15 Must-Try Food and Drinks in Cyprus

Calling all foodies! Get ready to shower your taste buds in endless flavors! Part of traveling is experiencing the food, drinks, and flavors native to the country and Cyprus does not disappoint. I’m not a dedicated foodie, but participating in the endless Meze numerous times throughout my trip was one of my most favorite experiences in Cyprus! With a blend of Greek and Turkish culture, here is my list of the top 15 must-try food and drinks in Cyprus:

1. Halloumi

Cheese made from goat’s or sheep’s milk. Usually served raw or grilled, halloumi has a nice soft texture. It is commonly served during Meze.

2. Souvlaki

Barbequed chicken, lamb, or beed often served as a kebab or with pita bread, salad, potatoes, and tzatziki sauce.

3. Tzatziki

The classic Cypriot spread made of white Greek yogurt, cucumbers, mint, garlic, and olive oil. I wasn’t a fan of tzatziki until I had a homemade tzatziki sauce white in Cyprus.

4. Kleftiko

Roasted lamb meat, cooked in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and onion. It is often sold on the streets in souvlakia.

5. Moussaka

Eggplant filled with either beef or lamb, and vegetables. It’s the Cypriot equivalent to Italian’s and their lasagna.

6. Koupepia

Served during Meze or as an appetizer, this yummy dish consists of minced meat, onion, rice, and spices all rolled up in grape leaves.

7. Ouzo

Only produced in either Cyprus or Greece, Ouzo is an anise-flavored drink made from grapes.

8. Baklava

Traditionally made of phyllo-dough, honey, and crushed pistachios. Cyprus likes to add its own twist to this delectable dish with cinnamon and lemon.

9. Cyprus Village Salad

My all time favorite salad! Basically served with every Meze, this salad is made of tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, onion, and feta cheese. After each restaurant drizzles it in its special sauce usually consisting of some blend of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and some spices.

10. Fasolada

This dish is often considered the national dish of Cyprus. Often served in the winter, this soup is made of carrots, potatoes, celery, olive oil, beans, and tomato sauce.

11. Hummus

A creamy mix of chickpeas, crushed sesame seeds, and olive oil.

12. Galaktompoureko

Baklava without the crushed nuts!

13. Fried Feta Cheese

An appetizer of a large slice of feta cheese fried and composed of phyllo-dough and honey. It is absolutely more delicious than it sounds!

14. Tirokafteri

A spread made from feta cheese, yogurt, garlic, chili pepper, and olive oil. Unlike tzatziki, this one has a little kick to it.

15. KEO Beer

The national beer of Cyprus. Cyprus has been brewing the national beer since 1951.

The culinary journey through Cyprus, featuring the 15 must-try food and drinks, offers a tantalizing exploration of this Mediterranean paradise’s rich gastronomic heritage. These flavors are sure to leave an indelible mark on your Cyprus experience. Planning a visit to Cyprus? Visit my complete travel guide!