The ritual of sharing good, fresh local cuisine is an important part of the island’s culture, and is intrinsically linked with every social event, from family gatherings and special occasions to religious festivals… each marked with its own unique delicacies and recipes.
From hearty meat dishes and unique cheeses to sticky desserts of carob and grape, the Cypriot cuisine is an exotic blend of Greek and Middle Eastern cultures, sprinkled with remnants of ancient civilisations such as indigenous Roman root vegetables or old Phoenician delicacies. And it is no secret that the ‘Mediterranean diet’ is considered to be of the healthiest, thanks to its abundance of heart-healthy olive oil, pulses, lean meat, local herbs and freshly grown fruits and vegetables. Add to this the favourable climate – that gives the fresh produce its intense flavour – and a celebration around every corner, complete with special treats, and you will find a big gastronomic adventure awaits on this tiny island!
Larnaka offers a variety of traditional tavernas across the region, from the old town centre streets to small mountain villages, and each with its own unique signature dish. In these cosy and authentic eateries, you will find the famous ‘meze’ – a variety of small dishes that combine to create a feast, and a good starting point to become acquainted with the local dishes. Moreish dips, braised, stewed and clay-cooked meats; local, freshly caught fish; pulses and legumes in various sauces; specialty cheeses and delicatessen cuts, and more unusual bites, are all prepared with tradition and passion.
And if you are visiting Larnaka during a festival or holiday period, an amazing array of treats and dishes unique to the event appear to mark the occasion, often made by the women of the family, who gather together on specific days to share in the traditions passed down from generation to generation.
Larnaka’s contemporary face ensures that aside from local gastronomy, every other taste is catered for with a fusion of modern cuisines. In trendy lounge cafes, bustling restaurants and refined high-end establishments you will find any and every international flavour you can imagine! From Asian to Mexican, and Italian to Middle Eastern, the standard of dining is excellent, with a reputation for generous portion sizes and attractive prices, making it easy to enjoy a specialty from a different corner of the world every day – and evening – of your visit to the region.
Together with the Larnaka Rural Women Association, we have created a Traditional Gastronomy Route in Larnaka’s villages.
So enjoy, savour and share the mouth-watering, appetising, fragrant and abundant everyday experience that is the cuisine of Larnaka… and Cyprus!
Need guidance? Take a Taste Tour!
To discover the island through your taste buds, ‘Cyprus Taste Tours’ will take you on a gastronomic journey to various authentic restaurants and coffee shops in Larnaka by foot, via the old streets. Along the way you will enjoy a number of traditional dishes and delicacies, as well as a warm Cypriot welcome.
