A Feast for the Palate

One of the Mediterranean's most diverse cuisines. Greek, Turkish, Arab, British influences. For expats: food is one of biggest positives. Fresh, aromatic, generous, surprisingly affordable.

Starters

1. Halloumi. 2. Hummus. 3. Taramosalata. 4. Tahini. 5. Koupepia (stuffed vine leaves). 6. Sheftalia (juicier than any bratwurst). 7. Loukaniko (coriander sausage).

The section on "A Feast for the Palate" was the most valuable for us. We couldn't find this information anywhere else before our move. It saved us a lot of time and hassle.

– Family from Berlin, in Nicosia since 2024

Mains

8. Souvlaki. 9. Kleftiko (clay oven lamb). 10. Moussaka. 11. Afelia (pork in red wine). 12. Trachanas (winter soup). 13. Stifado (beef stew). 14. Choriatiki salad. 15. Grilled octopus.

Desserts

16. Loukoumades (honey balls). 17. Loukoumi (confection). 18. Galaktoboureko (cream pastry). 19. Baklava. 20. Soutzoukos (grape must sausages). Bonus: Commandaria wine.

Cypriot Cuisine

Topics: A Feast for the Palate, Starters, Mains

CMC Practical Tip

Starters 1.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to try first?

Souvlaki pitta (€3-5). Then Kleftiko in Troodos taverna. Then full Meze. Within first week: you're a fan.

Vegetarian options?

Yes – hummus, tahini, halloumi, choriatiki, loukoumades, baklava all vegetarian. For meze: say "chorís kréas".

Most authentic eating?

Troodos village tavernas (Omodos, Kakopetria). Clay oven cooking. Meze €15-25/person. Best restaurant experience Cyprus offers.

Difference to Greek cuisine?

Similar but more cinnamon/coriander. Sheftalia: only Cypriot. Halloumi: Cypriot original. Own identity worth discovering.

How CMC Supports You

At CMC Certus Management Consultants, we are here for you – not only for tax and legal questions, but also for all practical topics of everyday life in Cyprus. Our team in Larnaca and Pafos knows the local conditions first-hand.

As your local contact, we handle: company formation and management, tax advisory and Non-Dom applications, ongoing bookkeeping and tax returns, support with authorities, and referrals to estate agents, lawyers, doctors and tradespeople.

Further Reading