17 things to eat and drink in Greece other than baklava or feta

The country is best known for Greek salads — fresh cucumber, onion, tomato, and feta — but my personal favorite that I’d never even heard of until I visited the country is the Cretan salad. It's also called Dakos or ntakos. It’s made of traditional Cretan barley bread rusk (like a giant crouton), topped with tomatoes, olives, and (usually myzithra) cheese, and finished with olive oil.

This local licorice-flavored liquor is a dry aperitif similar to raki and arak. Made from grape must, the leftover result of wine production, it’s popular around the country. Ouzo can also be spiced with additional flavors and is usually served plain in shots.

Even if an eight-legged or, ahem, tentacled creature isn’t your normal idea of an amazing meal, you’ll want to try the delicious grilled variety in Greece. Caught fresh right in the Mediterranean, there’s no better place to try it. Seasoned most often with lemon and Ouzo, you’ll also find it tossed in salad and stews around the country.

The Mediterranean version of stuffed peppers makes fantastic but not too filling meals year-round. The traditional recipe (or aubergines, as they’re called in Europe) is stuffed with vegetables and cheese, but other versions include lamb (a local favorite) and bread crumbs, all spiced to taste.

Greeks call fried squid “Kalamarakia Tiganita” and frequently argue with the Italians over the true birthplace of this world-famous appetizer. No matter what side you’re on, it’s a must-try in Greece!

OK, this and Cretan salad make up my favorite Greek meal. In Greek, they’re known as Kolokithokeftedes; in English, they are Zucchini meatballs and courgette balls. They’re essentially zucchini, onion, feta, and egg fried and spiced into little zucchini balls. Perfect for a quick lunch or snack.

This amazing pastry is to Greece what croissants are to France. In English, it’s called Greek Spinach pie and is precisely that. Spinach and cheese in a layered flaky pastry make this a breakfast favorite.

The perfect dessert on any hot summer's day, Greece is home to some amazing gelato — especially in the Peloponnese town of Nafplio, a former Venetian outpost. If the frozen dessert is any indication, that connection maintains strength. Any gelato shop you go to in this town has an amazing product, but you’ll find high quality throughout the country, from classics like pistachio and strawberry to Mediterranean favorites like Stracciatella and baklava.

Known as Keftedes in Greek, these meatballs are usually a mix of beef, pork, and spices. The sauce they’re served with varies, but lemon is a widespread favorite. You’ll see them served as appetizers, pita sandwiches, or dinner bowls.

Another amazing Greek pastry, Tiropita is Greek Cheese Pie (the slightly less healthy version of Spanakopita). Made of buttery phyllo pastry and a cheese and egg filling, you’ll crave this snack at all hours of the day!

If you need something to be sipped instead of quickly consumed before melting (like gelato), you’ll love fredo espresso! These double (espresso) shots on ice are shaken until foamed and can be sipped black or sweetened with sugar. Add foamed milk for a freddo cappuccino!

Neighbors Italy and France usually get all of the attention in this department, but Greeks produce an amazing array of reds, whites, rose, and even orange wines. From Santorini Assyrtiko white wine to Cretan red and Thracian orange wine, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Greeks love their dips like tzatziki and hummus, but a huge favorite is this paste made from roe (eggs) of fish, usually cod or carp, lemon choice, olive oil, and starch. The pink spread is then served with pita, crackers, and veggies.

Kalamata olives are the most famous, but Greece is also home to Halkidiki green olives, Konservolia black (second favorite to Kalamata), and Thasitiki black wrinkled olives, among others. You’ll frequently see olives served as appetizers and snacks at restaurants.

These snacks of rice in grapevine leaf are popular all over the Mediterranean region. Other versions include meat and warmed spices cooked in lemon juice.

This lasagna-like casserole can be potato or eggplant based, depending on where you are. In Greece, it’s most commonly made from eggplants and layered phyllo dough, lamb (can also be beef), and topped with a creamy sauce.

These Greek shortbread cookies covered in powdered sugar are sold in bakeries throughout the country. And you’ll be craving your next trip to one after a few bites! If you become a kourabiethes enthusiast, visit Greece in December when the Christmas markets are running. You'll see them almost everywhere during the holiday season.