1. Staka: This rich and creamy dish is the traditional specialty of Crete. It’s made by simmering a mixture of cubed sheep’s milk cheese, eggs, flour, and butter in chicken or beef broth. After it thickens and forms a custard-like texture, it can be served with honey or with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
2. Dakos: This popular Cretan dish consists of a barley rusk topped with chopped tomatoes, grated sheep’s milk cheese, and a generous drizzle of olive oil and herbs. It’s tasty, healthy, and perfect for an appetizer or light meal.
3. Stifi Fricassee: This hearty lamb stew is cooked and served in a clay pot with potatoes, onions, parsley, and plenty of garlic. The slow-cooked lamb is blended together with the juices from the vegetables to create a creamy sauce that’s balanced out with a generous drizzle of olive oil.
4. Apaki: This smoked, cured pork is a popular dish in Crete. The pork shoulder is marinated in red wine vinegar and oregano before being slowly cooked over gentle heat to create an incredibly tender texture.
5. Boureki: This savory pastry dish features layers of phyllo dough filled with feta cheese, potatoes, and herbs. It’s typically served as an appetizer or light meal, but can also be eaten as a traditional breakfast dish. The buttery pastry crust is balanced out with the earthiness of the cheese and potatoes for a truly delicious experience.