Crete is the largest Greek Isle with an area of 3,219 mi² and population of around 617,360 residents. The island has a rich history and vibrant present, making it a popular tourist destination. Culture buffs can marvel at the Minoan ruins. Mythology lover’s can revel in the fact that Crete is the birth place of Zeus. Vacationers can kick back and enjoy the crystal clear water and perfect weather. And foodies can take advantage of the buzzing culinary scene.
I, of course, dove into the eats. Here’s what to eat in Chania, Crete when you only have 24 hours.
(To read about my not-so-easy journey from NYC to Chania, click HERE!)
Olive Oil
Olive oil is the foundation of just about every dish in Crete. The island produces nearly 90,000 tons of the “liquid gold” a year, and it’s truly is something special. Definitely seek it on it’s own, but you’ll get your fill of olive oil in everything you eat… trust me!
Gyros
If you go to Greece and don’t have a gyro, did you even go to Greece? Gyros consist of a pita filled with tomato, onion, fries, tzatziki sauce, and meat made on a vertical rotisserie.
They are filling, delicious, and one of the cheapest things you’ll find to eat in Chania, Crete!
The first gyro spot I tried was Oasis. It’s a little hole in the wall with only one thing on the menu: a pork gyro. (Or at least I think….). It was a mere 2.50€, and the two older gentlemen who ran the shop smiled and laughed as we navigated the language barrier. The gyro itself was perfectly fine, but nothing special. But the experience was top notch.
The second gyro spot I tried was called Epi Podos (to find it, type “Thraka” into Google Maps). The menu is more expansive than Oasis, with different gyro, kebab, and skewered meat options. I went with a chicken souvlaki gyro and it was top notch. The meat was flavorful and juicy and the pita was perfectly fluffy. There was just enough tzatziki and not too much onion. Thick, golden French fries tied it all together. Plus, it was only 3.50€.
Seafood
Chania is splattered with quaint restaurants serving up everything from calamari to whole fish. We had one big seafood feast that did not disappoint at a spot called To Maridaki.
We started with some of the thickest tzatziki (3.50€) I’ve ever had followed by an octopus salad (8€) which was loaded with chopped octopus and veggies. There was a little kick to it as well as lemongrass, that added a unique flavor flare. Next up was a serving of steamed mussels (4.50€), then a beautiful fish (13€)) that tasted as if it had just been caught. And, of course, a jug of white wine that was a mere 6.50€. To wrap it all up they brought out a complimentary raspberry sorbet and ouzo.
A feast for under 40€!
Bougatsa
Bougatsa is a traditional Greek pie that’s made with phyllo pastry layered with minced meat, cheese, or custard. The cheese variety is popular for breakfast, and I headed to Bougatsa Chania to give it a try.
The phyllo dough was delightfully flakey and the cheese was rich and smooth. I spied cinnamon and sugar on the table and added a few dash of each….*chefs kiss.*
Gelato
In many Greek isles you’ll find Loukamades everywhere (Greek-style doughnuts). In Chania, gelato is the sweet treat of choice. There are gelato stalls everywhere, and they all look mighty fine if I do say so myself.
We tried Let’s Spoon Gelato, and the gelato did not disappoint. It was rich and creamy with an undeniable freshness and pronounced flavors.
24 hours was hardly enough to dive into everything there is to eat in Chania, Crete.
Just SOME Cretan Specialties I Didn’t Get the Chance to Try:
Dakos: a Cretan salad that is made of chopped tomatoes, olive oil, and feta on top of a traditional barley rusk.
Saltsounia: traditional Cretan pies that are made with phyllo dough and filled with all types of ingredients.
Kohlioi: snails
Tsigariasto: Lamb or goat in olive oil cooked over a low heat for a long time.
For more traditional Crete eats check out HERE and HERE!
