Greek food names explained: 33 dishes in 4 languages
What are gigantes, kleftiko or galaktoboureko? Here are 33 classic Greek dishes with the Greek name, the spelling you’ll see on menus and a one-line description in English, German, French and Italian. Venue owners are free to use the descriptions on their menus.
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How to translate a Greek menu
Most menu mistakes aren’t spelling errors. They’re word-for-word translations that tell the guest nothing.
- 01
Keep the Greek name
Write “Moussaka”, not “Greek lasagna”. Tourists look for the real dish and the name they saw in their guidebook.
- 02
Add a one-line description
Main ingredients and how it’s cooked, in 6–12 words. That’s enough for the guest to know what will arrive.
- 03
Don’t translate word for word
Gigantes are not “giants” and a horiatiki is not a “villager salad”. Describe the dish, don’t translate the word.
- 04
One spelling everywhere
Souvlaki or souvlakia, gyros or yiros — pick one and use it on the menu, on your signs and on Google.
- 05
Allergens in every language
Information on the 14 allergens is mandatory, and guests must be able to understand it. Icons work in any language.
- 06
Clear prices for fish and meat by the kilo
Write “price per kg” and weigh in front of the guest. It avoids misunderstandings over the bill.
33 Greek dishes, translated
The Greek name, the Latin spelling most often seen on menus, a short description and the usual allergens.
Meze and starters
Tzatziki
ΤζατζίκιYogurt dip with cucumber, garlic and olive oil
Joghurt-Dip mit Gurke, Knoblauch und Olivenöl
Sauce au yaourt, concombre, ail et huile d'olive
Salsa di yogurt con cetriolo, aglio e olio d'oliva
- Milk
Taramosalata
ΤαραμοσαλάταFish roe dip with bread or potato, olive oil and lemon
Fischrogen-Creme mit Brot oder Kartoffel, Olivenöl und Zitrone
Crème d'œufs de poisson au pain ou à la pomme de terre, huile d'olive et citron
Crema di uova di pesce con pane o patate, olio d'oliva e limone
- Fish
- Gluten
Melitzanosalata
ΜελιτζανοσαλάταSmoky grilled aubergine dip with garlic and olive oil
Dip aus gegrillter Aubergine mit Knoblauch und Olivenöl
Caviar d'aubergine grillée à l'ail et à l'huile d'olive
Crema di melanzane grigliate con aglio e olio d'oliva
Fava
ΦάβαYellow split pea purée with onion and olive oil
Püree aus gelben Spalterbsen mit Zwiebeln und Olivenöl
Purée de pois cassés jaunes, oignon et huile d'olive
Purea di piselli gialli spezzati con cipolla e olio d'oliva
Dolmadakia
ΝτολμαδάκιαVine leaves stuffed with rice and herbs
Weinblätter gefüllt mit Reis und Kräutern
Feuilles de vigne farcies au riz et aux herbes
Foglie di vite ripiene di riso ed erbe aromatiche
Saganaki
ΣαγανάκιPan-fried cheese, usually graviera or kefalograviera
In der Pfanne gebratener Käse, meist Graviera
Fromage poêlé, le plus souvent de la graviera
Formaggio fritto in padella, di solito graviera
- Milk
- Gluten
Keftedakia
ΚεφτεδάκιαFried meatballs with herbs
Frittierte Hackfleischbällchen mit Kräutern
Boulettes de viande frites aux herbes
Polpette fritte alle erbe
- Gluten
- Eggs
Kolokithokeftedes
ΚολοκυθοκεφτέδεςCourgette fritters with feta and mint
Zucchinipuffer mit Feta und Minze
