Useful Words and Phrases for Eating Vegan in Greece

To kick off your vegan journey in Greece, it's helpful to familiarize yourself with some key words and phrases. Learning basic Greek words like 'vegan' ('βίγκαν') and 'vegetarian' ('χορτοφάγος') can make communicating your dietary preferences easier.

Additionally, the phrase 'Είμαι χορτοφάγος' (pronounced 'Eimai chortofagos') means 'I am vegetarian,' while 'Είμαι βίγκαν' ('Eimai vegan') means 'I am vegan.' These phrases can be useful when ordering at restaurants or asking for vegan options.

Remember, in Greece, many dishes contain feta cheese or yogurt, so it's important to mention your dietary requirements clearly to ensure your meal is vegan-friendly.

Finding Vegan Options at Greek Restaurants

While traditional Greek cuisine heavily features meat and dairy products, there are still plenty of vegan options available at restaurants.

Greek salads, without feta cheese, are a popular choice. They typically consist of fresh vegetables, olives, and a drizzle of olive oil. You can also try dishes like 'briam,' a delicious oven-baked dish with mixed vegetables, and 'dolmades,' stuffed grape leaves filled with rice and herbs.

Many Greek restaurants also offer falafel wraps or Greek-style roasted vegetables. Be sure to ask about the ingredients and request any modifications to make the dish vegan if necessary.

Exploring the Supermarkets for Vegan Goodies

If you prefer to cook your own meals or grab some snacks for your vegan adventures, Greek supermarkets have a range of vegan products available.

Look for plant-based milk alternatives like 'αμυγδαλόγαλο' (pronounced 'amigdalogalo') which means almond milk or 'καρύδας γάλα' ('karidas gala') which means coconut milk.

You can also find vegan cheese alternatives labeled as 'κρεατούλης χωρίς γαλακτοκομικά συστατικά' ('kreatoulis choris galaktokomika sustatika').