What foods are native to Cyprus?

Cyprus boasts a diverse and flavorful culinary scene, influenced by its rich history and location. Here are some of the most notable native foods:

Traditional Dishes:

* Halloumi: This semi-hard cheese made from goat and sheep milk is arguably Cyprus' most famous food. It's often grilled or fried and served as a meze or in salads.

* Souvla: A classic Cypriot dish of slow-roasted pork or chicken served with a side of potatoes and salad.

* Kleftiko: This hearty lamb stew is cooked in an oven or in a pot over an open fire, giving it a rich and smoky flavor.

* Sheftalia: These are grilled Cypriot sausage made from minced pork and lamb seasoned with herbs and spices.

* Afelia: A pork stew flavored with red wine, cinnamon, and cloves.

* Koupepia: Grape leaves stuffed with rice, herbs, and sometimes minced meat.

* Trahana: A traditional Cypriot soup made with a dried pasta-like dough, often with vegetables or lamb.

Meze:

Cyprus is famous for its meze, a shared meal consisting of small plates of various dishes. Popular meze options include:

* Hummus: A creamy chickpea dip.

* Tzatziki: A yogurt-based dip flavored with cucumber, garlic, and dill.

* Taramosalata: A pink fish roe dip made with potatoes and lemon juice.

* Dolmades: Grape leaves stuffed with rice and herbs.

* Lountza: Smoked pork loin.

* Halloumi pie: A pastry filled with Halloumi cheese.

Desserts:

* Loukoumades: Deep-fried dough balls drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon.

* Baklava: A flaky pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup.

* Koupes: Biscuits filled with nuts and covered in chocolate.

* Sweets: A variety of traditional sweets, including almond paste, sesame sweets, and fruit preserves.

Other Notable Foods:

* Fruits and Vegetables: Cyprus has a rich agricultural landscape, producing a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, including grapes, oranges, lemons, pomegranates, olives, artichokes, and potatoes.

* Olive Oil: Cyprus produces high-quality olive oil, used extensively in cooking and for seasoning dishes.

* Commandaria: A sweet dessert wine made from the indigenous Mavro and Xynisteri grape varieties.

Note: Many of these dishes are prepared with variations depending on the region and family recipes.