Greek Food Vocabulary & Culture

Greek food isn’t just about recipes – it’s about connection, time, and sharing. Understanding food vocabulary helps you understand Greece itself.

Coffee Culture (Very Important in Greece)

Key Words

• Καφές – coffee
• Ελληνικός καφές – Greek coffee
• Φραπέ – iced instant coffee
• Φρέντο εσπρέσο / καπουτσίνο – iced espresso / cappuccino

Coffee in Greece is slow. One coffee can last hours.

Πάμε για καφέ; (Let’s go for coffee)
Meaning: Let’s talk, relax, and spend time together.

Eating Together: Meze Culture

Useful Vocabulary

• Μεζέδες – small shared dishes
• Μοιραζόμαστε – we share
• Δοκιμάζουμε – we try

Food is placed in the middle. Everyone tastes everything.

Ordering individually is less common than sharing.

Ordering at a Taverna

Common Phrases

• Τι προτείνετε; – What do you recommend?
• Να πάρουμε… – Shall we get…?
• Για τη μέση – To share
• Τον λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ – The bill, please

The waiter often suggests dishes – and that’s normal.

Drinking & Toasting

Key Words

• Στην υγειά μας! – Cheers!
• Κρασί – wine
• Ούζο / Τσίπουρο – traditional spirits

Toasting is social. Eye contact matters.

When Greeks Eat

• Lunch: 2–4 pm
• Dinner: 9–11 pm
• Sunday lunch: long, loud, and family-centered

Foreigners often eat “too early”.

Desserts & Hospitality

• Γλυκό – dessert
• Κέρασμα – treat (offered, often free)

If someone says: Κερνάω εγώ! They insist on paying.

Learning Greek through food is one of the fastest ways to feel local!