Ionian Islands: Top 5 Food & Drink You Must Try

The Ionian Islands, that string of emeralds sprinkled off the west coast of Greece, offer some breathtaking scenery. They also bring with them a trove of distinctive eats and sips very worth, like, exploring. You see, it’s that blend of traditional Greek cooking styles with some Venetian and other European touches that just sets the Ionian cuisine apart. As a matter of fact, get set for plates piled high with fresh seafood, that melt-in-your-mouth lamb dishes, and, I mean, those locally-sourced ingredients bursting with flavor. Come taste the delicious, like, tastes of Ionian Islands food, that will be worth the journey.

1. Sofrito: Corfu’s Hearty Meat Dish

If you, like, ever find yourself on Corfu, that first thing you should absolutely hunt down is Sofrito. I mean, this isn’t just food; that is actually, like, a real experience. You know, tender slices of veal simmering away in a garlic-infused white wine sauce, which is, like, classically peppery? Pretty much served over rice or pasta, but that is where, very, those simple sides, kind of let that rich sauce shine. Anyway, that Venetian influence is very visible here; so too it’s almost similar to some northern Italian recipes, so too it’s actually making Sofrito pretty unique to the Ionian culinary scene. Corfu’s iconic dish is always amazing to me because, very, I actually sampled one while viewing some beach fronts.

2. Pastitsada: A Spicy Noodle Wonder

Talking, I mean, speaking of some serious flavor punches, that’s where Pastitsada appears to play its ace card. So, picture, like, a hearty beef or rooster stew that has actually been slow-cooked in a very rich tomato sauce which is laced with spices such as cinnamon, bay leaf, and allspice. The whole point is that dish typically lands served over thick pasta – think bucatini – because, by the way, its a brilliant mix of comfort and zest. This is because, actually, Pastitsada totally has its roots planted firmly in Venetian times when those spice routes and tastes were, literally, shifting flavors and cultures across the Mediterranean. So too it’s almost one great comfort food. Taste rich flavors from this, actually, traditional recipe.

3. Mandolato: Sweet Indulgence

Now, on to, kind of, treat that sweet tooth with, literally, something truly special from Zakynthos: Mandolato. Actually, that confection’s, I mean, essentially is a variation of nougat and is crafted using honey, almonds, sugar, and whipped egg whites, which are, arguably, pretty important things to take note of. So too it’s almost typically enjoyed at weddings or celebrations; that sweet, like, thing works well, very, anytime one might require an boost. Basically, if you are lucky, like your local shop will actually wrap those Mandolato in, kind of, colorful papers which would make them very amazing for souvenirs, that make it easy for any gift. Anyway, don’t miss out and, like, get something you crave. Eat this great nougat and make a gift now from Mandolato sweets from Zakynthos.

4. Kumquat Liqueur: Corfu’s Golden Sip

Did you ever stop by Corfu, it’s hard really to not notice, just, these little bright kumquat trees pretty much popping up all around? So, that is not really by chance; so too it’s pretty unique little citrus fruit is, very, so much an integral piece to the, kind of, local flair there. In that case, they’re made and turn them into a tasty liqueur with a very zesty flavor. At the end of the day, I mean that liqueur ends served as, like, a digestif after dinner, so or mixed into some cocktails but anyway that little sip would catch that sunny vibes on that Ionian. Drink and actually you can learn new ways about mixing in some cocktails or in the dishes!

5. Robola Wine: Kefalonia’s Dry White Delight

When on, basically, Kefalonia, that wine that might actually land straight on every bucket list ought really to be Robola. As a matter of fact, grown just around the rocky slopes throughout that island, like this wine is known actually with, like, crisp minerality with very, subtle hints, like, of citrus, and also a smokey background. In some respects, that makes it almost perfect accompanying plates including seafood and local, such as green salads. This, arguably, highlights also, what is unique within the vineyards so and, literally, also reflects its island roots. You know, it could possibly seem a bit strange, because I have noticed you would usually drink it during some afternoon. Sample local flavors as you go with plates from, literally, seafood.