Must-Try Foods & Drinks in Cyprus

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Cyprus is home to a rich culinary tradition influenced by Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern flavours! Here are some must-try foods and drinks to enjoy during your trip.

Must-Try Dishes in Cyprus

1. Meze

A classic Cypriot dining experience featuring a variety of small dishes. Meze offers a selection of meat, seafood, vegetables, cheese, and dips — perfect for sampling a little bit of everything!

Recommended Meze Dishes: Taramosalata — A creamy fish roe dip Tahini — Sesame paste dip Hummus — Mashed chickpea dip Grilled Halloumi — Famous Cypriot cheese, grilled to perfection Seafood or Meat Meze — A set featuring either fresh seafood or grilled meats

2. Halloumi

Cyprus’ famous semi-hard, salty cheese. When grilled, it develops a crispy exterior and a soft, chewy centre!

Best Ways to Eat It: Grilled with olive oil and lemon Added to salads Served in a sandwich

3. Seafood Dishes

Surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus is known for its fresh seafood.

Recommended Dishes: Grilled Octopus — Smoky and tender Calamari (Fried or Grilled) — Lightly battered or charred Seafood Meze — A mix of fish, prawns, mussels, and more

4. Moussaka

A rich, oven-baked dish made with layers of aubergine, potatoes, minced meat, and béchamel sauce — similar to lasagna but with Mediterranean flavours.

5. Kleftiko

Slow-roasted lamb, so tender it falls apart. It’s cooked in the oven for hours with spices and herbs, making it incredibly flavourful.

6. Souvlaki

A popular street food featuring grilled meat skewers, usually served with pita bread or salad. You’ll find chicken, pork, and lamb varieties, making it a great option for a quick and tasty meal.

7. Sheftalia

A Cypriot sausage-like dish, made from minced lamb or pork wrapped in caul fat and grilled. Juicy and full of spices, this is a must-try for meat lovers!

8. Loukoumades

Cyprus’ version of honey-soaked doughnuts. They are crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and irresistibly sweet!

Must-Try Drinks in Cyprus

1. Freddo Cappuccino

A popular iced cappuccino in Cyprus and Greece. It’s made with espresso topped with frothy cold milk, making it perfect for hot weather!

How to Order: Choose your sweetness level (unsweetened, lightly sweetened, or sweet) Stays delicious even as the ice melts — perfect for a relaxed café break!

2. Frappe

A frothy iced coffee made with instant coffee, water, and sugar. It’s simple yet refreshing, making it great for sipping at the beach or a café.

3. Cypriot Wine

Cyprus has a 4,000-year-old winemaking tradition, and its local wines are excellent!

Must-Try Wines: Commandaria — The world’s oldest dessert wine (sweet) Zivania — A strong grape-based spirit Rosé Wine — Cypriot rosé is fruity and easy to drink

4. Cyprus Brandy

A lighter brandy unique to Cyprus. It’s commonly used in the Brandy Sour, a classic Cypriot cocktail!

Final Thoughts: Enjoying Cypriot Cuisine

Cypriot food is a delicious mix of seafood, grilled meats, and traditional meze.I found myself ordering the same dishes multiple times, like taramosalata and grilled octopus, simply because they were that good!

From the fresh seafood to the richly spiced meats, every meal felt like a journey through Cyprus’ diverse culinary heritage.

You don’t have to visit fancy restaurants — local cafés and street stalls also offer amazing flavours!

If you’re not sure what to try, start with these: Meze — A little bit of everything! Grilled Halloumi — A Cypriot staple Grilled Octopus — A Mediterranean must-try Loukoumades — Perfect for sweet lovers Freddo Cappuccino — The ultimate summer coffee

Exploring Cypriot cuisine is a delightful experience, so enjoy every bite and sip!

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