Beignets de courgette à la feta et à la menthe
Frittelle di zucchine con feta e menta
- Gluten
- Milk
- Eggs
Gigantes
ΓίγαντεςGiant white beans baked in tomato sauce
Riesenbohnen aus dem Ofen in Tomatensoße
Haricots géants au four à la sauce tomate
Fagioli giganti al forno al pomodoro
- Celery
Salads
Horiatiki
ΧωριάτικηGreek salad: tomato, cucumber, onion, pepper, olives and feta
Griechischer Bauernsalat: Tomate, Gurke, Zwiebel, Paprika, Oliven und Feta
Salade grecque : tomate, concombre, oignon, poivron, olives et feta
Insalata greca: pomodoro, cetriolo, cipolla, peperone, olive e feta
- Milk
Dakos
ΝτάκοςBarley rusk topped with tomato, soft white cheese and olive oil
Gerstenzwieback mit Tomate, Frischkäse und Olivenöl
Biscotte d'orge à la tomate, fromage frais et huile d'olive
Frisella d'orzo con pomodoro, formaggio fresco e olio d'oliva
- Gluten
- Milk
Pies
Spanakopita
ΣπανακόπιταSpinach and feta pie in filo pastry
Spinat-Feta-Pastete im Filoteig
Feuilleté aux épinards et à la feta en pâte filo
Torta salata di spinaci e feta in pasta fillo
- Gluten
- Milk
- Eggs
Tiropita
ΤυρόπιταCheese pie in filo pastry
Käsepastete im Filoteig
Feuilleté au fromage en pâte filo
Torta salata al formaggio in pasta fillo
- Gluten
- Milk
- Eggs
Baked and stewed dishes
Moussaka
ΜουσακάςLayers of aubergine, potato and minced meat with béchamel
Auflauf aus Auberginen, Kartoffeln und Hackfleisch mit Béchamel
Gratin d'aubergines, pommes de terre et viande hachée, sauce béchamel
Strati di melanzane, patate e carne macinata con besciamella
- Gluten
- Milk
- Eggs
Pastitsio
ΠαστίτσιοBaked pasta with minced meat and béchamel
Nudelauflauf mit Hackfleisch und Béchamel
Gratin de pâtes à la viande hachée et à la béchamel
Pasta al forno con carne macinata e besciamella
- Gluten
- Milk
- Eggs
Gemista
ΓεμιστάTomatoes and peppers stuffed with rice and herbs
Tomaten und Paprika gefüllt mit Reis und Kräutern
Tomates et poivrons farcis au riz et aux herbes
Pomodori e peperoni ripieni di riso ed erbe
Fasolada
ΦασολάδαWhite bean soup with carrot, celery and tomato
Weiße Bohnensuppe mit Karotte, Sellerie und Tomate
Soupe de haricots blancs, carotte, céleri et tomate
Zuppa di fagioli bianchi con carota, sedano e pomodoro
- Celery
Stifado
ΣτιφάδοBeef or rabbit stew with baby onions in tomato and wine sauce
Rind- oder Kaninchenschmortopf mit Perlzwiebeln in Tomaten-Wein-Soße
Ragoût de bœuf ou de lapin aux petits oignons, sauce tomate et vin
Stufato di manzo o coniglio con cipolline, pomodoro e vino
- Sulphites
Kleftiko
ΚλέφτικοLamb slow-baked in parchment with potatoes
Lamm, langsam im Backpapier mit Kartoffeln gegart
Agneau cuit lentement en papillote avec des pommes de terre
Agnello cotto lentamente al cartoccio con patate
Giouvetsi
ΓιουβέτσιOrzo baked with beef or lamb in tomato sauce
Kritharaki-Nudeln aus dem Ofen mit Rind oder Lamm in Tomatensoße
Orzo au four avec du bœuf ou de l'agneau à la sauce tomate
Orzo al forno con manzo o agnello al pomodoro
- Gluten
- Milk
Grilled meat
Souvlaki
ΣουβλάκιGrilled pork or chicken skewers
Gegrillte Schweine- oder Hähnchenspieße
Brochettes de porc ou de poulet grillées
Spiedini di maiale o pollo alla griglia
Gyros
