Cyprus's Delectable Cuisine

Cyprus has cuisine that will make your mouth water, as befits its varied background. Cyprus has kept a bit of everything, from Armenians and Syrians to their Greek and Persian monarchs; even Lebanese, French, Italian, and British influences can be found in Cypriot food. For tourists, the fact that they have incorporated the influences into their own culture is intriguing to observe. The climate in the country is ideal for growing fruits and vegetables, and the people know how to appreciate them, so whether it's a Moussaka or raw vegetables, the food is always wonderful and always fresh.

Cyprus is a land rich in resources. The majority of homes have learned to produce the majority of their own food. While the major meals and even serving styles stay consistent, Cypriot cuisine is influenced by seasonal availability and religious festivals. Visit the nation in September for the wine tasting festival, where there is lots of free wine, or take a tour during the New Year celebrations, when the ‘Vasilopitta,' an unique cake for the occasion, is offered... If you find the coin in your slice of ‘Vasilopitta,' luck will be on your side for the next year, or so the legend goes.

The ‘mezze' is perhaps the most intriguing method of serving in Cyprus. A worthy appetite is required for the combination of up to thirty meals served in little saucer-like plates. The natives are incredibly friendly, almost to the point of being overly so. It is only fair that you try everything when they offer you a ‘meze,' so even eating is an art; you don't want to run out of space by eating too much of one thing.

When it comes to meat, the Cypriots are obviously passionate. There are religious fasts that limit the use of meat in food, thus individuals who are fasting consume vegetables for nearly half of the year for various reasons. If you prefer vegetarian cuisine, most restaurants and bars would gladly accommodate your request. Dolmades (minced meat and rice stuffed in vine leaves), Tava (meat, herbs, and onion stew), and Kebabs (spiced and skewered meat pieces grilled over charcoal fire) are some of the most popular meat meals in Cyprus; try them all and you'll still be hungry!

Coffee is, of course, the local national beverage. However, in Cyprus, kafenes, or coffee shops, are still exclusively for men. Farmers stop by before and after work to enjoy a cup of coffee while catching up on village news. Women and children are only allowed on exceptional occasions, such as when the villages are treated to a puppet performance or other form of entertainment. Women, on the other hand, have their ‘sketo,' ‘metrio,' or ‘glyko,' which are all types of coffee with differing amounts of sugar, at home.