Santorini's must-try dishes and specialties

Its unique geography, climate, and old customs all play a significant role in its rich culinary heritage. Thanks to the volcanic soil, dry climate, and proximity to the sea, this Aegean jewel produces some of the most distinctive goods. These ingredients have given rise to Santorini’s famous traditional dishes, which are a must-try. Listed below, you will find a few of the widely recognized, flavor-filled Santorinian foods, which you should indulge in when you visit this Aegean gem.

Fava

Fava is one of Santorini’s most iconic traditional dishes. It is a puree, made from a variety of yellow split peas, cultivated on the island for more than 3,500 years. This dish stands out for the rich and unusual flavor of the peas, which are a result of Santorini's peculiar volcanic soil and dry climate.

To prepare fava, the split peas are boiled with onion, garlic, olive oil until softened and then blended to make a creamy puree, seasoned often with just salt and pepper. It is served warm with extra virgin olive oil, onions and capers. Perfect for a light meal, along with some pita bread.

Fava is the absolute must-try during your stay in Santorini; it truly captures the essence of the island's gastronomic culture.

Fava Dip

Ntomatokeftedes (Tomato Fritters)

Ntomatokeftedes, is a beloved traditional dish, which includes the renowned cherry tomatoes from the island. These tomatoes thrive in Santorini’s climate, developing an intense flavor and sweetness that make these fritters especially delicious.

Chopped cherry tomatoes are combined with flour, onions, fresh herbs such as oregano and mint, and occasionally grated zucchini or feta cheese to make a batter. After that, the mixture is spooned into heated olive oil and cooked until it turns golden brown on the outside and crisp on the inside while still being juicy and soft. They are typically served as a meze (small dish), along with some tzatziki or a simple yogurt sauce.

This is one of those perfect examples of how Santorini's unique produce can be turned into something simple and full of flavor.

Ntomatokeftedes (Tomato Fritters)

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Melitzanosalata (Eggplant Dip)

Melitzanosalata is a Greek dip made with eggplant, especially popular in Santorini and generally in the Aegean. This is one dish that might be considered a staple on Greek meze plates as it showcases deep flavors from the roasted eggplant.

Firstly, the main ingredient, eggplant, is roasted either in the oven or over an open flame until the flesh becomes tender and the skin darkens. The eggplant develops a smokey flavor from this roasting process. Then once it’s roasted, it is blended with olive oil, garlic, lemon & fresh herbs. Lastly, served with warm pita bread making it a perfect dish for sharing with your loved ones.

It's also an excellent excuse to sample some of Santorini's local vegetables, especially the distinctive white eggplant kinds that are grown there.

Melitzanosalata (Eggplant Dip)

Skordomakaronada (Garlic Pasta)

Skordomakaronada is a traditional and flavorful dish from Santorini, blending the island's vibrant flavors with pasta, garlic, tomato, and olive oil in perfect harmony. It is often described as a deliciously simple comfort food dish that shows just how fundamental fresh ingredients are to the Mediterranean diet.

Once the pasta is cooked-usually spaghetti-it goes into the pan with the already roasted garlic cloves and tomato sauce. Then everything is evenly mixed, sprinkled with a touch of fresh parsley, and crowned with a bit of cheese, such as kefalotyri or feta. You can enjoy this simple but flavourfull creation by itself or as a side dish to your meats or fish.

This is one of those dishes that allow its flavors to shine through due its simplycity. If you love garlic and pasta, then this dish is for you!

Skordomakaronada

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We could go on describing Santorini's numerous savory specialties. However, let's not forget the fact that Santorini also has to offer some incredible sweet delicacies. These tasty treats are made with simple ingredients that once combined create some of the heartiest deserts you are likely to crave long after you leave the island.

Melitinia

Melitinia are Santorinian sweet pastries that are traditionally made during celebrations, especially Easter. These delicious pastries are a treasured part of the island's culinary legacy, famous for their distinctive aroma and soft texture.

The dough is usually prepared with flour, water & olive oil. The fillings are made up of mizithra cheese, to which sugar is added, together with vanilla and lemon zest for extra flavor.

Once baked, they are dusted with powder sugar, to enjoy warm or at room temperature. Melitinia offers a delightful combination of flavors, with the sweetness of the filling contrasting with the subtle richness of the dough. Tasting them is a must for experiencing the island's vibrant culture and delicious cuisine.

Melitinia

Kopania

Among the most famous traditional sweets of Santorini is kopania, eaten usually as a snack or dessert. These sweets offer an excellent combination of flavors and textures, as they are made with simple and healthy ingredients. Its basic ingredients include flour, dried figs or raisins, sesame seeds, olive oil, honey & nuts.

Once they are mixed and shaped into small balls, they are baked until golden brown, resulting in a chewy texture with a nutty flavor from the sesame seeds. Kopania is usually consumed with coffee or tea. This pastry is more famous during special occasions or festivals, which gives evidence of the tradition being maintained on the island.

Kopania

Koufeto

Traditional koufeto is a dessert or a sweet snack served on specific occasions like weddings as it represents love and fertility. At the same time, however, it can be a very pleasant snack with coffee or tea.

It is made with toasted almonds or walnuts poured into boiling syrup combined with honey and cinnamon. Once it has cooled down, it is served on a big plate to be shared among everyone. The sweet, sticky texture and the combination of nuts and spices make it a unique and memorable treat.

Koufeto

Mpouse

Mpouse truffles are one of the most popular traditional Santorini sweets, usually eaten as a snack or dessert. Simple ingredients are combined to create a rich flavor and smooth texture in these delicious nibbles. Almond meal, crushed  biscuits, chocolate, and orange blossom water are their primary ingredients.

After being combined, they are formed into tiny balls and dusted with sugar, producing a distinctive confection that has a subtle floral flavor from the orange blossom water. They highlight a beloved Santorini custom and are frequently served during celebratory gatherings.

Mpouse Santorinis

Greek & Mediterranean cuisine

Santorini boasts an impressive array of local products and ingredients, each with a unique flavor that reflects the island's volcanic soil and climate.

When visiting Santorini, don’t miss the opportunity to savor the best of Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. Indulge in classics like choriatiki greek salad, freshly caught fish and seafood, flavorful souvlaki and the well-known moussaka. Be sure to try local favorites like Santorini’s famous sausages and creamy tzatziki. While the full range of delicacies is vast, highlights include apochti (a rich cured pork),  chloro cheese (a rare, creamy treat), and also don’t forget the island’s unique white eggplant, known for its mild taste and tender texture, as well as the sweet, crisp local cucumbers (katsouni).

Lastly, no mention of Santorini’s culinary treasures would be complete without highlighting its famous wines, especially those made from the indigenous Assyrtiko grape, which carry the distinctive mineral notes of the island's volcanic terroir.

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Santorini offers a diverse selection of both savory and sweet delicacies, ensuring something for every taste. Its culinary scene caters to all dietary preferences, including meat lovers, pescatarians, vegetarians, and vegans. The whole philosophy is based on fresh, local ingredients, typical of the Mediterranean diet, well known all over the world for its flavors and nutritional value.