In the villages of Greece, Greek breakfast used to consist of large quantities of animal fats that provided energy for the day’s labours. Greek people eating yogurt in breakfast with calcium, protein & vitamins. They’re the perfect healthy breakfast or snack.The most important meal of the day in terms of nutrition, it was also the most filling. In western Crete, country people used to eat the traditional Greek breakfast of eggs with staka – the equivalent of clotted cream – to keep them going, while in Epirus and Macedonia, the fare was pies made with cheese and butter.
What is a typical breakfast in Greece?
- Bread, pastries, buns
- Cheese, yoghurt, traditional yoghurt, butter, sour milk, etc
- Cold cuts, meat
- Honey, sesame bar, tahini
- Local traditional marmalades
- Olive oil and olives
- Eggs (boiled, fried, omelets)
- Pies (cheese pies, green pies, etc)
- Local sweets
- Fresh fruit, juices, fruit salads, seasonal vegetables, local or biological
- Warm traditional soup (frumenty, pulses, etc)
- Cereals (wheat, frumenty, etc)
- Herbal drinks
- Greek coffee
Read More: Discover Greece’s most popular traditional dishes
Yogurt with Honey and Fresh Fruit
Greek yogurt is known for more than its creamy texture, quality and flavors, it’s also appreciated for its probiotic qualities. Rather than purchase overly sweet yogurts for breakfast, try a healthy Greek yogurt, instead. Just add a drizzle of natural honey and top it off with fresh fruit. Perfection.
Feta, Veggies and Eggs
Whether they’re scrambled or served omelette style, you can’t go wrong with topping eggs with Feta. Try adding chopped onion, a bit of garlic, veggies of choice (zucchini, bell peppers and tomatoes are great in this dish). Sprinkle in some coarse salt and freshly ground pepper. Toss in a splash of milk, and whip together in a bowl. Cook the eggs either omelet or scrambled style, adding the Feta, when the eggs are almost finished. Delicious Greek breakfast food!
Eliopsomo: Greek Olive Bread
You can pick up this wonderful, traditional bread at a Greek bakery or cafe, as well as many specialty grocery stores. While it’s delicious simply toasted and served with your morning cup of coffee, try switching it up a bit by topping the bread with a good Greek cheese.
Pita Bread with Eggs
Add a little style to your morning egg breakfast. Cook scrambled eggs as you prefer. Veggies, onions and garlic are a great addition. When done, stuff them into pita bread for a delightful Greek breakfast sandwich on the run.
Spanakopita
Who doesn’t love Spanakopita? But, remember, it’s not just for lunch and dinner. Why not warm a slice and serve it on a plate with your morning glass of grapefruit juice? It’s a great alternative to the everyday breakfasts you’re likely tired of eating.
Fresh Fruit
This one is a no-brainer, traditional Greek breakfast. Healthy, delicious, and readily available at any supermarket, Fresh fruit is a staple in the Mediterranean diet. So, how about sitting down, with your morning coffee, before a platter of freshly sliced seasonal fruit?
Pita Dippers
For a taste of the savory: try mixing unflavored Greek yogurt with lemon zest and capers. Then take slices of Pita and dip away!
Pitas
These are delicious savory Greek pies made with phyllo dough and filled with vegetables, meat and/or cheese. You can find them in a Greek bakery or specialty store, including the international frozen food section of many supermarkets. These put a joyful spin on breakfast.
Paximadi
A hard, heavily textured, traditional bread. For a beautiful breakfast alternative, look for it in your local Greek bakery. Serve a slice or two with a generous spread of Feta and a quality marmalade. Delicious,
Toast with Spoon Sweets
Spoon sweets are Greek preserves, often berry, that are beautifully presented on a teaspoon— set delicately in a crystal glass, or on a fine porcelain dish. While traditionally served to guests, as an act of the most exceptional Greek hospitality, why not treat yourself to a little pampering at home? Spoon Sweets are typically eaten plain, while sipping coffee. However, you can also use the beautiful fruit presentation to top your morning toast and start your day right.
