10+ Best Cypriot Recipes You Need To Try Once

Cyprus is an island steeped in culture, history, and a rich, diverse food scene.

Cypriot cuisine draws from Greek and Turkish influences, blending fresh ingredients and Mediterranean flavors.

If you’ve never tasted the delights of Cyprus, it’s time to discover what makes their food so irresistible.

Trust us; after you try these dishes, you’ll be hooked!

From savory pies to grilled meats, these Cypriot recipes offer a delicious experience that’ll transport your taste buds straight to the heart of the Mediterranean.

So buckle up! We’re about to dive into some seriously mouth-watering eats that are too good to miss.

1. Halloumi Cheese – A Cypriot Classic

Ingredients:

• 1 gallon of milk (preferably whole)
• 1/4 tablet of rennet
• Salt (to taste)

How to make it:

1. Heat the milk gently on medium heat in a large pot until it reaches 85°F.
2. Dissolve the rennet in a small amount of water, then add it to the milk. Stir gently and let the milk sit for about 60 minutes until it solidifies into curds.
3. Cut the curds into small cubes and heat them again until the temperature reaches 105°F.
4. Scoop out the curds and press them into a mold.
5. Let the cheese rest for about 12 hours at room temperature, then transfer it to brine.

Halloumi, a cheese made from sheep or goat’s milk, is the true pride of Cyprus.

It has a dense texture that makes it perfect for grilling or frying.

Whether you toss it in a salad, or enjoy it as a savory snack, halloumi’s salty bite is guaranteed to impress.

Why did this make it to our list? Halloumi is a staple in Cypriot cuisine, and every bite brings you that crispy golden exterior and soft, chewy interior.

It’s iconic for a reason—once you try it, you’ll understand why!

2. Keftedes (Cypriot Meatballs)

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or lamb
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for frying

How to make it:

1. Mix the ground meat, onion, garlic, parsley, breadcrumbs, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
2. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a golf ball.
3. Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
4. Fry the meatballs in batches until they’re golden and crispy on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Serve with a side of yogurt or a squeeze of lemon.

The Keftedes are a perfect example of Cypriot comfort food—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors.

They’re perfect as a starter or as part of a meze platter.

Why we chose it: These meatballs are packed with flavor, and the combination of spices brings a unique Cypriot twist to a classic dish.

A must-try for anyone craving something savory and satisfying.

3. Sheftalia (Cypriot Sausages)

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground lamb
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sheep’s caul fat (optional, for wrapping)

How to make it:

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, onion, parsley, garlic, spices, salt, and pepper.
2. If using caul fat, soak it in water, then cut it into squares big enough to wrap around the sausages.
3. Shape the meat mixture into small logs or patties, wrapping each with caul fat.
4. Grill the sausages on medium heat for 10-12 minutes, turning them until they’re golden brown on all sides.

Sheftalia sausages are tender, juicy, and full of flavor. These Cypriot sausages are grilled to perfection, making them ideal for a BBQ or a flavorful lunch.

Why did this make it to our list? Sheftalia is the kind of dish that gets you hooked from the first bite.

The combination of spices and the smoky flavor from the grill is simply irresistible.

4. Souvla (Cypriot BBQ Meat)

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs lamb shoulder
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to make it:

1. Cut the meat into large chunks and marinate them with olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the meat marinate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
2. Skewer the meat and grill it over medium-high heat for about 10-15 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
3. Serve with pita bread, salad, and a drizzle of tzatziki sauce.

Souvla is a Cypriot barbecue tradition that’s sure to impress your guests.

The succulent meat, marinated to perfection, gets that perfect char on the grill.

Whether you’re cooking it for a big party or a family dinner, it’s a guaranteed hit.

Why we selected it: Souvla takes grilling to the next level. It’s smoky, flavorful, and a true reflection of Cypriot outdoor dining culture.

5. Moussaka (Cypriot Style)

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggplants, sliced
• 1 lb ground beef or lamb
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup red wine
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup béchamel sauce

How to make it:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Salt the eggplant slices and let them sit for 30 minutes to remove excess moisture. Pat them dry with paper towels.
3. Fry the eggplant slices in olive oil until golden brown. Set aside.
4. In a pan, sauté the onion and garlic, then add the ground meat. Cook until browned.
5. Add the tomatoes, red wine, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Layer the eggplant, meat mixture, and béchamel sauce in a baking dish. Top with more béchamel sauce and bake for 45 minutes.

This dish is a Cypriot twist on the Greek classic, featuring layers of rich, flavorful meat and creamy béchamel sauce.

Why we selected it: Moussaka is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for feeding a crowd and offering a taste of Cypriot tradition.

