Helpful Hints

Most people make lists of what they would like to try in life.

Some do it to realize unspent opportunities or because of the desire to prove themselves in something new, others - just to acquire positive emotions and new sensations.

However, these task sets are often formed in a specific social context, and their performance depends on a number of factors and external conditions, such as career or marital status.

It is worth stopping and thinking about what is really important to you. After all, everyone has one life, and it goes by quickly.

And you spin like a squirrel in a wheel, getting into an endless routine of daily affairs and problems.

William Ross once said, “Every man dies. Not every person really lives.”

This checklist will remind you of what's really important to you and allow you to focus on what you want out of life. Do not be afraid to write down even the most crazy and stupid ideas at first glance.

A wish list

So, here is a list of ten items, each of which represents an act that must be done in life in order to feel happy.

Anyone can draw something useful and interesting from this list, or maybe add some of their own ideas and preferences. In any case, it is up to us to decide what is really interesting and important, and what will help to shake up and distract from the daily routine.

Hiking

1. Go Hiking

Hiking is at the top of this list for a reason. According to those who practice it, this sport gives an unforgettable experience. Due to its low cost, it is especially loved by students.

Hiking allows you to enjoy natural beauty in any direction. Its advantages are the relatively low travel costs, and the whole ocean of pleasure and emotions from it.

Freedom and fun are the main companions of hiking. Plus, this is a great opportunity to make new interesting acquaintances. Even when traveling alone without companions, you will never feel alone. There will always be people around you.

Budget airlines, hostels, hitchhiking - all this will undoubtedly make your life brighter and more colorful. Hiking gives a lot in terms of spiritual and personal development. It allows you to understand yourself and see this world from the inside.

Knowledge of the world and strengthening the strength of mind is the main goal of this sport. Therefore, if you are stuck at a crossroads in life, hiking is what it takes to start moving in the right direction.

try something new

2. Try yourself in a new profession

Surely each of us at least occasionally thinks about changing the type of activity, even if his work completely suits him.

Many people want to try something new in terms of profession, different from what you did before. Here it is important to consider Your interests. After all, what you like to do can become the meaning of your life.

Try to develop your hobby. Make every effort to make your favorite thing occupy a certain part of your life.

Start slowly, and gradually devote more and more time to activities that interest you. As a result, you will be able to master a new profession, stepping in the right direction, and with enough effort, you can even build a successful career.

A new profession will help you expand your horizons and realize your dreams.

Become a volunteer

3. Volunteer in some good cause

Do good without expecting anything in return. Such an experience, no doubt, will give you the best impressions in your life. This is one of those experiences that each of us should try.

There are hundreds of things you can do as a volunteer to help other people in need.

Being a volunteer in doing good deeds is not mandatory. Rather, it should be the call of the heart and soul.

You can try to help in a hostess, work with children with disabilities or help homeless animals in shelters.

Your money, skills and social status do not play a special role. In such cases, the desire to help others is important, and the efforts and efforts made will do their job.

Try to do good to those who need it. Set aside time for this. Remember that your every good deed is important, and that there are always those in the world who are worse than you, which means there are those who need your help all the time.

Blind date

4. Go on a blind date

A blind date is like Russian roulette: you never know what awaits you in the end, who you will meet and where this adventure may lead.

The elements of surprise and excitement are very intriguing, because you can't even imagine what your partner looks like until the last moment.

One of the advantages of blind dates is that such meetings exclude feelings of guilt and duty: if you do not like a fan, you can safely reject his subsequent invitations and hints of further communication.

Thus, blind dates have a number of advantages. First of all, this is a great opportunity to meet someone interesting.

You can meet a great conversationalist with whom there is an unlimited number of topics to discuss. And if you are especially lucky, there is a possibility that you will make a good friend or meet your destiny.

5. Try an extreme sport

There are many who simply cannot live without extreme sports, while others consider such people to be brave or crazy.

Even if you do not belong to the category of those same "reckless daredevils", such an experiment will give you a lot of positive emotions.

Bungee jumping, kayaking, paragliding or swimming with white sharks will be an invaluable experience that will give you the thrill.

Such experiments can last from a few seconds to several minutes, but they can become the most unforgettable moments in your life.

Since extreme sports are very traumatic and dangerous, you must take all precautions and do it with a professional instructor. In no case do not try to conquer the sky or snowy peaks on your own or take a swim alone.

