A good vacation doesn’t always mean five-star accommodations or gourmet meals; sometimes a good old fashioned dish coupled with a warm welcome can make for an even better trip. And in Cyprus, get-togethers are definitely not complete without these homemade staples.
Koupepia
When you’re invited for lunch with a local family, it’s most likely that you’ll get to try this traditional dish. Koupepia is a complete meal in itself; made of minced meat, rice, onions, tomatoes, and a mix of herbs all wrapped in vine leaves, this village favorite is almost like Cypriot’s version of a grab-and-go meal. Rolled up and made ready for eating, visitors can conveniently enjoy Koupepia by using a fork or sometimes even by just picking one up and biting it.
Souvla
If there’s one Cypriot dish you absolutely have to try, it’s Souvla. These huge chunks of pork or lamb are dusted with salt and a mix of herbs, then roasted for a little over an hour under hot charcoal, until the meat is soft and tender. This homemade meal gives off a delicious aroma that can make even the most good-mannered guest salivate. Usually paired with a salad, bread or pita, Souvla is great on their own or with a splash of lemon and a sprinkle of salt.
Pastitsio
Make sure it’s your cheat day when you come out to eat with the locals because sticking to a low-carb diet will be nearly impossible, especially if they serve you a platter of their Pastitsio or oven baked macaroni. This lip-smacking meal is made of perfectly cooked pasta tubes mixed with ground meat; marinated in herbs and olive oil; then topped with a thick, rich layer of béchamel sauce; and grated halloumi. Baked to perfection, Pastitsio melts in your mouth with the perfect balance of salty and sweet, making every bite well worth extra calories.
Pourgouri
Another simple but tasty carb dish that’s been a staple in many Cypriot homes is Pourgouri. Primarily made with bulgar wheat, tomatoes, onion and vermicelli that are sautéed and boiled in chicken stock, Pourgouri is a popular side dish often served with meat.
Cypriot coffee
Brewed in long handled pots called mbrikia, this drink may come in tiny cups but it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. Its rich, strong brew is guaranteed to wake up all your senses. But be mindful of the thick, muddy layer that forms at the bottom of the cup and make sure not to drink it. And here’s an interesting trivia, some Cypriots even say fortune tellers even use this coffee residue to tell your future.
B-Star
Much like the city, restaurants have also become a melting pot of different flavors inspired from around the world. Case in point: B-star. This local favorite is known for serving wholesome food with influences from Thailand, China, Burma, India, Japan and California. One of the items they’re truly known for is their Tea Leaf Salad which became so in demand, that they started selling it in nearby grocery stores, too. But perhaps their greatest achievement lies in making bean sprouts, one of the most notoriously disliked vegetables, into something not just palatable but outrageously delicious. B-Star’s B Sprouts is legendary for making even the worst vegetable hater into a believer.
Dahtila Kirion
Think you know what great lady fingers taste like? Well Cypriot’s version will have you thinking otherwise! Crunchy on the outside and sweet on the inside, the Dahtila Kirion is made of a few simple ingredients namely: flour, honey and slivers of almonds. Fried until golden brown, what makes these delicate pastries so delectably addictive is the small burst of pure sweetness you get with every bite.
