Crete Foodie Paradise: Top 5 Must-Try Eats & Drinks

Crete, that gorgeous Greek island, it’s almost like a treasure chest packed with history and stunning views. Very much, Crete has an exciting food culture waiting to be discovered. Is that true? So, if you’re mapping out a visit, get set to indulge in some outstanding eats and drinks. Very often, this goes way, way past your typical Greek salad and moussaka.Discover traditional dishes. Get ready to meet five of Crete’s shining stars; very, very tasty eats and drinks that’ll surely make your vacation truly special.

1. Dakos: Crete’s Crunchy Bruschetta

First up is Dakos, Crete’s version of bruschetta, basically; however, this is just a bit different. Might be, it starts with a barley rusk, what locals call “paximadi.” Very often, this isn’t your average soft bread. Could be, these rusks are seriously hard and crusty. Actually, they need some wetting down before they’re ready to eat. Like your base, it’s typically moistened with a little water or olive oil so it softens enough to handle.

The fun begins with toppings. More or less, this is typically a heaping pile of ripe, chopped tomatoes. It is then followed by creamy myzithra cheese; in a way, it’s like a milder, fresher cousin to feta. What do you have then? Next it has a sprinkle of oregano. Naturally, you then get a generous drizzle of Crete’s finest extra virgin olive oil. At the end of the day, Dakos turns into a fresh, flavorful dish which can’t be beat when soaking up that hot Crete sun. I mean, imagine tucking into this whilst sitting at a taverna that is right on the shore! Might be, paradise found. Read more about Crete’s olive oil.

2. Gamopilafo: A Wedding Feast Fit for Anyone

Got a hankering for something really comforting? Just a little, it would be Gamopilafo, it may well be your thing. Obviously, the name might be long. What exactly is it? So, it’s basically wedding rice; in fact, traditionally dished up at Crete weddings. As a matter of fact, forget dry wedding food! This creamy rice dish can be utterly heavenly. Is that true? You see, Gamopilafo gets its richness from boiling down chicken or goat in broth, then they use that broth to cook the rice. Might be, the meat’s flavor soaks right into every grain, meaning it is oh-so yummy.

The secret ingredient is stakovoutiro, so; at least that’s clarified butter’s traditional Cretan cousin. Very much, it lends a luxurious texture to the rice. Are you able to try and make some? Seriously, you may find each cook might add their own special twist, might be like a squeeze of lemon or a dash of local herbs, meaning it can be different where ever you may go. In other words, find it on the menu; usually it offers you a hearty taste of true Cretan culture; so go for it! As a matter of fact, every bite is a piece of celebration. By the way, how wonderful is that?Experience the culture through food.

3. Apaki: Smoked Pork Perfection

Are you one for flavorful, cured meats? Actually, Crete’s Apaki is the answer. Naturally, these pork strips are first marinated. Anyway, it then comes after a curing smoking process, meaning you have flavor unlike no other! Right so, picture thinly sliced pork. Typically, they marinate it in fragrant herbs and smoke it over wood from local trees. Definitely, this gives the meat a uniquely smoky and sweetly herby aroma that’s completely tempting. Anyway, locals like eating Apaki as a “meze” (that is, appetizer). Seriously, it is accompanied by cheese, olives and maybe a sip of raki; anyway that would be Crete’s local brandy.

Have you been able to spot it on restaurant menus? Just, order it; really you may even be treated to Apaki fried in some olive oil or basically part of a salad which offers another awesome twist on the flavors. You could also, you understand that Apaki is often handed down by generation. Clearly, that guarantees both genuineness and constant excellence with each slice you taste. Definitely, find that family-owned taverna, in effect you might even encounter some Apaki that is of very special quality; honestly this adds to an actual real foodie vacation on the island. Like your base, you might find this with paximadi rusks like your Dakos too!Pair Apaki with Raki.

4. Raki/Tsikoudia: Crete’s Fiery Spirit

Got set to meet Raki or Tsikoudia; really this stuff, in fact, isn’t only one thing to drink but a real part of Crete’s social scene! As a matter of fact, you would come across these names given that Raki’s a blanket term and Tsikoudia can just sometimes refer to the Cretan variation. Naturally, what happens next? Okay then so Raki’s the local pomace brandy produced from grapes; really, this thing means serious business! As a matter of fact, do not think of any soft sickly liquor. Alright so, Raki possesses real potency so just take sips instead, this you must know before starting.

Naturally, you might find natives hand over a glass after dinner; honestly it will demonstrate neighborliness plus it is thought to aid digest. Basically, in some other villages. Really you can drink during any occasion during that particular occasion of the day. First, order it with a meze platter to start off chats including sharing dishes. You would be wise to note: drink moderately and you must honor traditions, anyway these aspects can enrich these interactions with some Crete dwellers making to very special experiences. Really it shows what Greek hospitality truly is. Do you understand?Learn about Raki traditions.

5. Sfakian Pie: A Sweet and Savory Treat

Now, this one’s for individuals owning some hankering to find some that’s simultaneously honeyed and cheesy all within; arguably its named Sfakian Pie (Sfakiani pita); first originating the place of Sfakia located in southern Crete; first impressions indicate the dessert may catch a person’s eyes very well, it looks unusual!Delve into sweet Cretan pies. Basically it involves cheese filling surrounded a pastry this can often have form a skinny, fried pancake that’s offered having walnuts combined having local thyme-honey sprinkled atop it

Right so, picture this- its crusty dough in contrast alongside that creamy soft filling! Then adding to this there’s honey topping off combined that nuts including it offers genuine explosion those things both tastes combined textures. At the end of the day you would find this eaten any time throughout one complete day from like beginning it including at evenings and the tastes could simply completely bring delight toward almost whoever! Should find that possibility trying it at local taverns that you come to? Great get some Sfakian Cake mainly it represents ideal local experience; arguably they simply summarize conventional cooking. This offers truly memorable tasty that leaves anybody craving anymore since nothing even closely approximates! In any event so go test anything out for sure if vacationing in there- do have any remorse upon tasting that incredible pie.