Mediterranean cuisine and its influence

The Greek island of Kos is an excellent example of Mediterranean cuisine, known for its variety, fresh ingredients and healthy dishes. The mainstay is quality olive oil, fish, seafood, fresh seasonal ingredients, vegetables, fruit, pasta and pulses. This cuisine is not only tasty and refreshing, but also very healthy, and on Kos its main principle can be seen in every dish - from simple salads to more complex dishes.

The local cuisine makes use of an abundance of Mediterranean herbs such as oregano, thyme, rosemary and basil, which give the dishes an unmistakable aroma and flavour. Olive oil, often referred to as 'liquid gold', is a staple in almost every dish and the highest quality oil is used on Kos.

Traditional Greek cuisine on Kos

As part of Greece, Kos offers all the classic dishes of Greek cuisine. Fresh Greek salad with crispy vegetables, olives and feta cheese can be found in the tavernas along the coast and in the mountain villages. Appetizers (mezes) such as tzatziki, taramasalata and dolmades are also popular.

• traditional Greek salad: fresh seasonal vegetables, olives, feta cheese, olive oil
• tzatziki: yoghurt dip with cucumber and garlic
• taramasalata: fish cream
• dolmades: vine leaves stuffed with rice and herbs

Main dishes often include souvlaki, gyros and moussaka. Of course, fish and seafood are also an important part of the local diet, with the menu depending on the day's catch.

• musaka: a baked dish of layers of aubergine, minced meat and potatoes, topped with a béchamel sauce
• souvlaki: grilled skewers of pork, chicken or lamb, often served in pita bread with vegetables and tzatziki sauce
• gyros: spicy meat roasted on a vertical grill, cut into small pieces and served with chips and vegetables in a bun or pita bread

Specialities of the island of Kos

What sets the cuisine of Kos apart from other Greek regions are some unique specialties:

• myzithra: a local cheese that is part of many traditional dishes.
• krasotyri: 'wine cheese', a speciality produced only on Kos, where the cheese is soaked in red grape wine
• pligouri: bulgur served with braised pork, typical of the island
• posa: traditional cake filled with fresh cheese and polenta, mainly prepared at Easter
• pitaridia: homemade pasta served with fresh cheese and tomato sauce
• katimeria: sweet pancakes filled with honey, cinnamon and nuts
• stuffed courgette flowers: flowers stuffed with rice, also known as dolmadakia, are a popular starter
• kanelada: a local soft drink with a cinnamon flavour, ideal for refreshing on hot days
• sweet tomatoes by the spoonful: a delicacy served most often with Greek yoghurt, typical of Kos and Nisyros

Apart from the kanelada, other traditional Greek drinks are also worth trying:

• retsina: a typical Greek natural wine with a resinous flavour
• ouzo: an alcoholic drink made from grape wine with an aniseed flavour
• frappé: cold coffee prepared in a shaker from instant coffee, served with milk and sugar to taste

Wine has a long tradition on the island of Kos. Local winemakers produce both white and red wines, often from indigenous grape varieties. On the wine list you can often find Malagouzia, a white wine with fruity notes, or Assyrtiko, a dry white wine that is ideal for fish and seafood.

As an island in the Mediterranean, Kos offers an amazing variety of fish and seafood. Visitors can sample freshly caught sea bass (lavraki), sea bream (tsipoura), calamari and octopus. These ingredients are often prepared very simply - grilled with olive oil, lemon and herbs, a typical Mediterranean preparation that allows the natural flavours of the ingredients to shine through.

Where to eat and tips for visitors

On Kos you will find several types of eating establishments. Traditional tavernas offer home-style cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere, where you can taste authentic Greek dishes prepared according to family recipes. Seafood lovers should seek out psarotavernas, fish restaurants often located right by the sea, serving the fresh catch of the day. For an authentic experience, visit ouzeries, bars specialising in aniseed liqueur ouzo served with small starters (mezes). If you're looking for a quick and tasty meal, stop at one of the gyradik, local fast food joints offering gyros, souvlaki and other popular Greek takeaways.

Tips for visitors:

• For a truly authentic dining experience on Kos, we recommend eating like the locals do - the tastiest dishes are usually found in small family-run tavernas off the main tourist routes
• Keep in mind that eating habits in Greece are different from those in central Europe; dinner here is usually served later, usually around 9pm
• Instead of ordering one main dish, try the traditional way of eating and order several small appetizers (meze) to share with other diners
• Don't forget the importance of hydration, especially during the hot summer months - always order water with your meal
• And above all, have fun! Greek dining culture is inherently a social affair, where time slows down and the emphasis is on conversation and shared experiences over good food

Recipe to try - Katimeria (sweet pancakes)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• pinch of salt
• 1 egg
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• honey, cinnamon and crushed nuts for decoration

Procedure:

1. Mix flour, baking powder and salt.
2. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, add the milk and olive oil.
3. Combine the dry and wet ingredients and make a smooth dough.
4. In a hot pan with a little oil, fry small pancakes on both sides until golden brown.
5. Serve warm with honey, sprinkled with cinnamon and nuts.