Vegan food in Greece, are you planning to visit Greece and you are getting discouraged by all the Authentic meaty foods known as gyros, moussaka, pastitsio, etc around Greece? I have great news for you!! Actually, in Greece, there is a BIG variety of Traditional Vegan dishes to try. Despite that few Greeks are aware of the world of Veganism lots of Greek foods and Greek Desserts are originally Vegan. Also if you are vegetarian in Greece you will enjoy this Guide.

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If you visit a Greek restaurant and ask for Vegan dishes, most probably (90%), mainly in Islands and small towns, people will stare at you without having any idea what are you talking about. To make it worse many of the serving people there are not even aware of the ingredients in the served dishes. Sorry, but this is the truth.

It reminded me of one day when I visited a bakery and asked for dairy-free cookies. The lady at the store was very happy about their delicious vegan cookies and offered me a free sample. I took a bite and discovered that inside were pieces of small milky chocolates. I informed her that those cookies were not vegan as they were milky chocolates. Her answer? "Oh, it's ok! Little bits of pieces of milk chocolates don't matter, our cookies are vegan". See? So be aware.

Study the article below, print the list I have provided along with the Greek instructions and you are ready for your next dream vacation in Greece!

Be aware: When you ask for a dish please specify that you are Vegan because, in some of them, they sprinkle cheese on the top of the dish. Below you can find a card translated into Greek mentioning your diet restrictions to your waiter. 

Main Dishes - Vegan in Greece

Ladera cooked with lots of Olive oil (Vegetables)

Gemista Greek

My favorite summer Greek dish!! It's stuffed vegetables (tomatoes, eggplants, green long pumpkins, pumpkin flowers, potatoes, and green peppers) with rice and herbs, baked in an oven along with pieces of potatoes. Be careful! There is a version with minced meat also, so just make sure you order the meatless one.

Gemista Recipe by Akis Petretzikis --> Here

Mpriam  

Mpriam, also known as briam or tourlou, is a traditional Greek dish that is popular both in Greece and in other Mediterranean countries. It is a vegetable-based dish typically made with a variety of seasonal vegetables, olive oil, herbs, and spices. While it is not inherently vegan, it can easily be adapted to fit a vegan diet by omitting any non-vegan ingredients that may be traditionally used.

Mpriam Recipe by Maninio -> Here

Imam 

Vegan Imam Bayildi is a variation of the traditional Turkish and Greek dish that features stuffed eggplant but without any animal products.

Imam Recipe by Lazy Cat Kitchen -> Here

Greek Giant Beans

Gigantes Plaki, also known as Greek baked giant beans, is a delicious and hearty vegan dish that is popular in Greek cuisine. It features large white beans, such as butter beans or lima beans, cooked in a rich tomato sauce with various herbs and spices.

Gigantes Recipe by My Greek Dish -> Here

Mpamies

Mpamies" is the Greek name for okra, a vegetable with a distinctive shape and texture. Okra is widely used in Mediterranean and Greek cuisine, and there are various delicious vegan recipes featuring this vegetable. One popular Greek dish is "Bamies Laderes," which translates to "oil-based okra.

Mpamies Recipe by My Greek Dish -> Here

Arakas Laderos

"Arakas" is the Greek name for peas, and "Arakas Laderos" is a traditional Greek dish that translates to "oil-based peas." It's a simple and flavorful vegan dish that features peas cooked in a tomato-based sauce with herbs and spices.

Arakas Recipe by Olive Tomato -> Here

Fasolakia Ladera

Fasolakia" is the Greek name for green beans, and it refers to a popular Greek dish that features these beans as the main ingredient. Fasolakia is often prepared with tomatoes, onions, and various herbs and spices to create a flavorful vegan dish.

Fasolakia Recipe by The Mediterranean Dish -> Here

Dolmadakia

"Dolmadakia" or "dolmades" are popular Greek appetizers made from grape leaves stuffed with a flavorful filling. While traditional dolmadakia often contains a mixture of rice, ground meat, and herbs, there are vegan versions available that replace the meat with a plant-based alternative or omit it entirely.

Dolmadakia Recipe by The Hellenic Deli -> Here

Pies

Vegan Spanakopita  

Vegan spanakopita is a delicious plant-based version of the traditional Greek dish that typically includes spinach and feta cheese encased in flaky phyllo pastry. In this vegan adaptation, the feta cheese is replaced with a vegan alternative or omitted, while the spinach filling remains flavorful and satisfying.

For the recipe click Here -> Spinach pie with homemade phyllo

Kolokithopita  

Pumpkin pie mainly is made with eggs and cheese but some restaurants especially during Lent, make it in a Vegan version. You can also find it in a sweet version made with raisins.

Manitaropita  

Manitaropita is a Greek mushroom pie that is typically made with a flaky phyllo pastry and a savory mushroom filling. While traditional manitaropita recipes may include eggs or dairy, it can easily be adapted to a vegan version.

Grains & Legumes 

Fasolada

Fasolada is a traditional Greek bean soup that is both hearty and nutritious. It is often considered the national dish of Greece and is commonly enjoyed during the colder months. Fasolada is typically made with white beans, vegetables, herbs, and olive oil

Fasolada Recipe by The Akis Petretzikis -> Here

Fakes

"Fakes" is the Greek name for lentil soup, which is a popular and nutritious dish in Greek cuisine. It is a simple and flavorful vegan soup that typically includes lentils, vegetables, herbs, and spices.