6. Treat a stranger to coffee

There is nothing easier than just taking and treating a stranger in a cafe with tea or coffee. It would seem that such a trifle, but there will be a lot of positive emotions from such an act. From the received positive, you will be energized for the whole day.

And it's just a simple cup of coffee.

See the northern lights

7. Watch the Northern Lights

People of different faiths and nationalities fly huge distances towards the north to enjoy this amazing spectacle.

An outstanding natural phenomenon called the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) can be seen in the Arctic region, breaking the latitude of 60 degrees. The highest chances of seeing the Northern Lights in their full glory are from the beginning of October to the end of April.

It is during this time period that the Northern Lights are a strikingly beautiful sight that leaves an indelible impression on the soul of every traveler.

However, the north is also other amazing natural beauty. Dog sledding, skiing and fun winter holidays will be remembered for a long time by fans of such cold exotics.

If you ever get the opportunity to visit a northern country, do not hesitate to take it. Swap your crowded southern resorts for Alaska, Iceland or Norway and you won't regret your choice for a minute.

The beauties of the northern countries amaze with their inaccessibility, grandeur, mystery and cold romance.

Overcoming fears

8. Fight your fears

Some of us live our lives accumulating inside ourselves a whole arsenal of various fears and complexes. As a rule, we see no reason to overcome them, finding constant excuses that they don't bother us at all.

In fact, most of our fears are irrational and unfounded. Many have a fear of loss, others are afraid of loneliness, others are afraid of people and society. All possible fears accumulated inside ourselves affect our life and behavior, often preventing us from achieving our goals.

While a person is in the grip of various fears, his potential does not work at full capacity.

Try to understand that all fears and fears exist only in the head, in your mind. They only seem scary, but in fact they are harmless. Of course, easier said than done, but you will never get rid of your fears if you do not fight them.

Start fighting them right now, from today.

To overcome existing complexes and fears, try talking to a stranger, singing in front of a large audience, skydiving, or calling the guy you like first.

Are you planning a vacation and wondered: what to try in Thailand from food? What dishes and fruits definitely cannot be overlooked while in the country of eternal summer? Are you asking why you should definitely try Thai alcohol and what Thai fruit will blow your mind? The answers to these questions and a lot of interesting details - in the article!

We will not make a long list with a list of incomprehensible, almost identical names of Thai dishes. Let's focus exclusively on the main, colorful positions that you just need to try on your first visits to Thailand.

What food is worth trying in Thailand: a clear list with a photo

Soups

• Tom Yam- the king of Thai national cuisine. It has a whole bunch of flavors from sweet to spicy. The classic recipe is based on chicken broth heavily seasoned with shrimp, galangal root, soaked chili and lemongrass.

There are varieties of Tom Yam that differ only in the main ingredient. So, very often you can meet with chicken or pork. In these cases, they will have a prefix to the name - "kai" and "ka-mu", respectively.

Tom Yam according to the classic recipe, decorated with herbs

• If you are a soup lover, we also recommend trying a dish based on boiled coconut milk - Tom Kha. It has a soft, sweet-spicy unusual taste, not typical for our receptors.

Tom Kha soup with coconut milk

For a thrill, we recommend buying soups in Thai markets. As a rule, they are not put on display. You need to order from the seller. What is amazing is that the soup will be poured directly into an inflated bag, with a plastic plate and a spoon as a serving.

Thai main dish

• As for the main, hot dish that you need to try in Thailand, we recommend that you opt for Pad Thai noodles. It is prepared exclusively in a heated wok, with the addition of oyster sauce, nut butter, bean sprouts, chili peppers and chicken fillet. Less commonly, shrimp is used as the second ingredient.

Salad Pad Thai

If possible, order Pad Thai from a macaroon or a restaurant that has an open kitchen. The process of its preparation in the hands of a skilled chef is a whole show.

Salads and appetizers

• On proper nutrition or choosing what to try in Thailand from light food? Order the most colorful and truly Thai salad - Som Tam. The dish consists of dried papaya, cut into bars, asparagus beans, chili peppers, shrimp, cane sugar and oyster sauce. In some cases, cherry tomatoes and grated garlic are added.

When buying a salad, order a serving of rice. The thing is that the real Thai Som Tam is so spicy that its consumption is possible only in conjunction with softening, neutral rice.

• Fish in salt- Another dish that you just need to taste while in Thailand. This delicacy is prepared exclusively from fresh fish, with the addition of just one ingredient - salt.

Grilled fish in salt

Comparable to batter or flour, the carcass is rolled in salt, after gutting the insides. Then, the fish is grilled until golden brown.

