Mediterranean Delight

Mediterranean food is heavenly. Being a vegetarian, many of the famous dishes were off limits but there were still some mouth watering delicacies waiting for me in Greece, Albania, Serbia and North Macedonia.

1) Tzatziki - is a dip or a sauce used as an appetizer. Made of salted yogurt mixed with cucumber, olive oil, garlic or with vinegar and herbs. Best had with bread which is complimentary.

2) Greek salad - made with pieces of tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, onion, feta cheese, olives and dressed with olive oil.

It can be had with greek pepper as well.

3) Carrot and Cabbage salad - tangy, crispy and crunchy. It is often served with bread.

4) Gyro - It is a non vegetarian dish but can be made without the meat. It includes tomatoes, onion, lettuce, tsatziki sauce, french fries wrapped in a pita bread.

It was one of my go-to dishes during the trip.

5) Different types of pies - cheese, spinach, veggies, meat. There are a lot of options.

6) Spanakopita - the Greek spinach pie.

7) Dolmadakia - The stuffed grape leaves (with rice) is one of the most iconic recipes of Greek cuisine. Generously dipped in olive oil and eaten with bread, I loved its unique taste.

8) Bean stew or vegetable stew with rice/bread -

9) Falafel with hummus and salad - the eternal favorite.

10) Burek - the Serbian version of pie, it comes in different flavors but the one with local cheese is my favorite.

11) Gemista - tomatoes and peppers stuffed with rice.

12) Tufahije - a Balkan dessert made of walnut stuffed apples stewed in sugar water. Very different and takes some time getting used to.