Top 6 traditional foods that you have to taste in Rhodes

Hey foodies and travelers! Grab a seat and get ready to feast your way through the top 6 must-try traditional foods that you absolutely cannot afford to miss while in Rhodes. This island isn’t just about beaches and history – it’s a foodie paradise too, with flavors influenced by its rich past and diverse culture.

1. Pitaroudia

If you’re a fan of falafel, you have to try pitaroudia – they’ll be your new favorite snack, trust me! It’s like this: mashed chickpeas mixed up with diced tomatoes and onions, all formed into these amazing little fritters that are seriously delicious. But here’s the kicker: they add in some fresh mint and parsley that totally takes them to the next level. Perfect for munching on with a shot of ouzo or a cold beer – it’s Greek mezze perfection right there!

A square image that depicts a food plate with food.

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2. Lacani

Lacani is like the signature dish of Rhodes because it’s got all the favorite stuff that people here love: goat, chickpeas, and some rich spices like cumin. So, first off, soak those chickpeas overnight. Then, toss them in with the goat chunks, tomato sauce, cumin, a pinch of salt, and some fried onions in a clay pot. Sprinkle in some cinnamon for extra flavor. Pour in some water, cover it up, and pop it in the oven for about three hours. And voila, you’ve got yourself a taste of Rhodes right in your kitchen!

A landscape image of a ceramic bowl with goat chunks and chickpeas.

3. Moschopougkia

Okay, here’s the scoop: in Rhodes, there’s this sweet treat called moschopougkia, and t’s got a pretty cool tradition behind it! So, back in the day, brides used to whip up a batch of these goodies to butter up their future mothers-in-law once they got engaged. But here’s the thing: they’re so darn tasty that you don’t need a wedding to enjoy them! People make them for all sorts of celebrations, like weddings or other ceremonies. They’re made with almonds, sugar, and orgeat, and then spiced up with some cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Roll all that goodness up in handmade dough, fry it till it’s crispy perfection, and then dunk them in rose water and sprinkle them with icing sugar. Shaped like little half-moons, just one bite of moschopougkia will send you straight to dessert heaven!

4. Matsi

If you thought pasta was all about Italy, think again! Greeks have been making pasta for ages, and Rhodes is right in the mix. They’ve got this homemade pasta called “Matsi,” and it’s something special. Now, the name might vary depending on where you are on the island, but one thing’s for sure – it’s delicious no matter what.

And here’s a tip straight from the locals: one of the best ways to enjoy Matsi is with a topping called syvrasi, which is basically crispy-fried onions.

5. Karavoli

While Crete might be all about those snails, Rhodes has its own snail dish that’s pretty famous too – it’s called Karavoli. Picture this: juicy snails cooked up in a pot with tomato sauce, onions, and some wild greens. Trust me, one taste of this dish and you’ll be hooked!

6. Melekouni

Melekouni is like the Rhodes version of a nut bar, but seriously, it’s way better! This snack is packed with goodness, so you can munch on it anytime, especially when you need a little energy boost for exploring the island. Melekouni is all about sesame, local honey, almonds, and a hint of orange zest. And get this – no sugar, just pure, delicious honey and a bunch of spices! Think cinnamon, coriander, nutmeg, clove, and a touch of mastiha all mixed in to give it that unbeatable flavor and chewiness. Trust me, it’s a must-try when you’re in Rhodes!