• As an addition to the must-try dishes in Thailand, take the spring rolls. These are small rolls, with completely different fillings, wrapped in rice paper. As a rule, vegetable or chicken cuts are chosen as the filling.

Alcohol

Want to really taste the taste of this Asian country? Try Thai alcohol! Most popular spirits are based on rice. We bet you'll love some of the pieces.

Siam sato- a sparkling rice drink that tastes like wine, in fact - beer. It has a mild, sweet taste.

Lao Khao- rice distillate, very popular among Thais. If you don't like it, feel free to throw it away. Fortunately, the low price allows.

Rum Sang Som- although it has nothing to do with rice, it is very loved by our tourists. Produced in Thailand, not expensive.

Chang- one of the most popular brands of beer. The logo depicts a sacred animal for Thais - an elephant. It has a low degree, a rather mild taste and a pleasant-looking color.

Do you want to be in the shoes of a drinking Thai? Add ice to the beer - this is how the locals consume this drink.

Fruits and desserts

• king of fruits durian- simply must be tasted while in Thailand. This fruit has the maximum number of conflicting reviews. Someone claims that durian is the best thing they have eaten in their lives. For some, the fruit is so unpleasant that it is compared with raw minced meat or ground chicken kidneys.
• sticky rice- soft, the most delicious Thai dessert, consisting of soft sweet rice seasoned with coconut milk and yellow mango, cut into small pieces.

• - Another point of what you need to try in Thailand. The point is not only in the specific Thai taste and exotic fruits as a filling, but also in the cooking process.

Thai fried ice cream is a real performance, reminiscent of clever tricks. As a rule, "cooks" are based in small, portable vans, right in the middle of the street.

Do you think that we have missed some information, and most importantly, that you definitely need to try edibles in Thailand? Looking forward to your additions in the comments!

Prague - the capital of the Czech Republic - is an ancient city that can surprise. Stone streets, centuries-old history, famous sights, traditions and cuisine. Guests of the city should allocate time to visit at least a few establishments to try the famous dishes and drinks, and the locals will be happy to suggest places in Prague where everyone can eat deliciously and inexpensively. Many restaurants, pastry shops, cafes and breweries convey the atmosphere of past centuries. For a budget or wealthy tourist, there is a place where he will taste popular delicacies.

Prague combines gastronomic specialties from all over the country, thanks to which you do not need to travel to the edge of the Czech Republic to taste the local delicacy.

What is worth trying in Prague from food? First meal

• "Voles" are the famous Czech puree soups, the culinary dignity of the country.
• "Chesnechka" has a rich garlic taste and aroma, warms in the cold season.
• "Bramborachka", whose thick base is made up of potatoes and mushrooms, and smoked meats give a pleasant piquancy. The serving of cream soup is also important: it is poured into round buns that serve as a plate.
• "Tsibulachka" - the most delicate onion-cheese soup.
• "Drshtkova" is a warming dish based on pork or beef offal and a lot of spices and seasonings are added.

What to try from meat dishes

Czechs love meat, so the main food in Prague that you can try is baked or fried game, pork knuckle, steaks. Czech chefs focus on spices, and cumin is their favorite. Fish is not so popular, but seafood lovers will be served baked trout or fried carp.

Meat delicacies:

Czech shank on a spit roasted over an open fire is a popular, hearty and tasty meal. Establishments that value the reputation of their cuisine are sure to cook it. The portion is served huge, one person can not overpower it, it is ideal for a large and very hungry company. Having decided to try this dish, it is better to ask the waiter in advance about the size of the finished shank. Meat lovers can't go wrong.

Pork ribs in honey sauce is a greasy, sticky and flavorful food. It goes well with real Czech beer.

Beef tartare is a specific meat dish for everyone. It is based on fresh ground beef and raw egg yolk, laid on top. This is an unusual flavor combination. There are few who prefer it.

The famous side dish and appetizer

Knedliks are the most popular Czech side dish, which is served with any meat and vegetable dish, and can also be an independent dessert. Thanks to the sauce, it becomes a unique and ideal addition to the main dish, and this is part of the gastronomic culture for the Czech Republic. It is important to eat dumplings correctly, otherwise you will not feel their true taste: you need to collect the sauce from the plate with a small piece of flour ball.

Cheese "Harmelin" - small pieces of cheese, which is rolled in breadcrumbs and fried in a large amount of vegetable oil. It goes well with fresh sour berries, serves as an excellent snack for Pilsner Urquell beer or complements French fries.

