A little knowledge of Cypriot food makes a menu much easier to navigate. These ten dishes and food traditions are a starting point, rather than a promise that every taverna serves them every day. Ask what the kitchen is preparing and which portions work for your table.
Grilled favourites
1. Halloumi
Halloumi is the island’s well-known cheese, served in many ways including grilled and in sandwiches. It contains dairy, so it is not a vegan option.
2. Souvlaki
Souvlaki is meat cooked on skewers. Check which meat is offered and whether the order is a pitta, a plated meal or part of a mixed selection.
3. Sheftalia
Sheftalia are seasoned minced-meat parcels wrapped in caul fat and cooked on the grill. Ask about the meat used if you have a preference or restriction.
Slow cooking and sharing
4. Kleftiko
Kleftiko is associated with slowly cooked lamb. Preparation takes time, so ask whether it is available on the day rather than assuming it can be ordered at every service.
5. Meze
Meze is a style of serving a selection of dishes, not one recipe. Meat and fish menus differ; the number of dishes, minimum order and price are set by each restaurant.
6. Tava
Tava is an oven-cooked dish with regional variations. Read the restaurant’s description for the meat, vegetables and other ingredients rather than expecting one universal version.
More traditional flavours
7. Kolokasi
Kolokasi is taro, often used in a cooked dish with vegetables and sometimes meat. It is not simply another name for potato.
8. Loukanika
Loukanika are sausages; recipes and curing styles vary. Ask about the ingredients if you avoid pork or alcohol used in preparation.
9. Afelia
Afelia is a pork dish associated with red wine and coriander. It is a useful name to recognise when comparing cooked dishes with grilled mains.
10. Loukoumades
Loukoumades are small fried dough balls served sweet, commonly with syrup or honey. Check the preparation and topping if you have dietary requirements.
Where to start exploring
Use our Limassol meze guide or Larnaca taverna guide to plan a meal. The Mediterranean collection is another route into the restaurant directory, while our cuisine guide helps you compare other styles of food.
For recipes and background, the Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Tourism publishes local recipes and information about halloumi. Actual restaurant recipes may differ; a dish name alone does not establish its ingredients.
