When in Greece, do as the Greeks do! And when Greeks want breakfast, they have a wide variety of dishes to choose from. While traditional Greek breakfast foods still exist and are popular, many locals now also enjoy international breakfast items.
Here are some of the most typical Greek breakfast foods and dishes that you can try while in Greece. From omelets to yogurt to moussaka, there is something for everyone!
Be sure to add some of these delicious Greek breakfasts to your itinerary on your next trip to Greece.
Savory Greek Breakfast Foods In Greece
A Greek Style Omelet
A Greek omelet is something that you can find on most Greek breakfast menus throughout the country. The Greeks have been eating eggs for breakfast since ancient times, so it comes as no surprise that they would still be a popular choice today!
Greek omelets are made with feta cheese, onion, tomato, and green peppers. Sometimes other vegetables are used too, like mushrooms or spinach depending on the season or region of Greece where one finds themselves eating their morning meal.
This dish tastes great served hot or at room temperature over toast alongside some Greek coffee (don’t forget to add sugar). It also makes for an easy lunch option as well if you need quick food while traveling around during the day.
Greek-style omelets are also a great way to start your morning before hitting up a whole bunch of things to do in Athens and other landmarks in Greece.
Baked Eggs
Baked eggs are popular for breakfast in Greece. They can be made in many different ways but usually consist of baked eggs being cooked in a tomato sauce or sometimes even a Greek yogurt sauce.
The eggs typically goes with Greek bread, feta cheese, and olives on the side. This is a great dish if you’re looking for something light but satisfying in the morning hours.
It’s also easy to customize according to your personal preferences or dietary restrictions as well.
Feta Cheese Salad
A feta cheese salad is another popular Greek breakfast dish that can also serve as an appetizer or even a light lunch.
The salad consists of fresh greens like lettuce or arugula, diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions. The salad is then topped with crumbled feta cheese and a light dressing of olive oil and vinegar before being served chilled.
You can easily prepare this salad in advance, making it perfect for taking with you on the go while traveling around Greece during your vacation.
It’s a great way to start your day with some healthy Greek salad ingredients and of course, the delicious taste of feta cheese!
Traditional Greek Salad
Greek salad is another popular Greek breakfast option. It consists of tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions dressed in olive oil and vinegar before being served chilled on the side or as an appetizer to your meal.
Similarly, you can prepare this salad in advance, and take with you on the go for lunch or snack when sightseeing.
It’s a great way to start your day with some healthy Greek salad ingredients and of course, the delicious taste of Greek olives!
Did you know that Greece is one of the largest producers of Olives in the world? Find out more fun facts about Greece here.
Sfakianopita
Sfakianopita is a Greek breakfast dish that is made with dough that is kneaded with local myzithra cheese. It typically also contains olive oil, water, salt, and another secret ingredient – a shot of raki.
The dough is then flattened and fried until golden brown. It certainly brings out the best in the popular Greek cheese, serving it in a form of a delicious morning bite.
Sfakianopita is a great way to start your day with some protein and carbs to help power you through your day of sightseeing or exploring in Greece!
Moussaka
While Moussaka is not a very common option for breakfast in Greece, this is a traditional dish that can be found in many Greek homes. It is extremely filling and some greeks opt for it in the morning.
If you’re looking for a hearty Greek breakfast to fill you up before a day of sightseeing or exploring while in Greece, look no further than Moussaka!
Moussaka consists of layers upon layers of potatoes, ground beef (sometimes lamb), eggplant slices topped with tomato sauce, and then baked on top for about an hour at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is typically served warm from its dish or tray alongside some crusty bread and olive oil dip.
Koulouri Thessalonikis
The Koulouri Thessalonikis is a type of Greek bread that is made from flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. It is then baked until crispy and typically served as a breakfast or snack food.
The Koulouri Thessalonikis is similar to a bagel in shape and texture and is often sprinkled with sesame seeds on top. This delicious Greek bread is a great way to start your day while in Thessaloniki or anywhere else in Greece!
