A Gastronomic Adventure to Cyprus
When it comes to gastronomy, Cyprus is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by travelers seeking culinary delights beyond their borders.
With a rich history and diverse influences, Cypriot cuisine offers a unique fusion of flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques. From traditional tavernas serving up authentic dishes to award-winning wineries producing fine wines, Cyprus promises a gastronomic journey like no other. Cypriot cuisine is a reflection of the island's tumultuous history, with influences from various civilizations including Greek, Turkish, Arabic, and British. Over the centuries, these influences have merged to create a culinary tapestry that celebrates the island's cultural diversity. From the humble village kitchens to the bustling city restaurants, each dish tells a story of tradition, heritage, and innovation.
One cannot explore Cypriot cuisine without indulging in its signature dishes...
Meze, a traditional spread of small plates, is a quintessential part of the Cypriot dining experience. Spanning both land and sea, meze features an array of appetizers, dips, grilled meats, seafood, and vegetarian delights, all bursting with flavor.
Must-try dishes include:
Must-try dishes include:
Souvlaki
Tender, marinated pork or chicken meat skewers grilled to perfection.
Halloumi
The island's most famous cheese - Halloumi - is a delicious and versatile product that has a distinctive texture and is fantastic both cold and cooked (grilled or fried).
Kleftiko
Slow-cooked lamb infused with aromatic herbs and spices, falling off the bone and melting in your mouth with every forkful.
Lountza
Succulent slices of marinated pork, offer a delightful blend of smoky and savory flavors.
Keftedes
Juicy and flavorful meatballs seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, fried to golden perfection, and served with a tangy dipping sauce.
Fasolada
A hearty and comforting bean soup simmered with tomatoes, onions, and aromatic herbs.
Koupepia
Grape leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and herbs, slow-cooked to tender perfection.
Loukanika
The traditional, spicy village sausage made with pork meat, contains red dry wine, salt, garlic and spices, including coriander seeds and black pepper.
FISH MEZE
A fish meze features a selection of locally caught fish, grilled and fried, such as small-fry, sea bream with a dressing of olive oil and lemon, cuttlefish, calamari, and octopus.
Your meal will be always accompanied by ...
olives and various dips, such as yoghurt, Tahini (sesame seed dip), Skordalia (potato and garlic dip), Taramosalata (fish roe dip), and Tsatziki (cucumber and mint dip), all served with a basket of fresh bread and a bowl of crisp village salad.
Cooking methods
Cooking methods in Cyprus are deeply rooted in tradition, with many dishes prepared using age-old techniques passed down through generations. Grilling, roasting, and slow-cooking over an open fire are common methods used to enhance the natural flavors of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Olive oil, herbs, and spices such as oregano, mint, and cinnamon are key ingredients that add depth and complexity to Cypriot dishes.
Book Gastronomic Tour to Cyprus
SAMPLE OF THE GASTRO TOUR PROGRAM:
DAY 1
- Arrival in Paphos or Larnaca
- Welcome cocktail on the terrace overlooking the sea at Limassol Hotel
- Dinner at the hotel restaurant featuring Cypriot cuisine
DAY 2
- Departure to explore Cyprus' wine-growing region
- Demonstration of the traditional dish of stuffed zucchini flowers before lunch
- Visit and wine tasting at both a traditional vineyard, Ktima Gerolemo, and a contemporary vineyard, Oenouy
DAY 3
- Visit to the fish market with the chef
- Seafood and fish preparation masterclass at the tavern, followed by lunch
- Visit to the Chirokitia Neolithic site
- Cruise in Limassol Bay with a cocktail reception and DJ
DAY 4
- Visit to the olive farm with a demonstration of olive oil preparation
- Visit to Nicosia, the divided capital
DAY 5
- Departure to explore the Paphos region
- Visit to the goat farm and dairy production, with a demonstration and tasting of local cheeses such as 'anari' and halloumi. Additionally, there will be an opportunity to taste artisan halloumi cheese.
- Stroll around Paphos harbor and enjoy a coffee break with a local dessert, loukoumades
DAY 6
- Departure for the Troodos Mountains
- Herbal specialist-led herb-picking activity, followed by sachet-making
- Gala dinner in traditional style on the hotel lawn with traditional music and dance
By leaving your data, you agree to the Privacy policy
What other gastronomic activities do we offer?
- Folk show dinnerExperience the lively spirit of Cyprus through traditional folk dance performances as you savor authentic Cypriot cuisine during our folk dance dinner.
- Cooking classesUncover the secrets of Cypriot cuisine with our immersive cooking master classes, where you'll learn to craft iconic delicacies such as halloumi cheese, traditional bread, stuffed zucchini, and delightful loukoumi sweets.
- TastingsIndulge in the richness of freshly harvested olives and olive oil at an olive farm, sample pure honey straight from the beehive, delight in the creamy textures of local cheeses, and experience the sweetness of traditional desserts from roses.
- Lunches in tavernaDuring our guaranteed departures, our tourists dine in local tavernas. By choosing to eat at these tavernas instead of opting for all-inclusive hotel, our travelers not only get to experience the true flavors of Cyprus but also support local chefs and the owners of these businesses.
No gastronomic journey in Cyprus would be complete without a visit to its renowned wineries
With a history of winemaking dating back thousands of years, Cyprus boasts a rich viticultural heritage that continues to thrive to this day. Visitors can enjoy guided tours and tastings at award-winning wineries, sampling varietals such as Xynisteri, Maratheftiko, and Commandaria, the world's oldest named wine still in production.
Contact us
By leaving your data, you agree to the Privacy policy