Vegetarian Food in Crete That You Must Try!

Why Vegetarian Food in Crete is So Popular and Delicious

Cretan cuisine may include a fair amount of meat-based dishes, but do not forget that the heart of Greek food lies in its greens. Hundreds of cultivated herbs and wild greens, such as stamnagathi, form the backbone of the Cretan diet. 

After all, Cretans always had access to vegetables, even during wars or periods of crisis. And you can see how Greeks have made vegetarian dishes part of their life. For example, for more than 180 days per year, Orthodox Greeks abstain from eating meat or meat-based products.

Traditionally, the most significant period without meat consumption is the Christian Lent. It is a 40-day period when Christians cleanse body and soul in preparation for Easter. And along with bad words and thoughts, they are encouraged to consciously avoid meat.

And here comes the ingenuity and flexibility of the Greek people. They have managed to create vegetable-based dishes that make even meat lovers have second thoughts. In other words, Cretan vegetarian food can make you forget about meat in no time.

Here is a list of some of the best Cretan vegetarian dishes you have to try on the island. And if your next trip to Crete is a bit further away, why not try to replicate any of the recipes here? 

What Vegetarians Can Eat in Crete

Dakos

The most traditional vegetarian dish you can have in Crete is not other than dakos. It is about a Cretan meze that consists of a slice of barley rusk topped with tomatoes and feta or (better) myzithra cheese.

You can also use soaked dried bread, local mizithra cheese, or olives. Wherever you go in Crete, you won’t be far from a tavern or restaurant that serves dakos. 

Ocra

If you want to know what vegetable to eat in Crete and feel special, you got to try ocra. Although usually found as an ingredient in many Cretan recipes, this flowering plant is so sweet that you can even eat it alone.

And next to its rich taste, ocra is also rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

Kolokithokeftedes

A popular vegetarian side dish in Crete is kolokithokeftedes, also known as fritters made of zucchini. Its deep taste comes from its many fresh herbs, especially dill and mint.

Although it makes a perfect meze on its own, this vegetarian dish can make fresh fish or any other main meal taste even better.

Artichokes and Broad Beans

This delicious spring dish of artichokes and broad beans can be your main dish if you serve it with feta cheese or a generous dollop of Greek yogurt.

Lemon, garlic cloves, white onion, dill, and parsley all come together to create a dish you will remember for a while. 

Pies with Wild Greens (Spanakopita, Kalitsounia)

Greeks love pies, and their delicious recipes are a testimony to that. You can never go wrong with a piece of spanakopita or kalitsounia.

If you prefer a spinach pie mingled with feta, go with spanakopita. Otherwise, kalitsounia is specifically local to the island of Crete. Every region has its variation with different fillings of these cheese or vegetable snacks. So make sure you try as many as you can. 

Fava

Although mainly known in Santorini, fava is a national Greek dish, found even in the remotest part of Crete.

A combination of yellow split or fava peas, onion, garlic, and thyme, fava is a creamy and tasty spread that can make a full breakfast or a perfect side dish for your main course.

Just make sure to have some bread or something to dip into the sauce, as this is one of the best ways to experience the unique taste of fava.

Pasta Dishes (Makaronia)

Did you know that Cretans go crazy about pasta? They do! A great way to go or stay vegan while traveling around Crete is to try the different local versions of vegetarian pasta.

Even if there is nothing like that on the menu, politely asking the waiter can go a long way to getting a plate of fresh pasta within a few minutes. And some Cretan restaurants even make their dough!

Giant Beans (Gigantes)

If you like beans, why not try their extra-large Greek versions, Gigantes? Translating as titans, these giant beans are whiter and juicer than normal-sided beans.

They also have a sweet, mild taste accompanied by high levels of protein and other essential minerals. Make sure to try it when in Crete.

Gemista

One of the most delicious vegetarian plates in Greece is named gemista. It is stuffed peppers filled with flavorful boiled rice and tens of herbs or wild greens.

Once you place them all together into the oven, the rice absorbs the liquids from the peppers and the other vegetables. The result? Exquisite!

Apart from peppers, you may also see stuffed tomatoes or other vegetables. Although this is a vegan dish in its origin, there are also some meat versions of gemista. So ask the waiter before ordering to be on the safe side.

Dolmades (with Grape Leaves)

If a Cretan family ever hosts you as their guest, politely ask them to make some dolmadakia for you. Especially if there is a grandpa in the family! These old ladies have an inherent way to create some of the most delicious dolmades you will ever try. 

They take vine leaves and stuff them with a mix of rice and different herbs. Then, they boil the small rolls until the leaves get tender enough.

Again, this is traditionally a vegan meze, but there are still variations with beef or pork inside. So make sure you try the original dolmades.

Stuffed Courgette Flowers (Dolmades Variation – Anthous)

One dolmades variation you have to try while in Crete is no other than stuffed courgette flowers. The concept is similar here.

You place the rice mixed with herbs into the courgette flower and then boil them for a few minutes or seconds until the leaves are tender enough. The difference in taste comes from the flower that makes this dolmades variation even sweeter.

Saganaki Cheese (Saganaki Tyri)

A remnant of the Turkish rule over the island, saganaki cheese is a popular vegetarian dish throughout Crete. It is about cheese fried or baked in the oven and served hot.

The cheese is usually some sort of graviera or kefalotyri, but any kind of cheese can make a yummy saganaki. All you have to do is eat it as soon as possible because it tastes a lot better when it is hot. 

Greek Salad (Xoriatiki Salata)

If you want to play it safe, go classic and order a traditional Greek salad. You can never go wrong with this mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, and a slice of feta.

The deep taste of this plate lies in the freshness and purity of each of the main ingredients. And you can order it as a main course or as a side dish. In short, you have no excuse to leave your table without a Greek salad. 

Fennel Pie (Marathopita)

For a lighter meal, fennel pie can perfectly fit your breakfast or light lunch. The dough is made of pie flour mixed with olive oil and a few drops of Cretan raki.

Then, the filling contains chopped fennel and onions. The result is a crunchy but juice pie you can take with you to the beach or your next road trip. 

Cretan Salad (Kritiki Salata)

As much as you have to try the Greek salad while in Greece, remember to give the Cretan salad a fair shot too. This vegetarian plate includes chopped tomatoes, crisp paximadia, feta, and black olives.

It makes a perfect recipe for a hot day or a lovely meze for your evening meal, ideal over a glass of Cretan wine.

Cretan Pasta (Skoufichta)

If you long for handmade Cretan pasta, make sure to look for the skioufichta variety, made of whole-wheat flour and virgin olive oil.

The main difference over the standard pasta has to do with the technique used to make the dough. In short, production here can be more laborious and time-consuming, but the extra effort is evident in the taste and fine twisted shape of the pasta.

Briam

If you are still unsure whether Crete is a vegan-friendly destination, wait until you try the Cretan version of briam. Crispy potatoes, sweet aubergines, and juice zucchinis form the base of this vegan dish.

And when you add the fresh herbs, olive oil, and garlic to the mixed roasted vegetables, you come as close to perfection as possible.  

Boureki

A specialty in Chania, boureki is a zucchini and potato gratin filled with Greek cheeses, normally myzithra. Cretans serve this vegetarian meal at lunch, dinner or for special occasions.

If you want to try, make sure to visit a Chania taverna and get a fresh portion of boureki. You’ll love it!

So here you go! The most popular and delicious vegetarian dishes in Crete. As you can see, the options are plenty and will spoil you with their unique and deep taste.

All in all, being vegetarian does not mean being boring in Crete. Quite the opposite. The variety of vegetarian food in Crete can be the main reason you visit the island in the first place!

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