Crete: Delicious Bites on Every Corner
Join UP!'s Guide for Food Lovers
Top 10 Cretan Dishes You Must Try
You know those vacations where you remember the taste of a meal more vividly than the beach? That’s exactly what Crete is like.
At Join UP!, we offer more than flights and hotel stays — we serve you the best food tips & local favorites, curated with love from locals and our travel experts.
Whether you’re #teamSouvlaki or ready for something adventurous (hello, Cretan snails!), here’s what to eat in Crete — and where to find it — without compromise.
1. Dakos – the Cretan-style bruschetta
A slice of barley rusk (paximadi), lightly soaked and topped with fresh tomatoes, mizithra cheese, oregano, and extra virgin olive oil. Simple, but genius.
- Where to find it: Beachside tavernas in Chania and Rethymno
2. Antikristo – slow-roasted meat the ancient way
Large chunks of salted lamb, slowly cooked next to open fire, just like the traditional Cretan shepherds used to do it. Intense flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Where to find it: Mountain villages around Psiloritis
3. Chochlioi Boubouristi – fried snails with vinegar and rosemary
It might sound unusual, but this is a true local delicacy. Fried in olive oil and served crispy with bold, savory aromas.
- Where to find it: Traditional restaurants in Heraklion
4. Kalitsounia – sweet or savory mini pies
These little pastries are filled with mizithra cheese or wild herbs. Served for breakfast, as a snack, or even dessert.
- Where to find them: Artisan bakeries in Agios Nikolaos
5. Gamopilafo – the wedding rice
A festive Cretan dish: creamy rice boiled in rich goat or lamb broth, topped with goat milk butter. Simple and comforting.
- Where to find it: Family tavernas in Rethymno area
6. Briam – oven-roasted vegetables, Mediterranean style
A colorful mix of eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, potatoes, and onions, slow-baked in olive oil. A vegetarian's dream.
- Where to find it: Any good taverna in southern Crete
7. Cretan salad with staka cheese
Similar to the classic Greek salad but with a twist: staka, a rich, creamy cheese made from goat milk and fat. Flavor-packed!
- Where to find it: Traditional eateries in the Anogeia region
8. Loukoumades – Greek honey puffs
A beloved Cretan dessert: small, fluffy doughnuts drizzled with honey, cinnamon, and crushed nuts.
- Where to find them: Local markets and street food in any town
9. Graviera cheese – the queen of Cretan cheeses
Aged, slightly sweet, and perfect as an appetizer or melted into various dishes.
- Where to find it: Visit local farms around Sfakia
10. Raki & Local Wines
You simply can’t leave Crete without trying raki (tsikoudia) – the island’s signature spirit served with every meal. Bonus: excellent handcrafted wines.
- Where to taste them: Wineries in the Archanes region
In Crete, You’ll Eat Like a God
Crete feeds you with more than sun and beaches – it’s a place of rich, authentic gastronomy and unforgettable flavors.
With Join UP!, your vacation includes flights, stays, and local tips that bring your journey to life – from the first bite to the last sunset.