What to taste sweet tooth?

The famous Czech dessert is apple strudel. While in Prague, you should definitely try it. Soft fluffy dough and fragrant apples. Even in the smallest street stall you can buy popular sweet pastries.

"Oplatki" - small round waffles, served with all kinds of fillings: fruit, berry, meat and vegetable. Due to the fact that they are baked on special waffle irons, a characteristic imprint is obtained on the payments.

Trdlo is a fluffy fragrant bun in the form of a curl, hollow inside. Top it with powdered sugar, cinnamon and other aromatic spices. This pastry is one of the most popular in Prague, you can meet it at every step.

street food

Vacation is a fleeting activity, and many tourists come to Prague for just a few days. There is not much time for a leisurely pastime in the restaurant, I want to see most of all: Charles Bridge, Old Town Square and other attractions. Many guests of the capital prefer to have a snack on the run, and the streets are filled with the aromas of sweet pastries, fried smoked meats or cheese. To many, the food will seem unhealthy and fatty, but it perfectly saturates and saves time, leaving it to visit interesting places.

On the street, it is impossible to pass by delicious-smelling sausages or ordinary fried potatoes. Trdelnik (Trdelnik) is baked right in front of your eyes, and a passer-by gets a pie full of heat.

Fried sausages Grilované klobásy is a favorite dish that is eaten on the run, it is organically complemented with rye bread, sauerkraut and generously poured with various sauces. Queues form near the carts with such food, the magical aroma does not allow you to pass by, especially after a long and saturated with impressions walk through the ancient places of the city.

Grilled cheese sandwiches Smažený sýr - a thick piece of cheese rolled in breadcrumbs and fried until golden brown. Taking a bite from it, you might think that a piece of chicken is in your mouth. The cheese is served on a white bun and garnished with lettuce.

What can you drink?

The Czech Republic is famous for beer - this is truly a cult drink for Prague. Dozens of breweries, hundreds of varieties of varieties, it can be found on sale at every turn. A tourist should visit more than one institution in order to experience all the diversity and taste of this amber drink.

The breweries offer a variety of the freshest beers brewed according to classic recipes. Bernard, Budweiser Budvar, Pilsner Urquell are the most popular golden-colored beers with a pronounced taste of malt, with a barely perceptible bitter aftertaste. Those who want to try something original can visit establishments that sell intoxicating drinks of the most incredible colors and flavors: green, pink, blue, with aromas of berries and fruits, vegetables.

The real drink of the Czech Republic is Becherovka, it is not produced anywhere else. An alcoholic herbal tincture that is not easy to drink due to its taste, but a must try. Many people attribute Becherovka not quite to alcohol, but rather to a drug.

Mulled wine is a spicy and aromatic drink, ideal in the cool season. It is prepared on the basis of red wine, adding various spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, citruses and apples. To convey the taste brighter, honey is mixed into mulled wine, thanks to this, the aftertaste left becomes deeper. In cold weather, this drink will save you from piercing autumn winds, and you can find it not only in restaurants and cafes, but also on the street.

Wine is no less popular with guests and residents of the Czech Republic. There are wonderful cellars in the capital, during which tasting tours are held.

Having gone to Prague and decided to make a gastronomic tour, you need to choose the right places where there will be no crowds of tourists, and prices will not hit your pocket.

How much does it cost to eat in Prague

For a European country, Prague offers not such high prices, in comparison with others. As elsewhere, the cost of food depends on the level of the restaurant.

You can have a hearty and inexpensive breakfast for 80-130 crowns (245-400 rubles). Often hotels already include breakfast in the price of the stay. For lunch, it will take from 80 to 250 crowns (240-770 rubles). Business lunch will cost less. The portion is large and includes: salad, main course, dessert and drink. After seeing the sights and getting pretty hungry, you can go to a cozy cafe and have dinner. A decent dinner will cost from 200 to 500 crowns (610-1550 rubles). A more budgetary evening meal will be available in a Czech bar, beer is served there with inexpensive food, and the entire dinner will cost 150 kroons (460 rubles).

When walking around the city, hot dogs will be an excellent snack, they will take from 20 to 40 crowns (60-120 rubles), but they perfectly satisfy the feeling of hunger. Fragrant coffee in a restaurant will cost 50 kroons (155 rubles), it is cheaper to buy it in a vending machine or a fast food restaurant.

