Discovering the Culinary Delights of Rhodes: A Journey Through the Island's Rich and Healthy Gastronomy

From the coast rich in fish to the olive groves to the historic vineyards: high-quality and healthy ingredients are at the heart of the local gastronomy.

Foodies rave about Rhodes. No wonder: the southern Aegean is blessed with plenty of sunny days, the omnipresent sea and a warm wind. This microclimate gives exquisite flavors to local products.

The traditional diet of the locals and the Rhodian cuisine are still based on products and products from the island: of course, olives and olive oil, legumes and cereals, fish and seafood, honey and wine. Herbs such as oregano, thyme and bay leaves, vegetables such as tomatoes, aubergines, asparagus, peppers and onions, or fruit and citrus fruits such as lemons, peaches, melons, watermelons, persimmons and pomegranates are always fresh when cooking.

Typical Rhodian specialties

Both in the traditional taverns and in the international restaurants, vacationers will find the typical aromas and flavors of Rhodes. Meliasti is a feta cheese wrapped in filo pastry and drizzled with honey and sesame seeds. Melitzanes papoutsakia are aubergines stuffed with a minced meat sauce or mushrooms and olives and then baked with cheese. Other local specialties include goat meat stuffed with rice (Kapama) or marinated sea bream (Psaria marinata).

Sweets are also on the table: Loukoumades can be enjoyed at any time of the day. The fried balls of dough made from a special yeast dough with cinnamon are soaked in honey or sprinkled with powdered sugar. Also famous is the Melekouni pastry with sesame, almonds and honey, which is served at weddings and christenings. Talagoutes pancakes with honey, nuts and other ingredients are very popular with children.

Winegrowing since ancient times

It has enjoyed an excellent reputation since ancient times: the wine of Rhodes. Rare grape varieties with a guaranteed designation of origin, such as Athiri or Amorghiano, are cultivated in the vineyards in the hinterland. The village of Embonas near the Attavyros Mountains is considered the wine capital. You should definitely visit the traditional Emery winery. The most famous white wines are the fruity Lindos and the sweet Malvasia, a renowned red wine is the Chevalier de Rhodes.

[Via]