Posted by QuickReadAbout.com Staff in Cyprus is a divided country and so its cuisine. The two distinct cultures, Greek and Turkish that influence the country are now easily determined through the famous “Green Line” since the 1970s. The northern part is now occupied by the Turkish Cypriots while the Greeks largely populate the Republic.
Despite this very striking barrier, Cyprus cuisine is still one of the most rich when it comes to variety and taste. Thus making a gastronomic experience uniquely charmed by the Cypriots and loved by the visitors. Kleftiko, which is actually an oven-baked lamb, is popular all throughout Cyprus. This is perhaps the only unifying force of the Cypriots.
Cyprus cuisine is a concoction of all the flavors that were attracted to it thus the influence on the taste is so distinct. Each of the culture that has great influence of the country is well represented in Cyprus cuisine. The dishes are patterned from these cultures but are presented in a unique Cypriot way. Also, one of the most distinctive characteristics that can truly be recognized with Cyprus cuisine is the presence of dips and salads together with other tasty appetizers. Fruits like the stone fruit, strawberry, melons, citrus, grapes and prickly pear are the best loved in the country.
The Turkish Cypriot palate
The predominantly inhabited with Turkish Cypriot, the north of Cyprus has vowed allegiance to its mother culture. This is evidenced in the cuisine that the Turkish Cypriots have for a longest time. Though it borrows inspirations from other remarkable cuisines from the people that had conquered the country or from the places that surrounds the island. Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Southern Europe are just some of the flavors that have formed the unique Turkish Cypriot cuisine. The meze is the most popular among the dishes. It consist of a wide variety of meats, vegetables, salads, and fish which are all served as either cold or hot hors d’ oeuvres. Meze is a versatile food because it can be considered a main course while others prefer it as an excellent appetizer.
The north is also famous for its coffee, which is a true Turkish blend of coffee concoction brewed the Cypriot way. This beverage has been introduced by one of the country’s invaders— Ottoman Turks. The age-old secret of the blend of coffee lies in the preparation of the beans that are finely ground. The powder is then cooked, added with sugar to produce a thick foamy cream. This is a close semblance of the foamy sea from which Aphrodite, the goddess who came from the island of Cyprus, actually came out.
The taste that is Greek
Cyprus cuisine is also distinguishable by its Greek origin. Notably some of the famous Greek dishes are also the same popular dishes in the Republic—the part of Cyprus that is inhabited largely by Greek Cypriots. Some cuisines have also influenced the taste of this group of Cypriots like the Italian, Middle Eastern, and the Balkan. Most of the meat dishes are of goat and sheep’s since the locality is more favorable to the grazing of these animals than cattle. However dishes made from fish meat are also widely favored. The most distinct about the Greek Cypriot dishes is the presence of olive oil, having been blessed with a rich olive plantation.
When one thinks of Cyprus cuisine two flavors would basically come to mind. However one is assured that anyone of which is truly one experience that is hard to miss.