5 delicious Greek wedding food traditions to know
What's the story
Greek weddings are famous for their lively celebrations and food is at the heart of these joyous occasions. The culinary traditions at Greek weddings are rich in history and culture, making for a delightful experience for guests. From sweets to savory, every item on the menu is meticulously chosen to represent prosperity, happiness, and togetherness. Diving into these traditions gives a peek into Greek heritage and how food unifies people.
Koufeta
Koufeta: Sweet almond delights
Koufeta are sugar-coated almonds given to guests as wedding favors. These sweets signify purity and fertility. Usually offered in odd numbers, they symbolize the indivisibility of marriage. The sweet sugar and bitter almond combination denotes life's joys and challenges. Guests are usually given them wrapped in tulle or placed inside decorative boxes, as a token of appreciation.
Baklava
Baklava: Honey-soaked pastries
Baklava is a classic dessert served at Greek weddings. It's a sweet dish made with layers of phyllo pastry, filled with nuts and drenched in honey syrup. This sweet symbolizes abundance because of the rich ingredients used in it like nuts and honey. It's also usually prepared by family members as part of pre-wedding festivities, demonstrating the communal effort in traditional celebrations.
Wedding bread
Wedding bread: Traditional bread ceremony
Wedding bread is quite meaningful at Greek weddings as it symbolizes prosperity and fertility. Adorned with elaborate designs, such as flowers or birds, made out of dough, this bread is usually passed around among guests at the reception meal. Breaking bread together symbolizes the unity of families coming together in marriage.
Tiropita
Tiropita: Savory cheese pies
Tiropita, savory cheese pies, are a staple at Greek weddings. Served with appetizers or main courses during receptions and cocktail hours, these pies comprise layers filled with cheese, ensuring each guest gets a generous portion. Their amazing taste makes them quickly disappear from the tables set up at event venues, highlighting the communal joy of eating together.
Horiatiki salad
Horiatiki: Fresh seasonal salads
With fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, and feta cheese dressed in olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and oregano, horiatiki salad makes any meal better. It's especially amazing for outdoor celebrations under the sun, where the bounty of nature makes the taste richer. This salad is the best representation of the joy of living in a world full of wonders. It urges us to grab every opportunity of adventure and growth.