Cyprus is not only about fantastic beaches, tranquil nature and beautiful sunsets. This amazing land is also rich in its culinary traditions. The cuisine in Cyprus is mainly Greek, but there are establishments specializing in the Middle East.
Most often, our idea of Cypriot cuisine is associated with olives and olive oil. Indeed, the smell of olive trees haunts the traveler. And most of the hot dishes and snacks are not complete without the addition of olive oil. But food in Cyprus is very diverse, although it has a number of unconditional traditions. A classic Cyprus feast begins with meze - several types of traditional snacks. Olives, bread, dzatziki sauce, hummus, cheeses, baked eggplant are served on the table. According to Greek rules, meze can include thirty dishes, which are served strictly according to the rules. Meze is accompanied by wines, ouzo or "zivania" - a very strong vodka.
It is already difficult for an unprepared person to eat something else after a hearty meze. And for Cypriots, this is a kind of "warm-up" before the main course. Despite the proximity of the sea, meat is popular in Cyprus. Most often it is lamb or lamb. The most famous method of cooking meat is "kleftiko" - the meat is baked in special ovens, completely buried in coals.
Desserts are the biggest temptation in Cypriot cuisine. Many of them are well known to us, for example, baklava. Desserts with the addition of honey or sugar syrup and nuts predominate. Coffee is usually served with dessert. On New Years, Cypriots bake "basilopa". This is a pie in honor of St. Basil. They always hide a coin in it. Whoever got it, then luck awaits in the coming year.
