Relish Greek cuisine in Corfu

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Relish Greek cuisine in Corfu

Eating out in Greece is a way of life and a national pastime with true Greek cuisine being healthy, varied and delicious! There are several different types of restaurant to choose from. There are a good variety of classic restaurants that offer a wide selection of international and Greek cuisine; there are also several international restaurants such as Chinese, Indian, Mexican and some excellent Italian restaurants and pizzerias but if you want to sample the real Greek style of eating out you need to try the traditional 'tavernas' and grill rooms.

Greek tavernas are a class unto their own. Ranging from very basic little places by the sea or up in the mountains with a limited but usually very fresh home cooked menu to huge establishments with large menus, live music and on occasion dancing the general theme is the same. Good food, good company, and a general good time.

The traditional way to eat is to order
a selection of starters or 'mezes'
which is shared between the whole company
and then to have a main course each which includes
grilled meat or fish or one of the many local casserole specialities such as Sofrito, Moussaka, Kleftiko or Pastitsada. All accompanied of course by several carafes of local house wine or 'retsina'. Often, certainly at lunchtime, a selection of mezes is more than sufficient for a full meal.

Desserts are not a big part of the meal and most tavernas have a limited dessert menu generally serving fresh fruit, a local liquor or Greek coffee instead. If you are lucky you may get one of the traditional fresh pastries on offer such as Baklava or Gadaifi both very rich desserts dosed with plenty of honey or syrup.

Some tavernas specialise in fish where you can choose your fish from the fridge. Others specialise in Casserole dishes where again you choose your pot and then there are the traditional grillrooms, which generally serve only fresh grilled meat with a variety of side dishes and although they can be basic in design they often offer the best meat and the cheapest way to eat.

Whether you prefer meat, fish or vegetarian food the Greek menu caters amply to all. Most truly traditional fare is in fact vegetarian with a wide range of beans, wild greens, rice and fresh vegetables used. Although vegetarian main courses tend to be limited there are always more than enough starters to go round.

One of the most wonderful ways to wind down and relax is to sit in a seaside taverna next to the clear blue seas under a luminous sky and enjoy your Greek Meze.

Unlike most European menus, greeks do not have set threee course meals. They have anything from one course to twenty courses. You just go through the menu and have one dish (or two) of what you fancy.

Even the smallest bar/restaurant will generally have a menu in English. The menus are often pre printed with a huge choice of dishes seemingly available. However, unless there is a price indicated then the dish will not be available. Local fish, lobster and shellfish are generally sold by the kilo.

Below are some typical costs, for a single dish. A bottle of house wine costs around 8 euros and a glass of house wine costs around 3 euros.

Humous	2.50	euros
Taramasalata	2.50	euros
Aubergine Salad	2.50	euros
Tsasiki	2.50	euros
Fried Corgettes	3.50	euros
Fried Aubergine	3.50	euros
Broadbeans in tomato sauce	4.50	euros
Kalamares (squid)	5.00	euros
Sardines	5.00	euros
Village sausage	5.00	euros
Greek Salad	4.50	euros
Bourdetto (fish stew)	7.00	euros
Mousaka	6.00	euros
Sofrito (Veal stew)	10.00	euros
Pastisada (Beef and pasta)	8.00	euros
Briam ( vegetable casserole)	6.00	euros
Chicken Souvlaki	6.50	euros
Village Lamb	12.00	euros
Ice cream	3.00	euros
Baklava	3.00	euros

English is widely spoken in Corfu and Greek is not the easiest of languages to learn however it is always nice and appreciated if you know a few words of Greek. For the keen by far the best way to learn is to first learn the Greek alphabet (found in all phrase books) you will find great satisfaction in understanding the signposts and it will set you well on your way if you intend to learn in more detail.

For those who would like just a few words to help them by here are a few translations to help you.
(ch= pronounced as in Scottish loch)
(th= pronounced as in the)
(o= pronounced as in on)

Good day	καλημερα	kali mera
Good evening	καληδπερα	kali spera
Good health (hello/goodbye)	γεια δασ	yia sas
Please	παρακαλω	parakalo
Thank you	εμχαριδτω	evcharisto
Yes	ναι	ne
No	οχι	ohi
OK	ενταζει	entaxi
Good appetite	καλη ορεζη	kali orexi
The bill	ο λογαριαδμοζ	to logariasmos
Bread	το ψωμι	to psomi
Butter	το βουτυροζ	o voutiros
Salt	το αλατι	to alati
Pepper	το πιπερι	to piperi
Oil	το λαδι	to lathi
Vinegar	το ξυδι	to xithi
Water	το νερο	to nero
Wine	το κραδι	to grasi
Beer	η μπυρα	e beera
Vegetarian	ο Χορτοφαγοζ	o chortofagos
Nuts	το φυδτικι	to fistiki
Flour	το αλευρι	to alevri
Fried	τηγανητοζ	tiganitos
Grilled	τηζ δχαραζ	tis skaras
Meat	το κρεαζ	to kreas
Fish	το ψαρι	to psari

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