Traditional food and drinks

Cyprus Meze

A Cyprus Meze is certainly one of the most famous Cypriot delicacies. Or to put it another way: Mezedes are a great number of different Cypriot delicacies. Eating a Meze is one of the 'musts' on any visit to Cyprus, and is a great guide to understanding the Cypriot mentality. Take your time and share a Meze with friends; don't be surprised at how long it takes and how much food is offered, 'siga, siga!' 'Slowly, slowly!' as they say in Cyprus. Mezedes can include up to 20-30 dishes! Its a great way to enjoy a friend's company, have a few drinks and last but not least enjoy the many different tastes of Cyprus that a 'Meze' includes.

Mousakas

The famous "Mousakas" for sure will be find on every menu. It is a typical summer meal and can be eaten warm or cold. Mousakas is prepared with potatoes or/and courgettes and aubergines, and covered with a tasteful cream. Some vegetarians might be lucky; there are some restaurants that also serve "Mousakas vegetarian" though it is not made with the traditional sauce of minced meat.

Kleftiko

Nowadays "Kleftiko" is a typical dish for every single celebration. It is a piece of lamb or goat wrapped in foil and baked in special ovens, that in any case must be closed airtight, until the Kleftiko will be baked.
The origin of this dish, as history tells us, goes back to the Cypriot freedom fighters of the 19th. century that lived in the mountain. They had to prepare their stolen meat, the Kleftiko, neither that some could smell it, nor that it could be seen. Though they baked it closed in special earthenware pottery, that they had buried under the ground...

Yemista (Gemista)

Yemista are stuffed vegetables all kinds, favourites in every Cypriot family. Especially in summertime you will appreciate the interesting taste of this Mediterranean speciality. You can order the great number of stuffed vegetables as starters or as main dishes. They can be hot or cold. Served.
The famous stuffed wine-leaves are called "Koupepia". Not only children do fight for the last one! Also tasty are stuffed peppers, tomatoes, onions, courgettes, aubergines or stuffed petals from courgettes. The filling is made with rice and grated tomatoes. However the cook likes minced meet and different spices like parsley or mint can be added.

Souvla

Barbecues are very popular in Cyprus. "Souvla" can be translated with "skewer". Souvla are mainly pieces of Lam or Chicken, grilled on charcoal grill The Cypriots love their Souvla and there can always be a reason to be invited for.

Halloumi (Xalloumi) cheese

It is traditionally made from a mixture of goat 's and sheep 's milk. The cheese is white, with distinctive layered texture, similar to mozzarella , and a salty flavor. It is often garnished with mint . The mint is supposed to add a taste while some claim that it has natural anti-bacterial action that was traditionally helpful to increase the life of the cheese.

Sieftalies

Another tasty dish from the charcoal grill are the small sausages of minced meat, called "Shieftalies". Maybe you will try to find out the secret of that special taste, if you try them for the first time. It is not the parsley or the onions that are ingredients, it is ...Why don't you try by yourself?

Zivania

Zivania (also Zivana) is a traditional Greek-Cypriot distillate produced in the island of Cyprus from pomace, the residue of grapes that were pressed during the winemaking process mixed with high-quality dry wines produced from the local grape varieties of Cyprus. The pomace/wine mixture is then distilled in special traditional distillation apparatus, producing zivania. Zivania is characterized by its typical taste and aroma. It is colorless and it has a pleasant alcoholic with light aroma of raisins. The typical alcohol content is 45% by volume. It contains no sugars and has no acidity.

Cyprus Brandy

However, a good wine makes also a good Brandy. The Cyprus Brandy is popular because of its mild taste. Pure or in long drinks, not only experts will enjoy it. It also makes the famous "Brandy Sour" to the specialty that it is.

Beer

The mild Mediterranean climate of Cyprus produces rich wheat and allows it to brew light beer (of high quality). There are three breweries in the Republic of Cyprus established: KEO, the Cypriot brewery, the world known Carlsberg brewery and Leon the first Cyprus beer.

Cyprus Wine

Cyprus wine has been produced for thousands of years and since the time of the Crusades it has also been exported to Europe. 'Commandaria' has enjoyed a reputation as a fine dessert wine since the 12th century. Today wine is one of the most important exports of Cyprus.