ΓύροςThin slices of meat from a vertical rotisserie, in pita with tomato, onion and tzatziki
Dünne Fleischscheiben vom Drehspieß, im Pita mit Tomate, Zwiebel und Tzatziki
Fines tranches de viande à la broche, en pita avec tomate, oignon et tzatziki
Carne a fettine dallo spiedo verticale, nella pita con pomodoro, cipolla e tzatziki
- Gluten
- Milk
Bifteki
ΜπιφτέκιGrilled beef patty
Gegrilltes Rinderhacksteak
Steak haché de bœuf grillé
Svizzera di manzo alla griglia
- Gluten
- Eggs
Paidakia
ΠαϊδάκιαCharcoal-grilled lamb chops
Lammkoteletts vom Holzkohlegrill
Côtelettes d'agneau grillées au charbon
Costolette d'agnello alla brace
Kokoretsi
ΚοκορέτσιLamb offal wrapped in intestines and spit-roasted
Lamminnereien in Darm gewickelt und am Spieß gegrillt
Abats d'agneau enroulés dans des boyaux et rôtis à la broche
Interiora d'agnello avvolte nel budello e cotte allo spiedo
Fish and seafood
Chtapodi sta karvouna
Χταπόδι στα κάρβουναCharcoal-grilled octopus with olive oil and vinegar
Oktopus vom Holzkohlegrill mit Olivenöl und Essig
Poulpe grillé au charbon, huile d'olive et vinaigre
Polpo alla brace con olio d'oliva e aceto
- Molluscs
- Sulphites
Kalamarakia
Καλαμαράκια τηγανητάFried calamari
Frittierte Tintenfischringe
Calamars frits
Calamari fritti
- Molluscs
- Gluten
Garides saganaki
Γαρίδες σαγανάκιPrawns in tomato sauce with feta
Garnelen in Tomatensoße mit Feta
Crevettes à la sauce tomate et à la feta
Gamberi al pomodoro con feta
- Crustaceans
- Milk
Bakaliaros skordalia
Μπακαλιάρος σκορδαλιάFried salt cod with garlic dip
Frittierter Stockfisch mit Knoblauchcreme
Morue frite et purée à l'ail
Baccalà fritto con salsa all'aglio
- Fish
- Gluten
Desserts
Baklavas
ΜπακλαβάςFilo pastry with nuts and syrup
Filoteig mit Nüssen und Sirup
Pâte filo aux noix et au sirop
Pasta fillo con frutta secca e sciroppo
- Gluten
- Nuts
- Milk
Galaktoboureko
ΓαλακτομπούρεκοSemolina custard in filo pastry with syrup
Grießcreme im Filoteig mit Sirup
Crème de semoule en pâte filo au sirop
Crema di semolino in pasta fillo con sciroppo
- Gluten
- Milk
- Eggs
Loukoumades
ΛουκουμάδεςFried dough bites with honey and cinnamon
Frittierte Teigbällchen mit Honig und Zimt
Beignets frits au miel et à la cannelle
Frittelle con miele e cannella
- Gluten
Giaourti me meli
Γιαούρτι με μέλιStrained Greek yogurt with honey and walnuts
Griechischer Joghurt mit Honig und Walnüssen
Yaourt grec égoutté au miel et aux noix
Yogurt greco colato con miele e noci
- Milk
- Nuts
Allergens are for a typical recipe. Every kitchen has its own — always ask the venue if you have an allergy. The 14 allergens and EFET rules →
Greek menu words in English
Before the dishes, an English menu needs the right categories and a few key words. These are the most common ones on Greek menus.
| Greek | English |
|---|---|
| Ορεκτικά / Μεζέδες | Starters / Meze |
| Σαλάτες | Salads |
| Πίτες | Pies |
| Κυρίως πιάτα | Main courses |
| Μαγειρευτά | Traditional stews / Dishes of the day |
| Της ώρας / Ψητά | Grilled to order |
| Θαλασσινά | Seafood |
| Ψάρια | Fish |
| Συνοδευτικά | Sides |
| Γλυκά | Desserts |
| Ροφήματα | Hot drinks |
| Αναψυκτικά | Soft drinks |
| Κρασιά | Wines |
| Ποτά / Κοκτέιλ | Spirits / Cocktails |
| Greek | English |
|---|---|
| