Greek food is unlike any other type of cuisine in the world. Those who are passionate about it love the fresh ingredients and local spices that blend together into incredible flavors. Whether you’re planning to try it for the first time or are a self-proclaimed Greek cuisine enthusiast, learn some fun and little-known facts about it below.

Little-Known Greek Food Fun Facts

1. Lunch is the Biggest Meal

In the states, dinner is typically the large meal that families share together. For Greeks, that biggest meal is their mid-day meal, which they call mesimeriano. This is because shops and schools usually close down during the early afternoon, and everyone comes home to eat. They eat their mid-day meal a little later, around 2 pm, since they do not eat dinner until after 9 pm.

2. Greeks Use the Whole Animal

Rather than eating just the meat itself, Greeks tend to use the entire animal in their cooking. This includes the liver, brains, heart, eyeballs, and gut. Don’t worry; if you head to a Greek restaurant your meat dish likely won’t include these parts of the animal, but they are commonly found in families’ home cooking.

3. Olive Oil Is a Staple

When you think of olive oil, Greece may be the first country that comes to mind. This is because Greeks use it on just about every dish. They dip their bread in it, mix it into salads, cook their meat with it, and put it on their cheese. Olive oil isn’t just tasty. It has a great range of health benefits, from reducing your risk of heart disease to reducing oxidative stress!

Yia Yia’s Homemade Greek Food is your source for authentic dishes in New York, NY! They have become a favorite local spot due to their high-quality, fresh food at a reasonable price. Whether you’re in the mood for souvlaki or a Greek salad, they have it available for dining in, takeout, and delivery. Place your order online or call them at (212) 545-1210 with any questions about their Greek food menu.