Popular Samos Dishes You Must Try

Samos, like many Greek islands, is known for its delicious Mediterranean cuisine, which blends fresh ingredients, local flavors, and traditional cooking techniques. The island offers a wide variety of dishes that highlight the rich culinary heritage of Greece. From fresh seafood to hearty vegetarian options, here are some of the most popular dishes you should try when visiting Samos.

1. Samiotiki Giouvetsi (Samos-Style Giouvetsi)

Giouvetsi is a traditional Greek dish made with slow-cooked meat (usually lamb or beef) and orzo pasta, cooked in a rich tomato sauce. The Samiotiki variation often includes local spices and flavors, and the meat is tender and flavorful after being baked to perfection.

• Best Place to Try: Look for this dish at traditional tavernas in Vathy or Pythagorion, where the local twist on Giouvetsi is a favorite among diners.

2. Revithokeftedes (Chickpea Fritters)

These crispy, golden-brown chickpea fritters are a popular vegetarian dish in Samos. Made from ground chickpeas, onions, and spices, revithokeftedes are usually served as a meze (small dish) alongside yogurt or tzatziki sauce.

• Best Place to Try: Most tavernas in Samos offer revithokeftedes as part of their meze selection, particularly in villages like Kokkari and Karlovasi.

3. Kalogiros

Kalogiros is a hearty dish made with layers of beef or lamb, eggplant, and cheese, all baked together in a rich tomato sauce. This comfort food is similar to moussaka but with a unique Samos twist, often including local spices and cheeses.

• Best Place to Try: This dish is a specialty in traditional mountain villages like Manolates or Vourliotes, where you can enjoy it in a cozy, authentic setting.

4. Samos Grilled Octopus

As a coastal island, Samos is famous for its fresh seafood, and grilled octopus is a must-try. The octopus is typically marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs before being grilled to perfection, resulting in tender and flavorful bites with a slight smoky taste.

• Best Place to Try: Head to a seafood taverna in Pythagorion or Kokkari, where the octopus is fresh and grilled right by the sea.

5. Gemista (Stuffed Vegetables)

Gemista, or stuffed vegetables, is a classic Greek dish made with tomatoes, peppers, or zucchini stuffed with rice, herbs, and sometimes minced meat. The Samos version often includes a rich tomato sauce and local herbs, giving it a unique flavor.

• Best Place to Try: Gemista can be found in most traditional tavernas across the island, especially in rural areas where local ingredients are used.

6. Moussaka

One of Greece’s most iconic dishes, moussaka is made with layers of eggplant, ground meat (usually beef or lamb), and béchamel sauce, baked until golden and bubbling. Samos has its own take on moussaka, often using locally grown vegetables and spices to enhance the flavor.

• Best Place to Try: Available in nearly every taverna on the island, but especially good in family-run restaurants in Vathy and Karlovasi.

7. Sarmadakia (Stuffed Grape Leaves)

Sarmadakia, or dolmadakia, are small grape leaves stuffed with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes ground meat. This dish is commonly served as a meze and pairs well with a glass of local wine from Samos.

• Best Place to Try: Enjoy sarmadakia at seaside tavernas, particularly in Kokkari or Pythagorion, where they are served as part of a larger meze platter.

8. Pitarakia (Small Cheese Pies)

Pitarakia are small, flaky pastry pies filled with local cheese, usually feta or mizithra, and sometimes herbs like oregano or mint. They are often served as a snack or appetizer.

• Best Place to Try: Many cafes and bakeries in Samos serve pitarakia, but for a truly local experience, visit a bakery in Vathy or a small village like Mytilinii.

9. Kavourmas

Kavourmas is a traditional Samos dish made from preserved pork, cooked slowly with spices and stored in its own fat. It’s typically served as part of a meze platter or with eggs for breakfast, offering a rich, savory taste.

• Best Place to Try: Look for kavourmas in local tavernas, especially in rural areas of Samos where traditional recipes are preserved.

10. Samos Honey and Loukoumades (Greek Honey Puffs)

Samos is famous for its high-quality honey, and one of the best ways to enjoy it is drizzled over loukoumades, small fried dough balls. These crispy, fluffy puffs are topped with honey and sometimes cinnamon or crushed walnuts, making for a sweet and satisfying dessert.

• Best Place to Try: Enjoy this dessert at cafes or dessert shops in Vathy, or try it after a meal at a seaside taverna in Pythagorion or Kokkari.

Conclusion Samos is a food lover’s paradise, offering a variety of traditional Greek dishes with a unique local flair. From fresh seafood to hearty stews and sweet desserts, there’s something for every palate on this beautiful island. Be sure to explore the local tavernas, cafes, and bakeries to fully experience the authentic flavors of Samos.