You can have it plain and enjoy the fragrant taste of sesame. However, if you are greedy like me, use it like a bagel and stuff it up with bacon, eggs, and whatever you feel like having on the day.
Ladenia
Ladenia is a type of flatbread that’s often served as part of Greek breakfast and can be found in Greek bakeries throughout the country. The dough is made with flour, water, olive oil or butter (or both), yeast. A good Ladenia has a crispy crust and a soft, fluffy interior.
Sounds like a pizza? Because it does look like one, this is arguably Greek’s version of pizza. Tomate base, tomatoes, and onions are typically added on top of the bread. However, you can actually add any other toppings of your choice when making it.
Ladenia is usually eaten fresh and warm right out of the oven, but can also be eaten at room temperature.
Strapatsada
Strapatsada is a Greek dish that is made from eggs, tomatoes, onions, garlic, herbs like basil and feta cheese. Some regions call it Kagianas. This greek breakfast specialty is typically served in the morning or as a brunch dish.
The eggs are cooked in a tomato sauce and then topped with feta cheese and sometimes olives. This dish is easy to make and is a great way to start your day while in Greece!
Spanakopita (Spinach Pie)
Spinach pie is a popular breakfast option that is made from spinach, feta cheese, and eggs. The dough is made with flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
It is then baked until golden brown and typically served as a breakfast or snack food in Greece. The spinach pie is similar to quiche in shape and texture and some bakeries top it up with sesame seeds.
This delicious Greek pastry is a great way to start your day while in Greece! In fact, all sorts of pies are typical choices for breakfast in Greece. You can usually find an assortment of them in bakeries.
Tiganopsomo
Tiganopsomo is a traditional Greek dish that is commonly eaten for breakfast. It is basically fried bread that is made with either flour or semolina.
It is usually comes with stuffings that include feta cheese and a selection of herbs. The bread is then dipped in a beaten egg and fried in olive oil until it is crispy.
However, you can also make it without filling. With the plain ones, you can top or spread it with honey, jam, or even Nutella if you are looking for something sweet. We all love something fried, don’t we?
Sweet Greek Breakfast Foods In Greece
Bougatsa
Bougatsa is a Greek breakfast dish that is essentially a thin layer of puff pastry filled with a custard made from milk, eggs, sugar, and cornstarch. It is then fried until golden brown and typically served with honey syrup on top.
Similar to Tiganopsomo, this greek breakfast dish can come in both sweet or savory options. The fillings can also be meat or spinach rather than custard.
Bougatsa is popular in the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki. It is a delicious and satisfying option for breakfast in Greece that will help you start your day off right.
Rizogalo
Rizogalo is a Greek rice pudding dish that is popular for breakfast in Greece. It consists of rice, milk, sugar, and vanilla extract. Restaurants often serve it with ground cinnamon on top.
If you are familiar with the Arroz con Leche in South America, this is similar. It is also a very versatile dish – you can top it up with raisins or nuts for more flavors.
Yogurt
Greek yogurt is one of the most popular Greek foods and breakfast option as well. You can have Greek yogurt either plain or with various toppings like fresh fruit, honey, and nuts.
Greeks usually make it from sheep milk but sometimes cow milk too depending on where in Greece you’re eating this delicious dish!
Greek yogurt is a healthy way to start your day with protein and probiotics which are both essential for a healthy gut. It also tastes great!
Greek Coffee – The Drink Of Choice For Breakfast In Greece
Greek coffee is made from dark-roasted coffee beans that are ground into a fine powder and then boiled in water. It is unique in that it often comes with foam on top and is typically sweetened with sugar.
The history of Greek coffee dates back to the 18th century when it was first introduced to Greece by the Ottoman Empire. Greek coffee has since become a popular drink throughout the country and is now a traditional part of Greek culture. This is a strong and flavorful way to kickstart your day.
Breakfast In Greece: Start Your Day Right
If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying Greek breakfast to enjoy while in Greece, these are some of the best options to choose from! Greek food is renowned for being flavorful so you can’t go wrong with any of them. Visit the country to discover more amazing cuisines in Greece to help the greeks power through each day.