Prices for beer in Prague, depending on its variety, will differ. So, Czech bar beer can be bought at a price of 50 crowns (150 rubles), in a bottle in a store - up to 30 crowns (100 rubles).

How to save money in the Czech capital?

It happens that during the trip the funds run out. The reasons may be different, but if the vacation continues, it is better not to get upset, but to make it more budgetary. See the sights, try the local traditional cuisine. Of course, it will not contain restaurant delights and exotic ingredients, but you will definitely have a chance to try classic Czech food.

Places where you can eat cheaply:

1. City Hall Canteen - This place offers a hearty meal. Rich soup and fragrant pork chop with dumplings will satisfy your hunger until the evening.
2. Cafe on the outskirts. Just like in any city: the farther from the center, the cheaper the food in Prague. It is not difficult to determine the order of prices in an institution - you need to pay attention to the interior decoration of the room, as well as the design of the menu. The simpler, the cheaper.
3. "Public refrigerator" near Café na půl cesty. Food that has not yet expired is put into it so as not to be thrown away.
4. Almost all restaurants and cafes offer their visitors a business lunch. The cost of complex lunches most often does not exceed 110-120 kroons (340-370 rubles), which allows you to have a good lunch with restaurant dishes.

What places can you visit for a delicious meal?

Prices for food in Prague will pleasantly surprise tourists. In the very center you can have an inexpensive lunch for 200-300 kroons (620-900 rubles). But do not forget that prices in restaurants can vary greatly for the same dish.

Cerny Orel("Black Eagle") is famous for its traditional Czech recipes.

Lunch includes:

• salad - from 120 to 200 kroons (370-620 rubles);
• soup - 65 crowns (200 rubles);
• goulash with dumplings - 195 crowns (610 rubles).

You can find him at Mostecká 279/11, 118 00 Praha 1-Malá Strana.

Among the restaurants of Czech cuisine, this place is the most popular. It serves traditional food for the Czech Republic, as well as international cuisine. The chef of this restaurant is Zdeněk Polreich.

The prices are big. So, goulash or pork knuckle will cost 300 kroons (900 rubles), and soup - 90 kroons (300 rubles). You can visit this institution at the address: Na Poříčí 15, 110 00 Praha 1.

Aquarius

The restaurant has a luxurious interior and is famous for its seafood dishes, but the prices are quite high.

Lunch will include:

• salad - from 270 kroons (810 rubles);
• soup - from 300 kroons (900 rubles);
• the main dish will cost from 400 crowns (1250 rubles);
• seafood - from 710 kroons (2200 rubles).

Finding a fashionable place is easy - Tržiště 303/19, 118 00 Praha-Malá Strana.

U HOUDKU

The establishment offers cuisine in true Czech tradition. Large portions at reasonable prices and a fragrant intoxicating drink are the ideal solution for a hungry tourist.

Where to go sweet tooth?

Ovocny Svetozor offers visitors a wide selection of pies, cakes and ice cream. In Prague, it can be found in several places, including shopping centers.

Paneria offers famous Prague cakes and strawberry pies. For example, a piece of pastry here will cost quite inexpensively - 45 kroons (135 rubles). Address: corner of Kaprova - Valentinská streets.

Budget places for budget travelers

Havelska Koruna offers hearty meals at reasonable prices. So, potato dumplings here can be tasted at a price of 70 kroons (230 rubles)

Address: Havelska, 23.

There are also many pizzerias on the streets where you can order a simple pizza for 140 crowns (430 rubles).

The famous restaurant-brewery, whose history begins five centuries ago. This is a popular tourist place, it is always full of people. The main reason for such attention is beer. It is enough to try it even once, so that the taste remains in the memory for a long time.

Another feature of the restaurant is that diners are not given the right to choose a drink. The waiter immediately brings a large mug of intoxicating drink to the visitor.

Beautiful country and interesting cuisine

Prague is an amazing place, a visit to which will allow you to have a wonderful gastronomic journey, see sights with a long history, drink plenty of the main value of the Czech Republic - beer.

Fatty and hearty Czech cuisine in Prague will not appeal to everyone, but even people who watch their weight or have dietary restrictions can find a traditional Prague dish to their taste, which you can try not only in pretentious establishments, but also in simple ones.

Prague offers beer and food routes. During the trip, tourists will be offered to taste traditional dishes and drinks, tell the story of their appearance, share tips and recipes, give advice or be taken to places where everyone can eat inexpensively and tasty in Prague.

