Greece may not be the first destination that comes to mind for vegans, but the truth is that Greek cuisine and the Mediterranean diet have always included a wealth of vegan-friendly options.
Unlike some other countries, Greeks prioritize fresh, whole foods and simple cooking techniques.
This means that their meals are often packed with fresh vegetables, legumes, and herbs.
While meat and poultry do feature in some dishes, they are not the main focus, and Greeks tend to eat them in moderation.
Whether you’re a vegan or simply looking to explore new flavors, Greece is sure to delight your taste buds.
Here are just a few of the vegan dishes that you can find anywhere you go in Greece:
Vegan Starters
For starters, there’s Melitzanosalata, a delicious aubergine salad that’s perfect for sharing. Fava, a traditional dip made from yellow split peas, is another great option.
Tomatokeftedes and Kolokithokeftedes are fried tomato and zucchini balls, respectively, that make for a tasty snack or appetizer.
Fried zucchini, deep-fried eggplants, fried peppers, and Dolmadakia Gialantzi (stuffed vine leaves) are other vegan starters that you can find in most Greek restaurants.
Vegan Main Dishes
When it comes to main dishes, Gemista is a classic Greek dish that features peppers and tomatoes stuffed with rice and herbs, without any minced meat.
Gemista Politika is another version of this dish that includes zucchini, bulgur, and raisins.
Briam is a variety of vegetables cooked in the oven with a light tomato sauce that’s both hearty and delicious.
Tourlou is another vegetable dish that features whatever vegetables are in season.
Lentil Soup, Fasolada (Bean Soup in white or red sauce).
Chickpeas Soup, Gigantes (Giant beans in the oven with tomato sauce).
Skordalia (Garlic and potato puree), and Fasolakia Ladera (Green Beans in red sauce) are other vegan main dishes that you can find in Greek restaurants.
Deserts
For dessert, Halvas is a sweet treat made with brown sugar that’s not rare to find in many restaurants.
Loukoumades, a popular Greek dessert that’s similar to donuts, can be made vegan by using brown sugar instead of honey.
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