Jewish cuisine in Greece

Jewish cuisine in Greece has deep roots in a long-standing tradition that combines religious faith with the culinary customs of the Jewish communities that lived in the region. The Jewish communities of Greece – most notably that of Thessaloniki – preserved their dietary practices as an integral part of this heritage.

The fundamental rule of the Jewish diet is its requirement for foods to be kosher, i.e. in accordance with the mandates of Jewish Law. This means that fish and meat must satisfy strict criteria, such as ritual slaughter, avoidance of pork and other animals deemed unclean, and the removal of blood from meat.

Another key rule prohibits the consumption of meat and dairy products together, and even today, Jewish families are exceptionally careful when preparing their meals to avoid combining these two types of ingredients.

Greek Jewish cuisine traditionally includes meals that combine local dishes with Jewish influences. After all, cities with prominent culinary profiles, such as Thessaloniki and Ioannina, showcase flavours and recipes shaped by diverse culinary traditions, including Jewish cuisine Chicken with rice, meatballs with spinach and leeks, stuffed vegetables, eggplant dip and white beans prepared with onion, oil and herbs are just some of the traditional dishes shared by Greek and Jewish cuisine.

The Greek Jewish community also has specific dishes associated with their holidays and special occasions. Lavish meals are prepared for the holy Sabbath (Shabbat) and Passover (Pesach), and thanks to the availability of kosher products in major Greek markets, they can be made with ease.

Greece’s longstanding Jewish heritage in many regions – as well as the strong affinity that Israeli visitors have for the country – has helped preserve these culinary traditions. In recent years, new restaurants serving Jewish dishes have opened in cities such as Athens, Thessaloniki and Rhodes.

A region’s cuisine offers a powerful window into its history and cultural heritage. Jewish cuisine in Greece reflects a remarkable blend of adaptability and the long coexistence between Jewish and Greek culture.