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Veganism in GreecePeople in Greece naturally eat a good amount of vegan food in their cuisine (see LOCAL FOOD page). Delicious eggplant dishes compete with stuffed vine leaves and outstanding salads for your attention, as do the fresh fruit salads and the best watermelons ever. The thing is that Greek people do not call them vegan dishes, as veganism is poorly understood, at least by the older generation. Vegetable dishes abound thanks to the fasting traditions of the Greek orthodox church which requires large periods of time without any meat consumption. Some of the oldest people on earth come from Greece, a combined result of a diet rich in plants, close families and community relationships.
So, stick with the authentic local food that is vegan as much as you can. It will serve you well and you will not find it boring since there are dozens of dishes to satisfy your cravings for fresh produce, beans, potatoes and fruits. Avoid tourist traps that cater to the Western diet taste and go for the small eateries owed by local families (taverns) where you will see a lot of local people. Will your waiter understand your request for veganizing dishes? (for Greek words see our VEGAN WORDS page) If young, probably yes since English is now a compulsory subject in final high school exams . If not, ask to see what they are making in the kitchen. Most of the time you will be welcome.
The tricky part will be shopping in supermarkets in greece for processed vegan foods since most packages are almost always written in Greek. Some solutions: ask someone to read it for you, or just stay away from processed food altogether 🙂 Farmers’ markets (laiki) are a pleasure to visit with all their fresh Mediterranean fruits and veggies.

Dishes that are traditionally served vegan
Baked tomatoes and peppers stuffed with rice, onions, spices and other vegetables. Make sure: no butter is used
Cauliflower cooked with tomatoes, onion, parsley, olive oil and spices
Artichoke hearts cooked with potatoes, carrots, dill, and lemon
Baked large bean stew with carrots, peppers, celery, onion and spices. Make sure: no meat based broth is used
Yellow split pea puree with onions, scallions, garlic and spices
Lentil soup with carrots, tomato paste, onion and spices. Make sure: no meat stock is used
Beans soup with carrots, celery, onion, parsley and spices
Cooked vine leaves stuffed with rice and herbs, usually served cold as an appetizer
Potato garlic dip with vinegar and olive oil, served as an appetizer /side dish
Roasted peppers appetizer with herbs and olive oil. Make sure: no feta cheese is added on top.
Wheat flatbread pocket.
Vegetable soup made with carrots, potato, celery, cabbage, tomato, and spices. Make sure: no yogurt is added
Stir fried green beans in tomato sauce with garlic, potatoes and spices
Steamed or boiled leafy greens with lemon or vinegar
White rice cooked with spinach, herbs and lemon. Make sure: no feta cheese is added
Sweet wheat bread with brandy, raisins and cinnamon
Eggplant stuffed with tomato, parsley, and garlic Make sure: no feta cheese added on top
Dishes that are not vegan by default, but can be made so, by asking to remove or change part of the ingredients.
Baked eggplant, zucchini, potatoes, peppers and tomatoes with herbs and cheese. To veganize: ask for no cheese
Fried zucchini flowers stuffed with rice, herbs and feta cheese. To veganize: ask for no cheese
Tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, olives, peppers and Feta cheese. To veganize: ask for no cheese
Barley rusk appetizer topped with tomato, feta cheese, herbs and olive oil. To veganize: ask for no cheese
Dishes that might look vegan, but contain animal products.
Fried zucchini croquettes, made with cheese and eggs
Spinach pie usually made with eggs and cheese
Orange and cinnamon cookies, contain honey and sometimes butter
Walnut cake, usually contains dairy and/ or eggs
Sweet sesame snack, usually contains honey
Health food stores and supermarket chains that offer a large verity of vegan products
Availability of raw products and essential vegan groceries.
Not possible to find (Only via internet order).
Can be found, but not common (Only in special stores).
Very easy to find (In most local supermarkets).
Beans & Legumes
Dried Fruits
Nuts & Seeds
Cooking & Baking
Herbs & Spices
| English | Greek | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Vegan | Βέγκαν | Vegan |
| Vegan Food | Βέγκαν τρόφιμα | Vegan Trofima |
| I am Vegan | Είμαι βέγκαν | Eimai vegan |
| Vegetarian | Χορτοφαγική | Hortofagiki |
| Plant Based Food | Φυτικά τρόφιμα | Fitika trofima |
| No Animal Products | Κανένα ζωικό προϊόν | Kanena Zoiko Proion |
| Meat | Κρέας | Kréas |
| Fish | Ψάρι | Psari |
| Eggs | Αυγά | Avga |
| Milk | Γάλα | Gala |
| Cheese | Τυρί | Tyri |
| Dairy Products | Γαλακτοκομικα Προϊόντα | Galaktokomika Proionta |
| Butter | Βούτυρο | Voutyro |
| Honey | Μέλι | Méli |
| Leather | Δέρμα | Derma |
| Feathers | Φτερά | Ftera |
| Wool | Μαλλί | Malli |
| Silk | Μετάξι | Metaxi |
| Yes | Ναί | Naí |
| No | Οχι | Ochi |
“The soul is the same in all living creatures, although
the body of each is different.”
Seals, dolphins, whales, sea turtles, shark, sardines, mullets, groupers.
Kingfishers, golden orioles, hoopoes, swallows, rollers and bee-eaters.
Kri-kris (also called Cretan goats), mice, martens and badgers (kinds of weasels), mouflons (kind of wild sheep), deer.
Vipers, turtles, lizards, frogs, dragonflies, glow worms, grasshoppers, crickets
In the city and Stray dogs and cats are quite a common site around Greece. Common horror stories such as dumping of pets in garbage bins, or drowned. Horses are used for carriage rides in the heat and for hours on end.
In theDogs are often tied up for days or more on leashes. Donkeys carrying heavy loads.
Due to much dog poisoning a law was passed in 2012, stipulating a fine 30,000 Euros for this type of behaviour.
We have not included the treatment of animals in the meat/fur/leather industries, zoos or circuses, animal testing as these practices still frequently take place in many countries.
Vegan Times helps you find vegan businesses near you, on a user friendly map interface.
This websites shares some really great vegan Greek cooking recipes.
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