Fakes Recipe by My Greek Dish -> Here

Revithia

Revithia, also known as Revithia Soupa or Greek chickpea soup, is a popular and comforting dish in Greek cuisine. It is a vegan soup made primarily with chickpeas and flavored with herbs, spices, and vegetables.

Spanakorizo

Spanakorizo is a classic Greek dish that combines spinach and rice to create a flavorful and hearty vegan meal. It is a simple and nutritious dish commonly enjoyed in Greece.

Laxanorizo

Laxanorizo, also known as Greek cabbage rice, is a flavorful and comforting vegan dish made with cabbage and rice. It's a simple and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish.

Prasorizo

Prasorizo is a traditional Greek dish that combines leeks and rice to create a flavorful and comforting vegan meal. It is a simple and nutritious dish commonly enjoyed in Greece.

Risotto

Risotto is an Italian dish known for its creamy and rich texture. While traditional risotto recipes often include dairy products like butter and cheese, it is absolutely possible to make a delicious vegan version.

For the recipe click Here -> Risotto with beetroots & dill/

Ten secrets for the best risotto/

Pasta with tomato sauce or vegetables (Makaronada in Greek)

Tomato makaronada, also known as Greek-style pasta with tomato sauce, is a classic Greek dish that combines pasta with a flavorful tomato-based sauce. It is a simple and comforting meal commonly enjoyed in Greece.

Fava  

In Greek cuisine, "fava" refers to a dish made from yellow split peas rather than the plant known as "fava beans" in English. The yellow split peas are cooked until soft and then mashed or pureed into a smooth consistency. The resulting dish has a creamy texture and is often served as a dip or spread. It is commonly enjoyed in Greece as a meze (appetizer) or as a side dish.

Keftedakia with tomato

Vegan keftedakia are a plant-based version of the traditional Greek meatballs called keftedes or keftedakia. They are typically made with a combination of minced meat, herbs, and spices. However, vegan keftedakia substitutes the meat with tomato-flavoured ingredients to create a delicious and cruelty-free alternative. They are very famous on Santorini Island.

Tomatokeftedes Recipe by Akis Petretzikis-> Here

Pita Oikologiki

You can have the Traditional Greek pita with vegetables, potatoes, and tomato sauce.

As you can see you have lots of choices for Main Dishes. The majority of them you can find them in Tavernas and Restaurants. In most of the Souvlakeri (Gyros shops) they can serve you Vegan gyros. Be careful with the sauces which normally is tzatziki and contain yogurt.

FAQ

Is it easy to find vegan food in Greece?

Yes, Greece has seen a growing number of vegan and vegetarian options in recent years. While it may be more challenging to find vegan food in some traditional tavernas or rural areas, major cities and popular tourist destinations offer a wide range of vegan-friendly restaurants and markets.

Are there Greek vegan dishes alternatives to popular Greek dishes?

Yes, there are vegan alternatives to popular Greek dishes. For example, you can find vegan versions of moussaka made with plant-based mince and béchamel sauce, vegan souvlaki made with seitan or grilled vegetables, and vegan spanakopita made with spinach and tofu instead of cheese.

Are there vegan-friendly supermarkets or health food stores?

Yes, major cities in Greece have health food stores and supermarkets that offer vegan products, including plant-based milk, vegan cheeses, mock meats, and a variety of plant-based ingredients. Some popular supermarket chains with vegan options include AB Vassilopoulos, Sklavenitis, and Lidl.

Can I find vegan options in traditional tavernas or local eateries?

While traditional tavernas may not have extensive vegan menus, you can usually find vegan-friendly options. Traditional Greek dishes like Greek salad, fasolada (bean soup), and horta (boiled greens) are typically vegan or can be modified upon request. It's helpful to learn some basic Greek phrases to communicate your dietary requirements to the staff.

What about vegan options in smaller towns and rural areas?

While it may be more challenging to find vegan options in smaller towns and rural areas, you can still find vegan-friendly dishes. Stick to simple, plant-based dishes like roasted vegetables, traditional Greek salads without cheese, and horta vrasta (boiled greens). It's helpful to communicate your dietary preferences to the locals, and they may be able to suggest suitable options or modifications.

Are there vegan-friendly food delivery services in Greece?

Yes, several food delivery services in Greece offer vegan options. Apps like Wolt, e-food, and BeatFood allow you to filter for vegan restaurants or search for vegan dishes. You can enjoy vegan meals from various restaurants delivered to your doorstep.

Are there vegan-friendly fast food options in Greece?

Yes, Greece has a growing number of vegan-friendly fast food options. You can find vegan burgers, falafel wraps, vegan gyros made with seitan or soy-based meats, and even vegan pizza in some places. International fast food chains like McDonald's and Domino's also offer vegan options in Greece.

Are there any Vegan food festivals in Greece?

Greece has seen an increase in vegan and vegetarian-focused events and initiatives, particularly in larger cities like Athens and Thessaloniki. These events often include food vendors, cooking demonstrations, talks, workshops, and activities related to plant-based living. Keep an eye out for local vegan food fairs, pop-up markets, or special vegan-themed events that may take place throughout the year. My favorite food festival is in Athens though held every year.

To ensure you don't miss out on any vegan food festivals or events, consider joining online vegan communities and groups in Greece. They can provide valuable information and updates on upcoming vegan food festivals, gatherings, and other plant-based events in the country.

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