Like culture, like food! The taste of any region cannot stay untouched of its culture and so is the case of Cyprus. The history of Cyprus has witnessed various guests who overtime, who owing to their fascination with the splendid beauty of the island never returned. With them they bought a different culture and a different cuisine. The result, a fusion of many, yet a delicacy, that is not only uniquely delicious but also healthy.
For Cypriots, preparing and eating food is worship and is suggested you treat it like one if are interested in actually making the most of it. The rules of the game are simple; be ready to eat a lot, plan a schedule that allows you the maximum time with food, just eat while you eat and explore the deepest of taverns to experience the Cyprus taste to its fullest.
The Village’s Lifeline: Kafenio / Kafenes
A village in Cyprus can maintain its identity without villagers but certainly not without a coffee shop, locally known as the ‘Kafenio’. Like a local gathering point all locals do make it a point to be at the Kafenio at least once a day. The conversations begin and nurture here, to understand Cyprus in its true sense; it is must to be among the locals at their favorite Kafenio. Moreover, the coffee in itself is appetizing and a reason enough to head for a coffee shop. A local coffee shop in addition to serving just coffee presents itself as a grocery store or even a post office.
While ordering one do mention the spoons of sugar. As per the local vocabulary, for a ‘metrio’ add one spoon of sugar and for a ‘glyko’ add two spoons of sugar. A few might turn cups upside don in the saucer after drinking their cups of coffee, which is simply normal for them. As a tourist all you might like to know, the Kafenes has the answers.
Another interesting fact about Kafenes is that, it’s a male domain, for women their houses are the point of discussion. A political center is always crowded irrespective of the district’s population or the umber of coffee shops in any area.
The Food
Had your coffee, now is the time for some food, and in Cyprus some means a lot and lot of food. It is important to know here that all meals could very easily turn into the main course, the food is simply tempting and to restrict yourself to few bites is akin to impossible. The flavor cannot help you resist.
The Cyprus specialty is ‘Meze’ or ‘Mezedes’, though I personally feel, all food, whatever it is, is special in its own sense. The Kebabs, the Stifado, Koubebia or the tasty stew known as Tava, known cannot be considered as exquisite culinary offerings.
Meze is a combination of many Cyprus delicacies in one name. About 20 dishes under this head include Dips like Tahini, specialties like Koupepia (stuffed vine leaves), halloumi cheese (uniquely produced in Cyprus), deserts, wines and much more. Vesting Cyprus and not eating Meze at least once is an unforgettable crime. You’ll simply regret not enjoying it. So just take your time out and eat all you can.
One you’ve savored the Meze and have digested to take in more, try out the fishes. Many fish restaurants, near the course that bring you just the best. And then as it still was not enough is the moussaka, made from minced lamb or beef and herbs covered with layers of sliced potatoes, eggplant and zucchini, or tavas, a veal, onion and herb dish served in little earthenware bowls straight from the oven and sprinkled with "artisia " spices. Not to forger the Kebabs or locally referred to as Souflakia, made of either bits of lamb or pork skewered and roasted by slow charcoal fire and eaten with chopped onion, salt and pepper in a 'pitta', a flat, unleavened bread.
And then there is food for every occasion. The food so tempting, so filling, yet so cheap! Exactly this whole list of dishes can be real economic and you can plan to eat whatever you like without once considering the pocket’s capacity.
A Must – The Wines
The food is not complete, unless you’ve ordered the wines. Known for its wines, Cyprus has some of the best flavors in store for you. If you have a taste for wines, just a sip can take you through an experience that cannot be replicated. In fact, the famous honey sweet red wine, Commandaria, also referred to as the world’s oldest wine, belongs to Cyprus. A desert wine; is simply rich in taste and has interesting story with to go. Traditionally it used to called Mana, derived form Mother and the logic was that whenever the wine is poured form the container, little is left behind. The new wine added to the same container uses the old one to grow in taste and therefore the reference to mother.
The Restaurants
There are various taverns situated almost everywhere to meet you appetite, it is about how much you can eat, not about how much they can serve. The variety is endless and the price tags pretty nominal. Top hotels offer both local and international foods, but it is the local stuff that can literally make you hog. As per law, all establishments must display a menu with government-approved prices that includes the 10% service charge and 8% value-added tax. Few good restaurants that can a tasty affair are Araouzos, Chez Alex Fish Tavern, the Cyprus Kitchen, Militzis, Plaka Tavern, Porta, Scottis Steak House, Seven St. Georges Tavern and the list simply goes on.
Cyprus is a place for the foodies. To enjoy the world’s best culinary; it is a must to eat Cyprus food. The variety is great and so is the taste, not to mention the affordability. Among the different reasons to visit Cyprus, the exotic aromas and tantalizing flavors, feature at the top of the list.
Cyprus Island -A Synonym for Delicious Food