Whilst many people choose to move to Cyprus to enjoy the weather, the lower cost of living, the incredible historic sights and the slow pace of things, others relocate for the food! If you’re a would be expat and you’re a foodie who intends to call Cyprus home and it’s your intent to do, see and experience everything as a Cypriot might then you will find some incredible local foods and flavours.
Traditional foods in Cyprus are heavily influenced by the many cultures that have come into contact with this Mediterranean country over its long and varied history. Here expats will find very strong Turkish and Greek influences along with a host of others such as Syrian and Egyptian. To eat like a Cypriot does is to enjoy some of the best cuisine in the world and this is also good news for expats who understand that the best way to stretch a budget is to eat like the locals do.
Let’s explore some of the flavours that make Cyprus so special and some of the customs of eating that expats find themselves partaking in. Whilst it is possible to find cuisine from all over the world served up in restaurants in Cyprus, expats who really want to soak up the culture of Cyprus will find a few strong traditions guide meal times and eating.
When eating in a traditional Cypriot home or dining out in a local restaurant, expats will find their meals tend to include appetizers called meze. This stage of eating involves the serving of a whole host of appetizers with dipping sauces and cheeses. A basic Meze will include such things as feta cheese, celery, olives, artichokes, tomatoes, ham, fish roe, humus, octopus, tahini, flat bread and meat-stuffed vine leaves. Note, it is not customary to finish off every dish because then you will have left no room for your main course!
Main courses in Cyprus are quite heavily influenced by traditional Mediterranean cuisine and styling. Common meats served include lamb, beef, veal, pork (except in Northern Cyprus) and chicken. It is not out of the ordinary to see Italian-influenced dishes such as raviolis served alongside moussaka, kebabs and lamb stew either and fresh fish catches are also staples on Cypriot tables.
When it comes to having a sweet tooth the Cypriots are well known for theirs and for the incredible flavours served up for dessert as a result. It is not at all uncommon to find a host of fresh fruits served up after a meal, some of the most prevalent fruits to appear on tables include watermelon, citrus fruits, pomegranates, plums and figs. Nuts also are served following meals. In regard to actual desserts and pastries, be prepared for some incredible sweetness. Rich honey-based desserts such as baklava and kedeifi are common. So too are preserves of almonds, dates, grapes and cherries – better known as glyko.
Cyprus is also well known for its decent wines. In fact, the Commandaria variety of dessert wine is considered one of the oldest known in the world. Expats will find a wide variety of wines are produced locally. The country is also known for its localised brandy, which is really quite good.
One of the best ways to expatriate and really enjoy a cost of living saving is to learn to eat like the locals do and eat out where they patronise. If living in Cyprus is your dream, your stomach should not go hungry and your taste buds are likely to delight.
