All Cyprus villages have a kafenio or traditional coffee shop. It is here that people gather to exchange news and gossip and to play the Greek version of backgammon called tavli. These coffee shops offer Greek coffee (called sketo and served with a glass of cold water), tea, fresh juice, and home-made squash.
You cannot say you have been to Cyprus unless you have had Meze. This is a very time consuming eating exercise and you should typically do it when you are in pleasant company as a typical Meze consists of 20 or 30 different dishes. This is a great way to expose yourself to the Cyprus eating habits and cuisine while at the same time spending quality time relaxing with your friends enjoying Cyprus food and drinks.
The restaurants along the coast of Cyprus offer some truly delectable fish cuisine that is unique to the Mediterranean. It is not customary to ask the waiter for a menu but rather to ask for the catch of the day and how it has been prepared. You can enjoy some really delicious fresh water fish here.
Among Cyprus food and drinks is the staple known as Yemista that is a popular local food. The dish consists of stuffed vegetables that you can order either cold or hot. A popular version is made of stuffed wine-leaves known as koupepia. The stuffing is made from rice and grated tomatoes with minced meat and the whole thing garnished with parsley.
Kleftiko is a dish among Cyprus food and drinks reserved for special occasions and celebration events. It is prepared with a bit of lamb or goat wrapped in foil that is baked in airtight ovens. This is done to follow the tradition established by Cypriot freedom fighters that used to prepare their stolen meat without being detected by using airtight containers.
One dish that you will find in every menu in Cyprus is Mousakas. It is prepared using potatoes, courgettes, and aubergines, and served after smearing with a cream. It can be served either cold or hot. Even vegan can enjoy Mousakas by asking for vegetarian option that does not include the minced-meat sauce.
Your journey through Cyprus food and drinks cannot be complete without some high-quality light beer. Cyprus is home to the world famous Carlsberg beer.
Cyprus has been a wine producer for thousands of years and wine is one of its major exports. Similar to wine, the Cyprus produced Brandy is also popular for its mildness and is frequently offered to wedding guests as a traditional drink.
Cyprus food and drinks