Food in Heraklion, Crete: One of the main reasons you will constantly seek a reason to visit the Cretan capital. Undoubtedly, the island of Crete is a blessed place! The same goes for its gastronomy: Delicious delicacies, exquisite dishes, and traditional dishes so delicious that you forget your name. If someone knows how to cook and, of course, eat, it’s the Cretans, especially the people of Heraklion!
Food in Heraklion, Crete, is something unique and special. No matter how demanding you are when it comes to food, in Heraklion, you won’t know where to start! The capital of Crete offers a wide variety of gastronomic options for every taste, leaving no one unmoved. Among the most popular traditional dishes of Crete, we present to you those that you must definitely try!
Food in Heraklion, Crete – Must choice 1: Sioufichta
Sioufichta is a type of traditional pasta and one of the top dishes of Cretan cuisine. Whether you encounter them as ‘sioufichta’, ‘skioufichta’, or ‘zymenia’, they will be equally delicious! In Cretan dialect, the verb “skioufizo” means to twist. Therefore, they could also be called “strifita”! The preparation of sioufichta pasta is quite simple as it is made with strips of dough rather than sheets. The twisted shape, which is the trademark, is achieved by twisting the pieces of dough while they are still fresh. In Heraklion, Crete, they have taken it to another level in terms of the production process of sioufichta. They have such a flavor that they will… twist in your mind forever!
Food in Heraklion, Crete – Must choice 2: Snails
The only sure thing is that the -well-known to all- Cretan snails could easily constitute an entire section of a cookbook. But why are they so popular? Firstly, for their high nutritional value, as they are rich in proteins. Additionally, they are very tasty, and the combinations are endless: boiled, stewed, with barley, with rice, and even as… snail pie! Snails are firmly present in the daily lives of Cretans and Heraklion locals, and they are even mentioned in… traditional songs!
A characteristic example:
The Cretan abroad, how much money he doesn’t give,
to find stewed snails to eat with vinegar!
Food in Heraklion Crete – Must choice 3: Muffel
Bamielidiko is an exquisite appetizer of Heraklion, Crete, which is almost unknown in mainland Greece. It’s an alternative way of cooking beans, where they remain crispy and quite sour with plenty of vinegar and lemon juice. They strongly resemble pickled vegetables and are an excellent accompaniment to raki!
Food in Heraklion Crete – Must choice 4: Tzoulamas
Tzoulamas is a traditional recipe from Heraklion, specifically from Messara, with roots dating back hundreds of years. It’s a pie that harmoniously combines savory and sweet flavors, creating explosions of taste on the palate. It includes raisins, sweetbreads, pistachios, almonds, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar.
Heraklion, Crete, and its wonderful food are waiting for you!
One thing separates you from tasting one by one the unique traditional dishes of Heraklion, Crete: Buying your ticket! Book your ticket now on our online platform and… prepare your taste buds for the best to come! Visit now the gastronomic paradise called ‘Heraklion, Crete’ via FAST FERRIES by purchasing your tickets here.
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