Cyprus sits at a crossroads of Greek, Turkish, Levantine and British influences, and its food reflects all of them. Meals are generous and social, built around grilled meat, fresh vegetables, herbs and cheese.

Halloumi

Halloumi is Cyprus's most famous product: a firm, squeaky cheese traditionally made from goat's and sheep's milk, often with mint. Because it holds its shape when heated, it is grilled or fried and served with watermelon in summer or with bread and lountza (smoked pork loin). It has EU protected designation of origin status.

Meze

The best way to eat in Cyprus is a meze, a procession of 20 or more small plates. It usually begins with dips such as tahini, tzatziki (talattouri) and taramosalata, olives and salad, moves on to halloumi, sausages and fried vegetables, and finishes with grilled and slow-cooked meats. Fish meze is popular on the coast. Order "meze for two" and pace yourself.

Grills and slow-cooked dishes

  • Souvla: large chunks of pork or lamb slow-roasted over charcoal on long skewers, the centrepiece of Sunday gatherings.
  • Souvlaki: smaller skewers, often in pitta with salad.
  • Sheftalia: sausages of minced pork wrapped in caul fat and grilled.
  • Kleftiko: lamb slow-baked for hours in a sealed clay oven with lemon, garlic and herbs.
  • Afelia: pork marinated in red wine and coriander seeds.

Wine and coffee

Commandaria, a sweet dessert wine from the Troodos foothills, is often described as one of the world's oldest named wines, linked to the Knights of St John in the 12th century. Zivania is a strong grape spirit. Cypriot coffee is boiled in a small pot (briki) and served thick, ordered sketos (no sugar), metrios (medium) or glykys (sweet).

Traditions

  • Easter: the biggest celebration in the Greek Cypriot calendar, with midnight church services, bonfires and lamb on the spit.
  • Kataklysmos: the Festival of the Flood, celebrated at Pentecost in coastal towns with water games and music.
  • Limassol Carnival: parades and parties in the two weeks before Lent.
  • Village festivals: summer wine and food festivals in mountain villages.

Etiquette

  • Hospitality is important; expect to be offered coffee and sweets when visiting.
  • Dress modestly in churches and monasteries.
  • Lunch is the main meal, and many businesses close in the early afternoon in summer.
  • The island is divided; be respectful when discussing politics and history.
  • Tipping 5% to 10% is customary if service is not included.

See our Cyprus country guide for costs and data.