Food in Cyprus

Let's embark on a culinary journey through the flavors and aromas of Cyprus to explore more about its unique cuisine. Today, we will delve into the richness and diversity of Cypriot food, reflecting the island's vibrant cultural heritage.

The culinary delights of Greek-Cypriot food closely mirror Greek cuisine; nonetheless, Cypriots proudly assert the superiority of their culinary traditions, emphasizing distinctions in both quality and, at times, ingredient variations.

Among the culinary treasures of Cyprus, you'll find traditional delights such as souvlakia (grilled meat kebabs), shaftalia (grilled sausage), afella (coriander-marinated pork), crispy halloumi cheese, olives, pitta bread, kolokasi (root vegetables), succulent lamb, artichokes, chickpeas, and hearty rabbit stews, known as stifado.

Discover the rich variety of Cypriot cheeses, each with its unique flavor profile:

1. Halloumi: A Cypriot cheese crafted from a blend of goat's, sheep's, and sometimes cow's milk, known for its firm, salty taste and high melting temperature, perfect for grilling or pan-frying.
2. Anari: A fresh, mild whey cheese from Cyprus, often likened to ricotta but typically drier.
3. Feta: A brined curd white cheese from Greece, made from sheep's milk or a mix of sheep and goat's milk, characterized by its crumbly texture and slightly grainy consistency.
4. Graviera: A Greek cheese with a hard texture, featuring a slightly sweet and nutty taste, often used in the traditional Greek dish, Saganaki.
5. Kasseri: A medium-hard, pale yellow cheese made primarily from unpasteurized sheep's milk, occasionally mixed with up to 20% goat's milk.
6. Myzithra: A fresh cheese crafted from milk and whey from sheep and/or goats, where the milk-to-whey ratio influences the cheese's flavor.
7. Saganaki: While not a cheese itself, Saganaki represents a traditional Greek frying method often applied to various cheeses.
8. Manouri DOP: A Greek semi-soft, fresh white whey cheese produced from goat or sheep milk as a by-product following feta production.
9. Kefalotyri: A hard, salty yellow cheese made from sheep and/or goat's milk in Greece and Cyprus.
10. Kefalograviera: A hard table cheese typically produced from sheep's milk, or a blend of sheep's and up to 20% goat's milk.

Moreover, Cyprus, being a Mediterranean island, boasts an abundance of Fish and Seafood restaurants, especially in seaside towns. Indulge in the freshest catches of sea bass, sea bream, or octopus, often simply grilled over charcoal. For those with hearty appetites, the Seafood meze offers a delightful array of prawns, crab, lobster, mussels, oysters, octopus, and squid. In many Cyprus fish restaurants, you can even select your fish by weight and witness it expertly grilled to perfection. Enjoy the best of both delicious and healthy seafood offerings throughout the year!

Explore the vibrant vegan offerings within traditional Cypriot cuisine with these must-try dishes:

1. Gemista: Indulge in 'Gemista,' where stuffed vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, or zucchinis are filled with a vegan blend of rice, herbs, tomato sauce, and assorted diced vegetables.
2. Fasolada: Savor the flavors of 'Fasolada,' a classic dish featuring boiled white beans accompanied by carrots, potatoes, and celery. It can be served with olive oil and lemon juice or cooked in a luscious tomato sauce.
3. Louvi: Try 'Louvi,' a straightforward dish of boiled black-eyed peas, strained and served with a drizzle of olive oil and a splash of lemon juice. Don't miss out, especially from May to July when the peas are fresh and in season.
4. Koupa: Dive into 'Koupa,' a traditional street food found in various Mediterranean cuisines, including Cypriot. In Cyprus, the vegan rendition features crunchy bulgur filo pastry stuffed with a delightful mix of mushrooms, onions, and parsley.
5. Anthi: Delight in 'Anthi,' meaning "flowers," with a filling akin to 'Gemista.' However, instead of veggies, this savory filling is artfully stuffed into large zucchini flowers.

Here are some examples of dishes you might find in Cyprus that could be suitable for those adhering to halal principles:

1. Shawarma: Meat, typically lamb or chicken, roasted on a vertical spit and often served in flatbread or pita with sauces and vegetables.
2. Souvlaki: Small pieces of grilled meat, often lamb or chicken, skewered and served as a snack or main dish.
3. Moussaka: A traditional dish with layers of sliced eggplant, potatoes, meat (usually lamb), and béchamel sauce.
4. Hummus: A paste made from mashed chickpeas, sesame seeds, olive oil, and garlic, often served with bread or vegetables.
5. Fish Dishes: Various fish dishes, such as grilled or baked fish, can be halal-friendly.

Here's a list of dishes that you might find in Cyprus, with a focus on vegetarian and seafood options that could potentially be suitable for kosher preferences:

1. Moussaka: Layers of eggplant, potatoes, minced meat (often lamb), and béchamel sauce.
2. Halloumi: A Cypriot cheese made from a mixture of goat's and sheep's milk, often grilled or fried.
3. Tzatziki: A dip made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and mint.
4. Dolma: Grape leaves stuffed with rice, pine nuts, and herbs.
5. Falafel: Deep-fried patties made from ground chickpeas or fava beans.
6. Hummus: A dip made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.
7. Souvlaki: Grilled skewers of meat, often served with pita bread and vegetables.
8. Octopus Salad: Octopus prepared with olive oil, lemon, and herbs.
9. Koupepia: Grape leaves stuffed with a mixture of rice, pine nuts, and herbs.
10. Grilled Fish: Fresh fish grilled with olive oil, lemon, and herbs.

Here are some popular street foods you might encounter in Cyprus:

1. Souvlaki: Grilled meat skewers, usually made with pork or chicken, served in a pita or on their own. They are often accompanied by vegetables, tzatziki sauce, and sometimes French fries.
2. Halloumi Sandwich: Grilled or fried halloumi cheese served in a sandwich or wrap with fresh vegetables and sauces.
3. Gyro: Similar to souvlaki, gyro consists of seasoned meat (often lamb or beef) cooked on a vertical rotisserie. It's sliced and usually served in a flatbread with tomatoes, onions, and sauces.
4. Cyprus Pita Wrap: A wrap filled with various ingredients, such as grilled meats, halloumi, salad, and sauces.
5. Koupes: Deep-fried snacks made from cracked wheat filled with minced meat, onions, and various spices.

Cyprus stands out as a true culinary haven where delectable products meet affordability. The island boasts a wealth of tasty offerings at reasonable prices, making it an ideal destination for food enthusiasts. For a family of two, an average monthly budget of 300-350€ ensures access to a diverse range of flavorful ingredients.

Local markets emerge as prime spots for procuring the freshest produce, with prices that are notably appealing. Consider these attractive market rates: a 1.5-liter bottle of drinking water at 0.7€, fruits and vegetables ranging from 0.35 to 0.8€ per kilogram, a loaf of bread at 1.2€, a bottle of wine priced at 5€, and a pack of ten eggs at 2€. These favorable costs contribute to the overall charm of Cyprus as a gastronomic paradise, offering both quality and affordability for those exploring its culinary delights.