Cyprus boasts a rich culinary tradition influenced by Greek, Turkish and Middle Eastern flavors. In this guide, we'll introduce you to the must-try local dishes and advise you on where to find the best examples in the country's main cities.
Halloumi cheese
Halloumi is a semi-hard brine cheese made from a mixture of goat's and sheep's milk. It is often grilled or deep-fried and served with fresh vegetables or in sandwiches.
Where to try: Visit any traditional taverna or local market in Nicosia, such as To Pantopolion, for authentic halloumi cheese.
Souvlaki and Cheftalia
Souvlaki consists of marinated meat, usually pork or chicken, grilled on skewers. Sheftalia are Cypriot sausages made of minced meat, herbs and spices wrapped in rubber fat.
Where to try: In Limassol, check out To Kanoni for delicious souvlaki and sheftalia.
Moussaka
Moussaka is a hearty layered dish of eggplant, minced meat and béchamel sauce that is baked until golden and bubbling.
Where to try: Enjoy a fabulous moussaka at To Perasma Tavern in Paphos.
Stifado
Stifado is a slow-cooked stew made with beef or rabbit, onions, red wine and various spices. It is usually served with rice or a crust of bread.
Where to try: For a mouth-watering stifado, visit Zanettos Taverna in Nicosia.
Loukoumades
These delicious fried dough balls are soaked in honey or syrup and often sprinkled with cinnamon and crushed nuts. Loukoumades are a popular dessert or appetizer.
Where to try: For a sweet treat, check out Loukoumades Yeroskipou in Paphos.
Koupepia
Koupepia are grape leaves stuffed with a mixture of minced meat, rice and herbs, which are then stewed in a tomato sauce.
Where to try: In Larnaca, try the authentic koupepia at the traditional Koutsonikolias tavern.
Afelia
Afelia is a traditional Cypriot dish of pork that is marinated in red wine, coriander seeds and spices and then cooked until tender.
Where to try: Try the delicious aphelia at Forsos Tavern in Limassol.
Cyprus offers a varied and flavorful culinary experience for food lovers. By sampling these local dishes and visiting our recommended restaurants, you will discover the authentic flavors that make Cypriot cuisine truly unique.
