Greece has always been at the top of my list for places to visit within my lifetime. I have always imagined myself dressed in white, photographed alongside the sparkling blue sea and ornate homes that resemble those in Mamma Mia or The Sisterhood of The Traveling Pants; however, the culture here is far from the stereotypical image I had made up in my mind. Since this Thanksgiving was spent away from home, I made sure each night I immersed myself in Greek traditions and had myself a feast to make up for the roasted turkey and sweetened cranberry sauce I was missing back home. Here are 5 dishes one must try when in Greece…

Gyros

Gyros, which I found out we pronounce horribly wrong in America, are close to an American dream in a nice little pita that’s stuffed with fries. This is a staple food here that you can grab just walking down the streets as a snack, or get as a whole meal at practically any restaurant. Pork is definitely the best meat choice for this.

Souvlaki

Another staple of Greek foods, just minus the French fries and add meat on a stick. Essentially it’s a way better version of meat skewers your family would grill in the summer.

Baklava

A strange looking layered dessert that tastes amazing. Have to admit that I tried this once in my dining hall during one of our international dinner nights, and it simply did not do the real dessert here in Greece any justice. Definitely a must try here, and you can even get it as a flavor of Gelato (also highly recommended).

Caesar Salad…I swear it’s better than the U.S.

Ok so I’m pretty much including this one because of the dressing. It actually tastes like a mixture of the Caesar dressing you’d get in America, with sweet honey mustard. It was a nice spin on my go to meal when I’m feeling fat after 3 days of way too many unhealthy and oversized meals.

Olive Oil

The key ingredient to almost all of Greek dishes, made with freshly picked olives off the local trees! I might be smuggling multiple bottles back home in my suitcase. Ooooopsies!