Corfu Foodie’s Paradise: Top 5 Eats & Drinks

Corfu, that emerald jewel of the Ionian Sea, isn’t just about postcard beaches and historical sites, that is. You know, the island, too, offers a seriously rich culinary tradition passed down through generations, actually. What you will find, it’s a fusion of Greek flavors with Venetian, British, and French touches because Corfu, you see, has been at a historical crossroads, kind of, hasn’t it? I want to give you, kind of, an intro into my favorite food finds, so get ready to have your taste buds delighted, right?

1. Sofrito: A Slow-Cooked Symphony

You know, if there’s one dish that speaks of Corfu, this very traditional meal has gotta be Sofrito, very. It’s a simple, slow-cooked dish, basically featuring tender beef, alright cooked in white wine, garlic, and a whole lotta parsley, more or less. A bit of vinegar is commonly added. It, very often, like is almost melts in your mouth, really and the sauce? Let me tell you about it! It’s divine for dipping that bread. The secret? Time! Time spent on this is going to deliver to you that depth of amazing flavor. Is that you want this amazing flavor, typically, accompanied by polenta or pasta, like your Yiayia (Grandma) probably does! I was sitting one day at a taverna, seriously by the sea and could very literally feel the flavors just hug me in that slow cooked moment, so tasty.

2. Pastitsada: The Island’s Pasta Pride

Next on the menu is Pastitsada, seemingly a dish so beloved that practically every Corfiot family, very, has its own twist on it, that is. That it looks like this: beef, usually rooster or veal, and occasionally cooked in a rich tomato sauce spiced with cinnamon, bay leaves, and cloves, naturally. It has to be mentioned, too, is that Pastitsada’s richness of flavor and unique aroma makes it an important comfort meal served over thick bucatini pasta. The most interesting story I heard when waiting for my order one time I heard the the kitchen staff that time was a chef and the family would go to lengths trading secrets with all family cooks who made it and what those slight deviations meant from this part of town and this other! Pastitsada tells a tasty story, seriously.

3. Bourdeto: A Fisherman’s Stew with a Kick

Alright, it’s time to introduce you to something that’s a bit more feisty, anyway, that’s Bourdeto, or if you please, “spicy fish stew”, usually, I think, anyway. Like your experience Bourdeto, traditionally you would cook rockfish or other strong, and so hearty seafood, arguably, in a fiery red sauce made with fresh tomatoes and onions. Do not mistake this stew’s hot sauce, because that little punch will sneak up on you after eating it for 30 minutes! The taste comes from its liberal dose of hot red pepper, so it has that deep ocean smell. It also can evoke a cozy feeling near an open fire at a harbor taverna near the water. This particular meal represents the true maritime history of Corfu and the bold flavors of its waters. One afternoon, pretty much after swimming at the beach the very local and extremely skilled captain on his fishing boat prepared this stew for me, well this Bourdeto, very spicy! Oh yes, yes!

4. Kumquat Liqueur: Sip the Sunshine

Okay, I’m now covering something so sweet it’s also almost unreal; the famous Kumquat liqueur of Corfu, that is! Corfu, by the way, is one of the few places in Europe where kumquats actually grow and produce this sweet alcoholic dream! Now imagine that these fruits are grown up, in fact then they’re preserved and turn into that liqueur with a vibrant taste that explodes the citrus taste, pretty much so. So think, this liqueur captures what Corfiot land really represents and the sunshine with that golden amber color is more like what you should taste to round out dinner, seriously. After eating one dinner one evening near the center of the town, too it’s also almost that the business partners are all kumquat fruit family farm owners, now!

5. Ginger Beer: A British Brew with a Corfiot Twist

I have a ginger-ific delight for you: I found a local and traditional alcoholic delight; a uniquely Corfiot ginger beer! Is that one legacy I never heard much about the British who impacted this Corfu area! What happened here? This very uniquely spiced and so sharp non-alcoholic delight brings about, first that ginger sensation and finishes with all of the Corfiot waters! You know the ginger beer here represents the historical mix with local methods to be made in the mountains is rather unique to the taste of Corfu. I spent about three years, honestly drinking and going to that mountain distillery to get it!