Greek cuisine

The main ingredients that go into Greek cuisine include extra virgin olive oil, Greek honey, lemon, thyme, oregano, yoghurt and cheese, although Greek chefs tend to change their ingredients with the seasons. Greek cuisine also includes pulses and rice in them as well as vine leaves, which are stuffed with pine nuts, currants, and other foods.

Greeks enjoy appetisers as much as the main course, while desserts are also big on the agenda. Most Greek puddings are very sweet, so expect to see pastries, baklava, poached fruit and syrup-soaked sponges on the menu in Greek restaurants.

When looking for Greek restaurants you'll want to enjoy a good mix of Greek cuisine. Why not start with a range of appetisers (known as mezedes), such as taramasalata and hummus, aubergine puree, and fagakia, which consists of Greek pasta and a sauce.

For the main course you'll want to try a meat and vegetable dish, such as slow-baked lamb marinated in lemon and garlic, while a Greek salad with feta cheese, olives, cucumber and onion makes a great side order. For dessert choose a pastry or sponge cake.