The impression of the country will not be complete if during the trip you do not try the national cuisine in local establishments, especially when it comes to Greece. The Greeks love, and most importantly, know how to cook, turning national Greek dishes into a work of art.

Features of national cuisine

National dishes of Greek cuisine are distinguished by a multifaceted play of tastes and benefits. Many nutritionists recommend following the Mediterranean diet, based on the principles of Greek cuisine, to normalize weight.

The benefits of Greek national cuisine are due to simple but important factors:

1. the use of healthy products - fresh vegetables, herbs, home-made cheeses, seafood, fruits;
2. Greeks do not abuse fast food;
3. the most popular, traditional product is olive oil, which is added to many national dishes, its benefits have been known for thousands of years;
4. national dishes are seasoned with lemon juice instead of salt, citrus fruits are added to the main dishes (meat and fish), marinades, desserts;
5. Greeks often and a lot consume dairy products - yogurt, goat's milk, feta and cheese.

The main feature of the national cuisine is natural, environmentally friendly products, most of which are grown and produced in the country.

It is interesting! National Greek cuisine is a certain way of life. According to statistics, the Greeks are less likely to suffer from heart and oncological pathologies, obesity. The first book on Greek food culture was written in 330 BC.

First meal

In the national cuisine, the first courses are not popular, as a rule, vegetable soups are cooked.

But still in Greece you need to try soups:

• "Fasolada" - traditional bean soup;
• "Fakes" is a lentil stew, which is complemented by salted fish, cheese (most often cheese), olives and red onions. These soups are offered in hot weather.

In winter, more rich and hearty soups appear on the menu of restaurants:

• "Avgolemono" - soup with rice groats in chicken broth with beaten egg and lemon juice;
• Vrasto is a national beef soup.

Greek snacks

Traditionally, each meal begins with appetizers that stimulate the appetite. They are served in small bowls. Snack dishes that the Greeks themselves love and recommend to tourists to try:

• "Tzatziki" is both an appetizer and sauce made from yogurt, fresh cucumbers, olive oil, allspice garlic;
• "Dolmadakya" - an analogue of traditional cabbage rolls and dolma, an appetizer of rice, minced meat, wrapped in grape leaves;
• "Kalamarakya" - fried to a crust squid;
• "Taramasalata" - a national dish of smoked cod caviar, olives, herbs, lemon and vegetable oil;
• "Tirokafteri" is a traditional soft cheese appetizer and pepper (spicy varieties).

Salads

In the national cuisine of Greece, there are two types of salads:

• hot - with baked vegetables;
• cold - with fresh vegetables.

Among the hot salads, the following are popular.

• Broccoli is a traditional broccoli dish.
• "Pandzari" - beetroot salad.
• "Melizanosalata" - a mixture of baked eggplant, vegetable oil, spices, lemon and allspice garlic. Sometimes yogurt, tomatoes are added to the dish, seasoned with green onions. Nutritionists call this dish impeccable in terms of the principles of proper nutrition, and gourmets rightfully consider this combination of products to be ideal in taste.

The composition of national cold salads includes fresh vegetables, mixtures of spices, a variety of cheeses, olive oil and lemon juice. They are traditionally served with wine or grape vinegar.

• "Hortu" is a traditional dandelion dish, the main ingredient is radicchio.
• "Horiatiki" or rustic salad - in our area, the dish is better known as "Greek salad". The composition includes tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet peppers, onions, olives, aromatic spices and olive oil, complemented with feta cheese. You will certainly be interested in trying Greek salad in its homeland.
• "Lakhano" - a salad of their white cabbage, carrots, celery root and leaves, some housewives supplement the salad with sweet peppers.

In many ways, Italian cuisine has influenced the food culture in the country. This influence is expressed in the use of products common in Italy, for example, arugula. In some regions of Greece, they offer to try a salad of arugula leaves - Roca. A popular recipe is sun-dried tomatoes, arugula, parmigiano-reggiano cheese.

In Crete, they love the traditional Dakos salad made from special, large crackers, they are soaked a little, tomatoes are laid out on top, chopped into small cubes, crumbled Feta cheese. The mixture is seasoned with olive oil mixed with oregano. Sometimes dakos crackers are replaced with small dakakya crackers.

Greek main dishes

Traditional Greek dishes from the main group are prepared from meat, fish and seafood. There is plenty to choose from and try out.

Meat dishes.

