A Guide to Greek Mealtimes and Siesta.
Breakfast 08.00 – 10.00
Lunch 13.00 – 15.00
Dinner 21.00 – …😉🍷
Greece is a country that is well-known for its delicious cuisine and the Mediterranean diet. But have you ever wondered when Greeks typically eat each meal? In this article, we’ll explore the timing of Greek meals and some of the traditions surrounding them.
Breakfast in Greece is usually a light meal that is eaten early in the morning. It typically consists of bread, butter, jam, and coffee or tea. Some Greeks also enjoy fruits a bowl of yogurt with honey and nuts or a pastry like spanakopita.
Lunch is the main meal of the day in Greece and is typically eaten between 1 pm and 3 pm. It usually consists of several courses, starting with a salad* or meze (small dishes) like olives, tzatziki, or fava. The main course might include fish, vegetables, traditional pasta or potatoes, or rice.
A big love of Greeks is also legumes, lentils in soups or salads, giant beans in the oven, and chickpeas as spreads, are the main dishes that we eat at least two times per week.
Dessert might be a piece of fruit (apples, pears with cinnamon and honey) or a sweet like baklava, or orange pie.
*Villagers salad: Tomatoes, cucumber, onion, feta cheese, olives, olive oil and oregano.
*Dakos salad: Cretan round barley rusks, feta cheese tomatoes, olives, olive oil, and oregano.
*Watermelon salad: Watermelon, cherry tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, olive oil and fresh oregano.
Dinner in Greece is usually a lighter meal and is eaten later in the evening, around 9 pm or later. It might consist of a simple salad or meze with bread, followed by a light main course like soup, pasta, or grilled vegetables. Greeks also enjoy a glass of wine or ouzo with their meal, which is often served with olives and feta cheese.
One important tradition in Greece is the siesta, which is a midday rest period that lasts from about 2 pm to 5 pm. During this time, many businesses and shops close, and people take a break from their work to eat lunch and rest. This tradition is still practiced in some parts of Greece today.
In conclusion, Greek meals are an important part of the country’s culture and traditions. Breakfast is usually a light meal, lunch is the main meal of the day, and dinner is a lighter meal eaten later in the evening. The siesta is an important midday break that allows people to rest and recharge. So if you’re planning a trip to Greece, be sure to experience the delicious cuisine and mealtime traditions of our beautiful country.
