A guide to Cypriot food: from halloumi to meze

Cypriot cuisine is a table built for sharing, where Mediterranean, Anatolian and Middle Eastern influences meet. Don't leave the island without trying these flavours.

Halloumi

The island's symbol, halloumi is eaten grilled, pan-fried or fresh — and with watermelon it is a summer classic. At halloumi festivals you can watch it being made and taste cheeses of different ages.

Meze culture

A meze table starts with small plates and lasts for hours: hummus, cacık, olives, cracked green olives, grilled halloumi, meatballs, octopus and much more. Take your time — meze is less a meal than a way of conversation.

Must-tries

• Molohiya: A leafy green stew cooked with meat, unique to the island.
• Sheftalia: Minced meat and spices wrapped in caul fat and grilled.
• Pirohu: Cypriot dumplings filled with halloumi or fresh cheese.
• Bulla and ekmek kadayıfı: For those with a sweet tooth.

Taste and learn

Cooking classes, tasting nights and food tours let you eat and learn at the same time. On Biletcik, workshops and meze nights are listed under "Food & Drink".