The culture of national Greek cuisine is based on one fundamental rule - no need to complicate. A good dish, according to the Greeks, is prepared as quickly and easily as possible, which is why they prefer to simply bake meat in any convenient way. Meat is eaten differently, but if you are traveling in mountainous areas, you should try roasted game or wild boar meat. Traditional Greek Meat Dishes:

• "Brizoles" - juicy, fragrant meat on the bone;
• "Souvlaki" - compact skewers;
• “Kondosuvli” is an analogue of our traditional barbecue;
• "Paidakya" - traditional baked ribs (most often lamb);
• “Gyros” is a flatbread dish similar to doner kebab or shawarma, but different in that it always contains french fries.
• "Kokoretsi". Real gourmets will surely want to try this dish, because how appetizing it sounds: the internal organs of a lamb wrapped with intestines and baked in the oven.

What to try in Greece for admirers of European cuisine?

"Bifteki" - ordinary chopped cutlets of different diameters, seasoned with aromatic herbs, cheese, and various vegetables.

The national traditions of Greek cuisine are based on the culture of many peoples; for many decades they were formed under the influence of the Turkish yoke:

• "Suzukakya" - traditional cutlets, heavily seasoned with spices;
• "Kebabs" - the dish is masterfully prepared in the northern regions, where the Turkish diaspora settled.

National Greek dishes worth trying in the mountainous part of the country

First of all, this category includes homemade meat or game in clay pots with vegetables. The most common variant of the name "Kleftiko".

Treats of national Greek cuisine that you must try:

• "Kuneli" - rabbit meat stewed with vegetables;
• "Arnie Lemonato" - lamb cooked under a lemon marinade;
• "Kokonisto" - beef marinated with tomatoes;
• Moussaka is a popular traditional Balkan dish. It is prepared from eggplant, minced meat, tomatoes, potatoes, cheese, onions, then baked with Bechamel sauce and cheese;
• "Pastizio" - puff casserole of pasta, minced meat, traditional white marinade.

On a note! The meat is served with a side dish - rice, vegetables.

Fish dishes

Each tourist, when asked what to try in Greece from food, will unequivocally answer - fish and, of course, seafood. Indigenous Greeks treat sea gifts with respect, because the state is located on the coast of the sea.

Large fish baked on coals or grilled, seasoned with vegetable oil and lemon juice.

Small fish - sole, red mullet, sultanka are fried. Also, cod, stingray, swordfish, shark (small, Mediterranean) are most often fried.

Certain fish is used exclusively in the process of cooking fish soup. The fish is served separately with vegetable oil and lemon marinade, and the broth is served separately.

Lake varieties of fish - trout, sturgeon or salmon - are best tried in the central regions or in Macedonia.

Important! The traditional approach to cooking is impeccable freshness of products. The price is determined by the place of production - local fish is more expensive than imported. Fish menu in restaurants is more expensive than meat menu.

Seafood is represented by a separate section on the menu.

Popular dishes:

• octopuses: baked or boiled;
• squids: traditional baked - "Kalamaria Tiganita", fried with cheese stuffing - "Kalamarya Yemista me Tiri";
• cuttlefish stewed with spinach leaves;
• shrimp: fried or stewed in a tomato-cheese marinade;
• traditional mussels steamed or in a tomato-cheese marinade.

Helpful information! Crown national treat in Greek cuisine - lobster with pasta - "Macaronade me Astako".

Special attention is paid to the gifts of the seas, they are used to prepare culinary masterpieces that will easily charm the discerning gourmet. If you want to try something special, check out the shrimp dish cooked in tomato sauce and spiced with feta cheese, or the octopus dish in sweet wine and spiced with spices.

desserts

The traditional sweet dishes of Greek cuisine are primarily of Turkish heritage. By the way, the tradition of drinking coffee prepared in Turks also remained from the Ottoman Empire.

While relaxing on the Mediterranean coast, be sure to please yourself with original desserts:

• "Lukumades" - balls made from dough, seasoned with spices, sprinkled with honey, sprinkled with powdered sugar;
• "Baklava" - a traditional pie stuffed with fruit syrup, crushed nuts, dessert, usually made from 33 layers (a symbol of the age of Christ);
• "Kurabiedes" - cookies made from shortcrust pastry and almonds;
• "Risogalo" - a pudding made from rice, dried fruits, nuts, seasoned with cinnamon;
• "Khalvas" - halva, which is prepared from semolina.

Greek sauces

If you're looking for must-try Greek dishes while traveling, be sure to check out the sauces. The Greeks are well versed in them and cook them for almost every dish. Features of traditional Greek sauces:

• only natural ingredients;
• no complicated recipes;
• maximum benefit.