6. Kolokotes (Cypriot Pumpkin Pies)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups pumpkin, cooked and mashed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup rice
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp allspice
• 1/4 tsp cloves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Phyllo dough

How to make it:

1. Sauté the onion in olive oil until soft. Add the mashed pumpkin, rice, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, salt, and pepper.
2. Roll out the phyllo dough and cut it into squares.
3. Spoon the pumpkin mixture onto each square, then fold the dough to form a triangle or rectangle.
4. Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes or until the pastry is golden.

Kolokotes are savory pastries filled with a spiced pumpkin mixture. They make for a delicious snack or appetizer.

Why we choose it: These pies are a fun, flavorful bite of Cypriot tradition. The crispy phyllo dough and warm pumpkin filling are the perfect combination.

7. Tava (Cypriot Lamb Stew)

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs lamb, cut into chunks
• 2 onions, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 cup red wine
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to make it:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil and brown the lamb on all sides.
2. Add onions, garlic, tomatoes, and oregano. Cook for a few minutes until softened.
3. Add red wine, salt, and pepper, then cover and simmer for 2 hours, or until the lamb is tender.

This tender, slow-cooked lamb stew is a beloved Cypriot dish, perfect for hearty meals with family and friends.

Why did this make it to our list? Tava offers rich, slow-cooked flavors that transport you straight to the heart of Cyprus.

It’s everything you want in a stew—comforting, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying.

8. Koupepia (Stuffed Grape Leaves)

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef or lamb
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup rice
• 2 tbsp pine nuts
• 1 tbsp dried mint
• Grape leaves (about 20)
• Olive oil for drizzling
• Lemon wedges for serving

How to make it:

1. Mix the meat, onion, rice, pine nuts, and mint together. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Lay out the grape leaves, spoon a small amount of the mixture onto each leaf, and roll them up tightly.
3. Place the stuffed leaves in a pot, drizzle with olive oil, and cover with water. Simmer for about an hour.

These stuffed grape leaves are a flavorful, savory snack or appetizer in Cyprus. They’re simple yet delicious.

Why we selected it: These little bites are packed with flavor and show off the elegance of Cypriot cuisine. They’re a must-try at any Mediterranean feast.

9. Boureki (Cypriot Zucchini Pie)

Ingredients:

• 4 medium zucchinis, sliced
• 1 cup feta cheese
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 1 sheet phyllo dough
• Olive oil for brushing

How to make it:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Combine the zucchinis, feta, ricotta, and mint in a bowl.
3. Roll out the phyllo dough and layer the mixture on top. Fold over the edges and brush with olive oil.
4. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown.

This zucchini pie is the perfect savory pastry with fresh, summery flavors. It’s crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside.

Why we choose it: Boureki offers a delicious way to enjoy fresh vegetables, and its combination of cheeses makes it simply irresistible.

10. Fasolada (Cypriot Bean Soup)

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beans (such as kidney or white beans)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to make it:

1. Cook the beans in a pot of water until tender, about 1-2 hours.
2. In a separate pan, sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil.
3. Add the tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Add the cooked beans and simmer for an additional 30 minutes.

This hearty bean soup is a classic Cypriot comfort food—rich, warming, and full of flavor.

Why we selected it: Fasolada is the perfect dish for cozy, satisfying meals. It’s healthy, delicious, and full of that classic Cypriot love.

11. Kleftiko (Cypriot Lamb Dish)

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs lamb shoulder, cut into chunks
• 2 onions, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges
• 1 cup white wine
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tbsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to make it:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine the lamb, onions, garlic, potatoes, olive oil, rosemary, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the white wine over the mixture and toss to coat.
4. Cover with foil and roast for 2-3 hours, until the lamb is tender and the flavors have melded together.

Kleftiko is a traditional Cypriot lamb dish that’s slow-cooked to perfection.

The tender lamb is infused with the flavors of garlic, rosemary, and white wine, making it a comforting, delicious feast.

Why we selected it: Kleftiko is a Cypriot classic that takes time but delivers incredible results.

The slow-cooked lamb, paired with potatoes and savory herbs, makes it an unforgettable dish that embodies the heart of Cypriot cuisine.

Conclusion

Cypriot cuisine is a true celebration of fresh, vibrant ingredients and Mediterranean flavors that transport you straight to the sun-drenched shores of Cyprus.

Whether you’re enjoying the crispy texture of halloumi, savoring the juicy, spice-packed meatballs, or diving into the rich, slow-cooked lamb of Kleftiko, these dishes are sure to impress.

With each bite, you’re not just tasting a dish—you’re experiencing a piece of Cyprus itself.