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Greek foods are as rich with history as the empire from which they were born. Though many of the Mediterranean flavors we see as traditional are only a couple centuries old, a few dishes from the Adriatic peninsula have a storied past. Below are details on the origins of three classic elements of Greek cuisine.

Learn the Origins of 3 Common Greek Foods

1. Baklava

Although the exact origin of baklava is not known, it has many similarities to the Roman placenta cake. This dessert of layered dough, cheese, and honey may have traveled to Istanbul and influenced other Persian dishes. Extremely popular, the confection features in many cuisines in the Middle East and parts of the Mediterranean.

2. Souvlaki

greek foodsSouvlaki is a meat dish marinated in olive oil and lemon, then grilled on a skewer. They are essentially the Greek version of kebabs. This delectable dish is one of the world’s oldest street foods, with origins as far back as 384 BC, around the time of Aristotle. In the Byzantine Empire, street vendors would sell souvlaki and pita. Today, you can enjoy this dish in shops throughout Greece and all around the globe.

3. Moussaka

Commonly considered a staple in Greek cuisine, moussaka is a baked meat-and-eggplant casserole smothered in béchamel sauce. It is widely believed that this dish originated when Arabs introduced eggplant to the Greeks. However, the first recipe for this food was not published until 1862. In 1920, a France-educated Greek chef named Nikos Tselementes added the French béchamel sauce to give the dish more European flair.

 

The next time you have a craving for delicious Greek food and a friendly atmosphere, visit Yia Yia’s Homemade Greek Food in New York, NY. Enjoy their array of classic Greek dishes, including souvlaki and moussaka, whether you dine-in, carry out, or have it delivered. They’re dedicated to using only high-quality ingredients and grandmother-approved recipes with thoughtful modern twists. To place an order for delivery, call them today at (212) 545-1210. You can also view their menu online.
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