The main principle of the right sauce is that it should delicately emphasize the taste and aroma of the main treat.

Sauce ingredients should be as versatile as possible and be combined with fish, seafood, meat, and vegetables. Most often in the cooking process use:

• natural yogurt;
• vegetable (olive) oil;
• lemon juice;
• special, Greek garlic.

The classic sauce is Avgolemono. It is served with main dishes and salads, used in soups. It is prepared in just a few minutes - a mixture of eggs and lemon juice is diluted with broth. Proportions are selected individually depending on the desired density of the sauce. The marinade gives the main course a slight acidity.

Cooking secret! Do not bring the marinade to a boil, as the protein will curdle.

For seafood, a marinade is prepared from mustard, vegetable oil, lemon juice, and a mixture of dried herbs. In some regions, honey is added to this mixture, which gives the dish a soft, uniform texture. For fish, and as a salad dressing, a sauce is prepared from just two components - lemon juice and olive oil.

The main dishes are served with Skorthalia sauce, made from allspice garlic, almonds and vegetable oil. Sometimes bread crumbs and finely chopped potatoes are added to the sauce. This makes for a hearty snack.

Cooking secret! To smooth out the vigorous taste of garlic, it is pre-baked.

Original sauce "Fava" - it is made from mashed beans or lentils, seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, natural yogurt and herbs (usually parsley).

Products of national production

Greek cheese deserves special mention. More than 60 varieties of cheese are produced in the country, each of which is served as a snack or main course, used to prepare other dishes. During your stay in Greece, we recommend trying the following cheeses:

• "Feta" is a white cheese, of a fairly dense consistency, made from sheep's milk (rarely from goat's).
• "Graviera" is a cheese with a sweetish taste, a firm texture, made from sheep's milk.
• "Manuri" - sheep's cheese, has a soft, delicate texture, has a high calorie content.
• "Kasseri" is a cheese made from a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk, white in color with a slight yellowish tint.
• "Kefalothiri" is a savory cheese with a salty flavor and a hard, porous structure.

Another traditional dish is olive oil. Here it is sold in every grocery store. Sometimes you can try a product before buying. The oil is presented in its pure form or with the addition of spices, aromatic herbs.

National drinks

The most famous alcoholic Greek drink is ouzo. It's worth trying it first. Ouzo is prepared by distilling alcohol with the addition of anise, a bouquet of spices (most often cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves). There are many producers of the drink in Greece, so the composition and percentage of alcohol content is different - from 20% to 40%.

Ouzo is used with fish and seafood dishes, served in tall, narrow glasses. In grocery stores, the drink is sold in bottles of different sizes, the minimum cost is 3 euros.

Tsipuro and Raki

Tsipuro (tsipuro) and crayfish are alcoholic drinks with an alcohol content of 37% to 47%, reminiscent of moonshine. The main difference between them is the presence of anise - in tsipuro it is present, in raki there is no spice.

Tsipuro is served chilled in a decanter with a tall, narrow neck. The drink is drunk from small glasses, in one gulp. As a rule, Greeks of the older generation order Tsipuro, the younger generation prefers other drinks. The cost of one bottle varies from 3 to 4 euros.

Rakomelo

This is an alcoholic drink, which includes two components - honey and crayfish (not those that are found in the river, but the one described above). Sometimes cinnamon and cloves are added. The drink is most often prepared in the cold season, because you need to drink it hot. Some Greeks use rakomelo as a remedy for colds.

Rakomelo can be bought at any supermarket, but it is better to make a drink yourself - buy crayfish and honey. The process will take a few minutes, and the taste is much better than the store-bought product. Pour the crayfish into the Turk, heat, add honey to taste, remove from heat before boiling. The drink is ready, now you can try it!

Greek-made liquor, a distinctive feature is the presence of mastic - a resin that is obtained from an evergreen shrub. Mastic in Greece is used for cooking many dishes, in cosmetology.

Liquor is served as an aperitif and after meals for better digestion. The taste of mastic is original and memorable - sweetish with a light fruity-coniferous aroma. The cost of one bottle is about 10 euros.

The most popular drink in Greece is coffee. It seems that they drink it constantly - hot, cold, with and without foam, with milk or cream, with the addition of various spices. If a person orders tea instead of coffee, the Greeks will definitely think that he has health problems.

If you want to fully understand what national Greek dishes are, try them not at the hotel, but in local taverns and restaurants. This is the only way to experience the taste of real Greece.

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