You might wander along the sun-kissed cliffs of Santorini, bask in the island’s world-famous sunsets, and explore its captivating ancient ruins. Yet, if you don’t savor the local cuisine, you’re missing out on a significant part of the Santorinian experience. To truly grasp the island’s culinary passion, there’s one straightforward approach: savor it all! Or at least, begin with some of the most famous foods in Santorini!
These seven examples of famous food in Santorini are the perfect way to fall in love with Greek cooking. To simplify your quest, we’ve gone the extra mile and provided a suggested spot or two where you can taste each delectable morsel. Kali oreksi (enjoy your meal).
The most famous foods in Santorini and where to try it…
1. Santorini Tomato Fritters
Santorini Tomato Fritters, known locally as “Tomatokeftedes,” are a one of the most famous foods in Santorini. Made from the finest Santorinian tomatoes, these fritters are a savory indulgence, bursting with the rich, sweet taste of the sun-soaked Mediterranean. They are often seasoned with aromatic herbs, shaped into patties, and lightly fried to golden perfection. With each crispy bite, you’ll experience a delightful blend of flavors that mirrors the island’s unique terroir.
Where to Try Them: As arguably the most famous of all Santorini dishes, you’ll find Santorini Tomato Fritters on many restaurant and taverna menus. The Cave of Nicholas in Akrotiri have some of the best we’ve tasted. In Pyrgos village, Penelope’s has been making this recipe for years and well worth a visit. If you fancy making them at home, check out this recipe
2. Santorinian Salad aka Greek Salad
A Santorini salad is a Greek salad that typically includes ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, Kalamata olives, capers, feta cheese, oregano, and extra virgin olive oil. It’s a delicious and refreshing dish often served in Mediterranean cuisine. In Santorini, you’ll often see capers added, and Santorinian tomatoes are commonly used in this regional variation of the salad.
Where to Try the Santorini Salad: literally this salad will be on most menus as it’s one of the most popular and famous foods in Santorini.
3. Fava beans
Santorini fava, a cherished specialty of the island, is a creamy yellow split pea puree that tantalizes the taste buds with its rich and earthy flavor. What makes Santorini fava truly unique is the volcanic soil of the island, which imparts a distinctive sweetness to the legumes. Typically served as an appetizer or side dish, it’s often accompanied by a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a generous sprinkle of capers, red onions, and fresh herbs. Fava is definately one of the most famou foods in Santorini and a must try.
Where to try Fava: Try the fava at Metaksi Mas, one of the best restuarants on the island. Or To Psaraki which specialises in fish and seafood.
4. Santorini White Eggplant
Santorini white eggplant, known as “tsakoniki aubergine,” is a prized ingredient on the island. These small, round, white-skinned eggplants have a sweet, mild flavor and creamy texture. They feature in various dishes, including “Melitzanes Papoutsakia,” where they’re stuffed with a mixture of minced meat, tomatoes, herbs, and spices and baked. They’re also used in dips and moussaka, or simply grilled or fried as a delightful side dish. The unique taste and texture of Santorini white eggplant add a special touch to the island’s cuisine, making it a culinary highlight for visitors.
Where to try White Aubergine: We loved the baked white aubergine with tomato sauce at Metaksi Mas.
5. Chloro Cheese
Santorini’s traditional local cheese, known as “Chlorotiri,” is crafted in limited quantities from goat’s or sheep’s milk by local artisans.
It boasts a delightfully creamy texture with a hint of sourness, and you’re bound to encounter it as part of at least one of your meals while on Santorini!
Chloro cheese is commonly enjoyed on slices of bread or incorporated into a fresh salad. A culinary must-try! This unique cheese variety is produced in very small quantities and is exclusive to Santorini, making it a one-of-a-kind delight in all of Greece.
Where to try Chloro cheese: this doesn’t appear on all restaurant menus, despite being local. One place that does have it and a great selection of other local foods is the Cave of Nicholas in Akrotiri.
6. Santorini Cucumber (Katsounia)
Santorini’s Katsouni cucumbers are small in size and often grow in a curved or twisted shape. They have a thick skin, which helps them thrive in the island’s arid climate, as it acts as a protective shield against the strong sun. The skin is typically mottled, featuring both light and dark green areas.
What truly makes Katsouni cucumbers special is their flavor. They are renowned for their sweetness, which is attributed to the unique growing conditions of the island. The combination of volcanic soil and sea breezes contributes to their delicious taste.
These cucumbers are enjoyed fresh, often in salads where their natural sweetness can shine. They can also be pickled to preserve their unique flavor for use throughout the year.
7. Santorini Tomato Paste
Santorini Tomato Paste is a rich and flavorful concentrate of the island’s prized tomatoes, renowned for their sweet, sun-ripened taste. Prior to the 1956 earthquake, Santorini was home to 13 active tomato paste factories. Today, this tradition endures, and local restaurants blend Santorini’s tomato paste with olive oil, salt, capers, basil, and oregano to create a delectable spread served alongside a basket of fresh bread.
Where to taste Santorini tomato paste: Head to Brusco in Pyrgos square, order wine and they’ll bring you some complimentary.
If you’re a food lover like we here, check out these restaurants in Pyrgos village.
