The Greek Kitchen Glossary - Words and Terms Used in the Kitchen
Ingredients, pots, pans, and food expressions are explained and translated, along with a pronunciation guide.
A Matsaki of This, A Houfta of That
As with all culinary traditions, recipes evolve continuously, and taste combinations are reflective both of the cook and of the region. The vagaries in Greek recipes allow you a chance to use your own creativity and imagination.
As with all culinary traditions, recipes evolve continuously, and taste combinations are reflective both of the cook and of the region. The vagaries in Greek recipes allow you a chance to use your own creativity and imagination.
Asvesti
Greek recipes for traditional spoon sweets and some pickles may call for "asvesti." Learn about asvesti and how to use it.
Greek recipes for traditional spoon sweets and some pickles may call for "asvesti." Learn about asvesti and how to use it.
Briki
This special pot, used to make Greek coffee, came to Greece from Turkey where it is called an "ibrik."
This special pot, used to make Greek coffee, came to Greece from Turkey where it is called an "ibrik."
Gyro
Cooked on a vertical grill, then thinly sliced and wrapped in a pita sandwich, the gyro is classic Greek fast food.
Cooked on a vertical grill, then thinly sliced and wrapped in a pita sandwich, the gyro is classic Greek fast food.
Kali Orexi
Not exactly a cooking term, but certainly food-related, no meal should start without kali orexi.
Not exactly a cooking term, but certainly food-related, no meal should start without kali orexi.
Kolatsio
Although breakfast is not as popular a meal in Greece as it is in other countries, we make up for it with a kolatsio.
Although breakfast is not as popular a meal in Greece as it is in other countries, we make up for it with a kolatsio.
Lathera (Ladera)
Lathera (also spelled "ladera") dishes are defined by the sauce - and they are most often vegetarian. Learn more about these classic Greek dishes.
Lathera (also spelled "ladera") dishes are defined by the sauce - and they are most often vegetarian. Learn more about these classic Greek dishes.
Meze (plural: Mezethes)
There is a separate custom of serving food in Greece called meze. Not an appetizer, and not an hors d'oeuvre, learn more about the meze (plural mezethes) and how to serve it.
There is a separate custom of serving food in Greece called meze. Not an appetizer, and not an hors d'oeuvre, learn more about the meze (plural mezethes) and how to serve it.
Moussaka
One of the most well-known Greek dishes, moussaka can be made in many different ways to suit taste and dietary preferences. Learn more about moussaka.
One of the most well-known Greek dishes, moussaka can be made in many different ways to suit taste and dietary preferences. Learn more about moussaka.
Ouzeri
What is an Ouzeri? Learn about this traditional Greek establishment that can be found in every city, town, and village in Greece.
What is an Ouzeri? Learn about this traditional Greek establishment that can be found in every city, town, and village in Greece.
Pastitsio
Pastitsio has often been called the Greek lasagne, but while similar, there are significant differences. Learn more about pastitsio.
Pastitsio has often been called the Greek lasagne, but while similar, there are significant differences. Learn more about pastitsio.
Phyllo (Filo)
Used to make some of the most popular pastries and filled pies, phyllo is a staple for Greek baking.
Used to make some of the most popular pastries and filled pies, phyllo is a staple for Greek baking.
Pita, Pites (plural), Pitaki, Pitakia (plural)
The words "pita" (plural "pites") and their diminutives ("pitaki," "pitakia") are widely used in the names of Greek foods and should not be confused with "pita bread" which is entirely different. Learn about this Greek cooking basic.
The words "pita" (plural "pites") and their diminutives ("pitaki," "pitakia") are widely used in the names of Greek foods and should not be confused with "pita bread" which is entirely different. Learn about this Greek cooking basic.
Ryzi
Greek cookbooks mention different types of rice. To help translate recipes to English, use these definitions for the best rice for soups, pilaf, sweets, stuffings, and more.
Greek cookbooks mention different types of rice. To help translate recipes to English, use these definitions for the best rice for soups, pilaf, sweets, stuffings, and more.
Sagani / Saganaki
A "sagani" is the dish used to make Greek "saganaki" dishes. It is an oven- or stove-to table dish, usually containing servings for one or two.
A "sagani" is the dish used to make Greek "saganaki" dishes. It is an oven- or stove-to table dish, usually containing servings for one or two.
Siropiasta
Siropiasta describes some of the most famous Greek desserts and sweets.
Siropiasta describes some of the most famous Greek desserts and sweets.
Stifatho (Stifado)
Stifatho (also spelled "stifado") dishes are Greek classics, most often made on the stovetop although they can encompass oven dishes as well.
Stifatho (also spelled "stifado") dishes are Greek classics, most often made on the stovetop although they can encompass oven dishes as well.
Tapsi
A tapsi, used in preparing Greek food, is an essential pan in the kitchen of every Greek cook.
A tapsi, used in preparing Greek food, is an essential pan in the kitchen of every Greek cook.
Yiouvetsi / Gastra
These earthenware or fired clay baking dishes were traditionally used in wood-fired stoves, and are still used today.
These earthenware or fired clay baking dishes were traditionally used in wood-fired stoves, and are still used today.