Introduction
If there’s one food experience you can’t miss in Greece, it’s sharing a table full of meze. More than just small plates, meze represents Greek hospitality, friendship, and the joy of eating together. In this guide, we’ll explore what meze is, how to order it like a local, and where you can enjoy it across Greece.
What Is Meze?
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Definition → small, shareable dishes served with drinks.
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Philosophy → not about the food alone, but about social connection.
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Comparison → like Spanish tapas, but with Greek identity.
A Short History of Meze in Greek Culture
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Origins in the Ottoman era.
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Connection with ouzo and tsipouro culture.
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Symbol of philoxenia (Greek hospitality).
Popular Greek Meze Dishes You Must Try
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Tzatziki (yogurt, cucumber, garlic).
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Dolmades (stuffed vine leaves).
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Saganaki (fried cheese).
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Octopus (grilled or marinated).
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Fava (split pea purée, Santorini classic).
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Keftedes (meatballs with herbs).
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Gigantes (giant beans in tomato sauce).
How to Order Meze Like a Local
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Order many small plates to share, not individual dishes.
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Pair with ouzo, tsipouro, or Greek wine.
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Don’t rush → meze is about the experience.
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Ask for the “specials of the day”.
Where to Try Meze in Greece
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Athens → Psyrri, Monastiraki, Plaka.
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Thessaloniki → Ladadika district, famous for meze with tsipouro.
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Greek Islands → Santorini (fava), Crete (dakos), Mykonos (seafood meze).
Tips for Tourists
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Go where locals eat → avoid “tourist menus”.
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Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available.
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Expect small plates but big flavors.
Conclusion
Greek meze is more than a meal—it’s an invitation to slow down, connect, and enjoy the richness of Greek food culture. Whether you’re sipping ouzo by the sea or exploring a local taverna in Athens, ordering meze is the best way to taste Greece one plate at a time.
