Indian Cuisine » Greek Cuisine
Cyprus Cuisine - Enjoy The Turkish, Greek Blends of Cyprus Cuisine
Because of the nature of Cyprus – a decided mix between Greek and Turkish culture – the dining options in its many first rate restaurants varies dramatically. There is a certain amount of division, put in place by the Green Line division of the north and the south. If you are in the northern half of the country, you will likely experience more Turkish cuisine while the south is home to a decidedly Greek flare.
The crossover between the two is not non-existent though. Anywhere between the countries, you can find a variety of the different options. The culturally heritage of the country only adds to that diversity. A good example is Kleftiko, the baked lamb dish that has become internationally popular as a uniquely Cyprus dish, regardless of which half of the country you are in.
The combination of Greek, Turkish and other Mediterranean cultures shows dramatically in the culmination of Cypriot cuisine. Anywhere throughout the countryside, you might find a combination of dishes and foods that best matches any of the country’s predominant cultures. Sitting atop the hierarchy of Cyprus dishes though are its famous arrays of salads and appetizers. Stone fruit, melons, grapes pears make the fruit in Cyprus a favorite.
The Turkish Influence
Northern Cyprus is almost entirely Turkish, with its residents very loyal to their mother country and the culture from which they derive. There are some influences throughout the cuisine of northern Cyprus, many of the dishes are Turkish in origin.
However, as a visitor, you will find the dramatic flare of not only local Mediterranean styles but of Southern European and Middle Eastern style dishes. Meze is a great example of this combination. Served with a gradient variety of meats, vegetables, and salads, Meze can be anything from a meal to an appetizer.
Another famous product of Northern Cyprus is its coffee. Combining Turkish style brews with Cyprus methods of cultivation, the coffee here dates back as far as the Ottoman Turks when they first invaded the island country. The key to Northern Cyprus coffee is in the methods used to grind the beans. They are then cooked along with sugar to create creamy foam, entirely unique to this part of the world.
The Greek Influence
Turkish influence may weight heavily in the north, but in the south, Greek style dishes are more popular. Here, many of the most famous Greek style dishes still hold sway over the populous. Other influences in the southern cuisine include Italian, Balkan and Middle Eastern styles of cooking.
Goat and sheep meat is predominant in most dishes as these are the most commonly raised animals. Additionally, fish is a very popular element in the dishes served here. Combined with almost every dish is some measure of olive oil as well, a very popular cooking ingredient in Greek cuisine.
When visiting Cyprus, it is impossible not to notice the derision between its two main schools of cuisine. However, the combination of the two in certain dishes creates a uniquely Cypriot taste that can’t be found anywhere else.
Jonathan Young is an active traveler and writer for Ryse Travels: Travel Web Site & Guide. Stop by and read even more great Bora Bora Island articles by Jonathan now. http://rysetravels.com
Source: www.articletrader.com