Taste of Greece: 5 Must Try Foods on Paros Island

Greek culinary traditions rule the food scene on the island of Paros where you can enjoy the culture of cozy, laid-back, family-run tavernas, locally-sourced ingredients that form a healthy Mediterranean diet, fresh seafood (as you’d expect on an island!), and a vibrant café culture. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the local food with views over the Aegean Sea.

You’ll find that Greek people really value hospitality (sometimes giving free bread or olives to restaurant guests) and their food-related traditions are important. Eating, as in many European countries, is really seen as a time for community and family. There’s a strong meze culture here where small dishes are shared as appetizers. Meals are often served “family-style” where everyone shares, and it’s common for a group to linger at a table for hours, chatting and enjoying their food slowly, sometimes with live music. Tipping tends to be around 10-15% if not already included on the bill.

Don’t miss these top foods to try while you’re studying abroad on Paros Island:

1. OCTOPUS. Freshly caught octopus is a real treat. It’s prepared in different ways, but one of the most common is marinating it in olive oil, lemon, garlic and herbs so it becomes tender, and then grilling it to add a taste of smokiness. It’s also used in salads and stews.

2. LADENIA. From the nearby island of Kimolos, ladenia is a popular Greek dish that’s regularly found on menus in Paros. It could be compared to a flatbread or pizza with thinly sliced tomatoes, red onions, olive oil and oregano and thyme. It’s baked and served crispy and golden.

3. GREEK SALAD. Made with locally sourced ingredients – everything from the tomatoes to the olive oil, nothing beats a big fresh Greek salad – or  “Horiatiki” as it’s known locally - eaten in Greece! They include tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, Kalamata olives, green peppers, and of course feta cheese. Top with oregano, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, and enjoy.

4. SANTORINIO. A traditional dessert in Paros is santorinio. It’s made with a local soft creamy cheese in layers of crispy phyllo dough, sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s served drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon. Eat it like a local by complementing its flavors with a strong Greek coffee!

5. PARIAN HONEY. Greek has a long history of honey production and Paros has its own local specialty made from the nectar of plants grown on the island—for example, thyme or wildflowers. It has a rich herbal flavor and you’ll find it drizzled over Greek yogurt or fresh bread, as a sweetner in desserts, paired with cheeses, or used in drinks, like tea. Pick some up in a local market and give your breakfast a boost.

There are many other delicious, interesting, and unusual foods to try when you study abroad on Paros Island: Olives and olive oil, taramasalata (dip), moussaka (eggplant and meat casserole), souvlaki (skewers of grilled meat), local Parian cheese (like mizithra, xynomyzithra, or graviera), dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), Kolokythokeftedes (zucchini fritters), fresh fish and other types of fresh seafood to name a few.    

Have pics of something you’ve eaten abroad that you can’t easily find at home? Tag us on Instagram at @ASAStudyAbroad or #AwayWithASA. We’d love to see! Kalí órexi!