It’s finally the weekend in Montreal, the sun is out, and you’re itching to try a new cuisine for a change. The answer is simple: Go Greek!
If you haven’t yet exposed yourself to the incredible flavors of the du régime méditerranéen, you are truly missing out. Greek food is the perfect midday escape; it’s built on fresh, bold flavors, lean proteins, and hearty, satisfying textures that won’t weigh down your afternoon.
If you’ve finally decided to treat yourself to a true taste of Greece, this is your complete guide. We’re focusing exclusively on the traditional, must-try Greek staples that guarantee an authentic lunch experience.
Let’s dig in!
Greek Proteins and Grills
When it comes to a satisfying Greek lunch, the traditional proteins, whether grilled over charcoal or slow-roasted on a rotisserie, are the only way to go. These meat staples are quick, filling, and packed with smoky, seasoned flavor, perfect for any midday meal.
1. Authentic Greek Souvlaki
The name souvlaki comes from the word for “skewer.” This classic dish features marinés, bite-sized cubes of pork or chicken threaded onto a wooden stick and cooked horizontally over an open grill. The result is meat that is smoky, tender, and slightly charred.
Lunch Tip: Souvlaki is incredibly versatile. It can be enjoyed simply on the stick for a pure taste of the grill, or wrapped in a pita with standard toppings for a burst of fresh flavor.
2. The Must-Try Gyro
The Gyro is recognizable by its majestic presence on the vertical rotisserie. This preparation method is what truly distinguishes it from other meat dishes. Seasoned meat, traditionally pork or chicken, is stacked into a large cone and slow-cooked as it rotates.
The meat is shaved off in thin, crispy ribbons from the outside layer. This vertical preparation guarantees incredible flavor and moisture, as the fat continuously self-bastes the meat as it cooks.
3. The Classic Greek Pita Wrap
While both Souvlaki and Gyro meat are delicious on a plate, the classic Greek lunch experience is the Pita Wrap. This perfectly pliable bread acts as the essential vehicle, holding the star components of any authentic Greek meal: your choice of protein, the cooling tzatziki sauce, fresh diced tomato, and crisp onion.
Essential Sides: The Foundation of the Greek Lunch Plate
A true Greek lunch is a symphony of flavors, and the sides are every bit as important as the protein. These components are what give the meal its unique texture, balance, and ability to soak up delicious sauces.
1. The Signature Side: Greek Lemon Potatoes (Patates Lemonates)
This is arguably the most famous Greek side dish and a non-negotiable part of any authentic lunch plate. These potatoes stand out because they are not just roasted; they are braise-roasted. This method creates a magical dual texture:
- Creamy Interior: Achieved by slow-cooking the potatoes in a liquid bath (broth and lemon juice).
- Crispy Crust: Formed when the liquid evaporates, leaving behind a thick, tangy lemon-oregano glaze that caramelizes the edges.
2. Fluffy Aromatic Rice
Often served on the side or as the base of a Greek bowl, this seasoned rice offers a warm, fluffy counterpoint to the vibrant, acidic flavors. It is typically prepared simply with stock and herbs to be aromatic and tender. Its primary role on the plate is to act as the perfect, neutral base, ideal for soaking up the rich meat juices and the tangy lemon sauce from the Patates Lemonates.
3. The Refreshing House Salad
To balance the richness of the meats and the heartiness of the potatoes and rice, every Greek lunch needs a fresh, vibrant salad. Look for a House Salad that features fresh, crisp vegetables (often including shredded carrot, cabbage, and cucumber) with a simple oil-and-vinegar dressing. This provides a refreshing, cool, and crunchy element that resets the palate between bites.
Appetizers & Light Choices
For a lighter midday meal, or to begin your culinary journey, these traditional starters offer intense, concentrated Greek flavors that are both satisfying and easy to enjoy.
1. The Definitive Greek Salad (Horiatiki)
If you are looking for the true Greek salad, leave the lettuce behind! The authentic Horiatiki is a robust mix of the Mediterranean’s freshest produce: ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, sliced onions, and Kalamata olives, all topped with a generous solid block of Feta. It is dressed simply with Extra Virgin Olive Oil, allowing the quality of the ingredients to shine through.
2. Essential Dips and the Pita Platter
Greek dips are not just condiments; they are flavor foundations. They are essential for soaking up all the tastes of the meal.
- Tzatziki: The cooling classic. Made from strained yogurt, cucumber, and garlic, it is the perfect counterpoint to grilled meats and spicy flavors.
- Kopanisti: For those who like a kick, this is a bold, creamy spread made from blending Feta cheese with roasted red peppers and smoked chili; a fantastic, spicy alternative.
- Taramosalata: A truly unique, savory option. This fish roe dip (often pink or beige) is a powerhouse of flavor, typically blended with potato or breadcrumbs and olive oil.
The Scoop: Don’t forget your Warm Pita Bread! This soft, grilled bread is the essential tool, acting as the perfect vessel to scoop and savor every last drop of these rich, savory dips.
3. Savory Handheld Pastries
A great option for a quick, satisfying light lunch is a traditional savory pastry:
- Spanakopita/Tiropita: These feature flaky, delicate phyllo dough baked until golden. Spanakopita is filled with spinach and feta cheese, while Tiropita is filled with only a rich cheese mixture. They are delicious, filling, and highly portable.
- Dolmadakia: These are the well-known stuffed grape leaves. Typically filled with seasoned rice and fresh herbs, they are served cold and drizzled with olive oil and lemon, perfectly refreshing.
Must-Try Greek Desserts After Lunch
No Greek meal is complete without a rich, honey-soaked dessert. These traditional sweets provide the perfect finale to your savory lunch.
1. The Traditional Greek Baklava
Baklava is the quintessential Greek pastry, famous worldwide for its decadent layers and intense sweetness. It features many thin sheets of buttery phyllo dough layered with a finely chopped nut mixture (usually walnuts and pistachios). After baking, the hot pastry is drenched in a fragrant, sweet syrup, often flavored with cinnamon, honey, or lemon zest. It’s rich, crunchy, and utterly irresistible.
2. Modern Greek Fusion: Cheesecake Baklava
For a unique twist on tradition, some modern Greek establishments offer incredible fusion desserts. The Cheesecake Baklava is a spectacular example. This dessert takes the best elements of both worlds: the creamy, smooth texture of cheesecake is combined with the crunchy, syrupy goodness of traditional Baklava pieces. This pairing offers a satisfying balance between cooling creaminess and intense, nutty sweetness, making it a must-try for dessert lovers.
Conclusion
You now have the complete blueprint for ordering an authentic, satisfying Greek lunch. From Souvlaki and Gyro wraps to essential sides like Greek Lemon Potatoes, you know the staples for a truly traditional and balanced meal.
Time to Go Greek!
Satisfy that craving now. You can confidently enjoy the very best of Greek lunch, from Tzatziki to Cheesecake Baklava, at Souvlaki Authentique.
Find your nearest location and enjoy a truly exclusive Greek meal today!
