What to expect from local Cyprus cuisine

The beautiful Mediterranean island of Cyprus is a popular tourist destination because of the pristine beaches, rich vineyards, crystal blue waters, and sightseeing destinations. The best part of the Cyprus experience is the food and drink offered on the island.

Meze
The local fare is best described as having Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern influence and flavor. But the unique element of Cyprus food is it is always fresh. The finest introduction into Cyprus cuisine is Meze, which is a sampling of several different dishes that include Hummus, Tashi (garlic dip), Stifado (tender beef stew), Artichoke salad, olives, and numerous other traditional dishes. Meze is the perfect way to sample traditional Cyprus food.

Main Dishes
Afelia
Some of the most enticing main dishes include Afelia, which is slowly cooked pork marinated and cooked in red wine and crushed coriander seed. Afelia is served with Bulgar, a type of wheat cereal, and yogurt.

Kleftiko
Kleftiko (which mean “stolen meat” in Greek) is lamb wrapped in parchment paper, slowly roasted and flavored with garlic, oregano or rosemary, and lemon juice. The lamb is roasted in a clay oven that is sealed so the meat turns out tender and juicy.

Koupepia
Koupepia are grape or vine leaves stuffed with a variety of vegetables. Koupepia may also be meat filled. Meat filled Koupepia are usually served hot and vegetable filled Koupepia are served cold with yogurt. The combination of vegetables in Koupepia may include chopped onion, tomato, peppers, and eggplant. Meat filling for Koupepia may include minced lamb or beef and often seafood like mackerel, squid, and mussels.

Lountza
Lountza is a very traditional dish made of marinated pork tenderloin. The pork loin is soaked in brine and marinated in red wine, salt, coriander, black pepper, and cumin for about 14 days. Next, the pork tenderloin is dried and smoked. Lountza is served sliced with Zivania, which is a unique distilled alcohol drink that is made from the pomace of grapes (meat of the grapes after pressing) that is clear with a distinctive scent of raisins. Lountza may be served in salads but makes very popular sandwiches.

Drinks
Cyprus is famous for having over 100 different varieties of grapes growing in vineyards located in the foothills of Mount Olympus. Wine production in Cyprus dates back to 2000 BC. The most famous locally produced wine is Commamdaria that dates back over a thousand years. The most popular locally produced beer in Cyprus is called KEO, which is a light colored lager with a pilsner taste. Cypriot distilled spirits are Zivana, a clear alcohol with a hint of raisins, and Five Kings brandy produced from Cyprus grapes and aged in oak for no less than 15 years.