processed foods. 

A Mediterranean diet is considered heart-healthy and nourishing. 

Another feature of Greek food is that it’s typically enjoyed in a social setting, and at Gallery 7/40, we encourage our guests to enjoy their food in the company of loved ones. 

On Saturdays, we typically break plates, an old Greek tradition that is seen as a good luck charm.

Get in touch with us today to book your spot. 

Staples of Greek cooking

• Olive Oil: Olive oil is a fundamental ingredient in Greek cooking and is used generously in dressings and dips.
• Olives: Greece is synonymous with the olive tree. Look no further than the Kalamata olive, named after a region of Greece famous for this rich, dark purple fruit. 
• Herbs and Spices: Common herbs and spices in Greek cuisine include oregano, thyme, dill, mint, garlic, onion, and cinnamon, which add layers of flavor to dishes.
• Seafood: Seafood is a staple of Greek cuisine, and this is a tradition we embrace at Gallery 7/40. We serve a mix of raw, grilled and salt baked seafood.
• Cheese: Greek cheeses such as feta (a brined curd cheese made from sheep’s milk), kasseri, graviera, and mizithra are widely used in salads, pies, and as table cheeses.
• Vegetables: Vegetables like tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, peppers, and artichokes are widely used in dishes like moussaka (a layered casserole with eggplant or potatoes), stuffed vegetables (gemista), and salads.
• Grains and Bread: Bread, particularly rustic country breads and pita bread, are commonly served alongside meals. 
• Meats: While seafood and vegetables are prominent, Greek cuisine also relies heavily on lamb and to a lesser extent pork and chicken. These are prepared on the grill (souvlaki) or in stews (like stifado).
• Desserts: Greek desserts often feature honey, nuts (especially almonds and walnuts), and filo pastry. Baklava is world-famous, and is made from layers of filo with nuts and honey.

What are 3 common foods found in Greek cuisine?

World-famous dishes include:

• The Greek salad: This classic dish is prepared using Feta cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, capsicum, capers and oregano – before being finished with a liberal dressing of olive oil. Like much of Greek cooking, there are no frills or artificial flavors on the plate. We do a hugely delicious Greek Salad which is popular with guests.
• Spanakopita: This is a traditional Greek pie filled with spinach and feta. Our Spanakopita also features mozzarella and blue cheese. It’s hearty and utterly delicious.
• Souvlaki: Souvlaki is an old Greek favorite featuring charcoal grilled skewers of meat. We serve either lamb, beef or chicken. Souvlaki is similar to a traditional kebab. 

An honorary mention should go to a simple starter: a plate of mixed olives. This delicious, nutritious snack features green olives, feta-stuffed olives and the aforementioned Kalamata olive. It’s a surprisingly filling dish that gives you the taste of Greece in every mouthful. You can view it on our complete menu here. 

What is the national dish of Greece?

There’s perhaps no Greek dish more famous than the Moussaka. Unlike its distant relative, the lasagne, Moussaka is made with layers of vegetables rather than layers of pasta. 

Our Moussaka is oven baked in a clay pot, and features layers of potatoes, tomatoes, roasted peppers, eggplant and zucchini. A meaty beef filling adds an extra depth of flavor, and there’s both a tomato and bechamel sauce used during the cooking process. 

Is Greek food healthy?

A Mediterranean or paleo diet has long been known to have many health benefits. As Healthline points out: “The Mediterranean diet is considered healthy because it emphasizes whole, nutrient-dense foods and limits processed and refined foods, which are often high in unhealthy fats, added sugars, and salt. 

“This way of eating is also rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats, which are associated with a range of health benefits, including lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers, and cognitive decline.”

Greek food, which we serve daily at Gallery 7/40, is a major component of the Mediterranean diet, so when you book with us, you can be rest assured of quality meats, seafood and vegetables in a social, scenic setting.