If France in the gastronomy guides means “fondue”, Italy means “pizza” and Germany means “sausages”, then Greece is undoubtedly listed under h for “horiatiki” (Greek salad) or s for “souvlaki”. But that is just the stereotype; for Greek cuisine is much more than the moussaka-souvlaki-and-horiatiki-with-feta cliché!
Take Mykonos for example: there is something more to this amazing island than its fascinating coastline and infamous nightlife. Greece is full of long sandy beaches, azure blue waters, and picturesque whitewashed houses; yet in Mykonos there is a special kind of energy in the air that makes everything look brighter, taste better, feel more exciting.
Foodwise, Mykonos is just the place to try mouthwatering local dishes and delicacies, both in traditional tavernas and high-end, elegant multi-awarded restaurants, either in the main town (Chora) or in villages like Ano Mera. Just make sure that at the end of your stay you will have tasted at least some of the unique products that this earthly paradise has to offer:
- Kopanisti, a spicy, aromatic soft white cheese that perfectly pairs with small tomatoes, freshly baked bread, olives, and extra virgin olive oil. This is a perfect alternative to the emblematic “horiatiki” salad!
- Ksinotiri, a sour cheese made by fermenting and straining buttermilk and then left out in the sun to firm. Ksinotiri is ideal both for salads and pasta.
- Louza, spiced and cooked pork served in thin slices. Made in the first months of the winter it is left out to dry under the sun, then marinated with aromatic spices. After it matures, this notorious local delicacy can be stored in the freezer until the summer.
- Mykonos sausage is also famous for its taste. Made from pork it has little to no fat. It is seasoned with salt, pepper and oregano and is then left out to dry.
- Finally, do not miss the opportunity to try the traditional mostra appetizer; a combination of rusk, kopanisti cheese, fresh ripe tomato, extra virgin olive oil, oregano, capers, and olives! Along with a glass of ouzo with ice or white cold wine, mostra is the perfect entry dish after a long day on the beach.
- As for dessert, ask for the exceptional Mykonian “melopita”; a pie made from cheese & local fine honey!
No matter what your plans are, don’t miss the chance to taste the local cuisine. And remember: if you stay with us at M Mykonos Villas, you can always ask for a hearty breakfast to kick-start your day or for a private chef to cook for you.
One thing is for sure: in Mykonos, you will never leave your stomach growling!
