Rhodes Island boasts a rich culinary tradition that reflects its diverse cultural influences, including Greek, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern flavors.
Here are ten must-try dishes when you’re visiting Rhodes:
- Souvlaki: A quintessential Greek dish, souvlaki consists of grilled skewers of marinated meat (usually pork, chicken, or lamb) served with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and sometimes with tomatoes and onions.
- Moussaka: A hearty casserole dish made with layers of minced meat (often beef or lamb), eggplant, potatoes, and a creamy béchamel sauce. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish that’s popular throughout Greece.
- Pitaroudia: A traditional Rhodesian dish, pitaroudia are fried chickpea fritters flavored with herbs and spices. They’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for snacking or as part of a meze spread.
- Pastitsio: Similar to moussaka, pastitsio is a baked pasta dish layered with minced meat, tomato sauce, and béchamel sauce. It’s a comforting and indulgent dish that’s popular in Greek cuisine.
- Stuffed Vine Leaves (Dolmades): Grape leaves stuffed with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes meat, then cooked in a lemony broth. Dolmades make for a delicious appetizer or side dish, often served with yogurt sauce.
- Lahanodolmades: Cabbage leaves stuffed with a flavorful mixture of rice, minced meat, and herbs, then simmered in a tangy tomato sauce. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for cooler weather.
- Seafood Meze: Rhodes is surrounded by the Aegean Sea, so fresh seafood is abundant. Enjoy a seafood meze featuring an array of dishes such as grilled octopus, fried calamari, shrimp saganaki (shrimp cooked in a tomato and feta sauce), and grilled fish.
- Fava: A traditional Greek appetizer made from yellow split peas, cooked until creamy and seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs. It’s often served as a dip with bread or as a side dish.
- Saganaki: A popular Greek appetizer, saganaki refers to various dishes cooked in a small frying pan (also called saganaki). One of the most famous versions is fried cheese, typically made with kefalograviera or graviera cheese, served with lemon wedges.
- Baklava: A sweet pastry made with layers of filo dough, chopped nuts (usually walnuts or pistachios), and honey syrup. Baklava is a decadent and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Don’t miss the opportunity to sample these delicious dishes when you’re in Rhodes, as they offer a taste of the island’s rich culinary heritage and will surely leave you craving more.