Why Greek recipes are on the rise

According to a new survey, Australians are eager to explore new cuisines, and Greek tops the list of what Aussies want to cook more of. See why.

Step aside, pasta; more Aussies are turning to Greek cuisine when looking to try something new for dinner.

Rising grocery prices and the simplicity of the cuisine are driving Australians to try their hand at traditional Greek recipes, which often require fewer and more affordable ingredients.

According to taste.com.au’s ‘Taste the World’ survey, Australians are eager to explore new cuisines, and Greek tops the list of what Aussies want to cook more of.

Mother-daughter duo Mary and Martha Kalifatidis have been making Greek cuisine more accessible to Aussies through their popular online cooking videos, where they share their family recipes.

They understand exactly why Greek recipes are on the rise.

“Greek food is all about bold flavours, fresh ingredients and sharing meals with people you love – Aussies can definitely relate to that,” they said. “We love entertaining and we love food that’s simple but packed with flavour. Greek food is comforting, but it’s also fresh and vibrant, which suits the Aussie lifestyle.”

Martha Kalifatidis, Sofia Sofronidis and Mary Kalifatidis. Picture: Tony Gough

Despite the growing interest, survey respondents admitted they avoid cooking new cuisines due to expensive ingredients.

To address this, Taste is launching new global recipes to help Aussies sharpen their skills while keeping costs in check.

“Our hope is that everyone can make these easy and accessible recipes,” said Marina Karris,

Taste Senior Content Producer, who is championing Greek recipes for the campaign.

Alongside Marina’s culinary efforts is Mary’s spinach pie, of which she said, “There’s nothing better than watching people take that first crunchy bite and seeing their face light up.”

These recipes launch on taste.com.au in time for Greek Independence Day on Tuesday, March 25.

In celebration, the three generations of Greek cooks gathered at CERES Community Environment Park for a family photo highlighting the ties between food and heritage.

A plate of delicious stuffed grape leaves with parsley garnish. Picture: iStock

“Cooking is basically a love language in Greek families. Even when we fight in the kitchen, we always end up laughing over a plate of something delicious,” Martha said.

David Tsirekas, lauded Greek chef based in Sydney, said he believes people are hesitant to try Greek recipes initially because of slower cooking techniques. However, there are many benefits.

“It’s definitely not an expensive cuisine to cook, because it’s often a lot of really simple ingredients,” Mr Tsirekas said.

Amelia Phillps, a registered nutritionist and co-founder of Vitality360, an online program that teaches affordable nutrition, said she believes the resurgence in Greek food is also due to its health benefits.

“If we can be clever with how we shop and cook, then there is a wonderful opportunity to save money while increasing nutrient quality and health outcomes,” Phillps said. “I strongly believe that following the principles of a Mediterranean diet can achieve both.”

Originally published as Why Greek recipes are on the rise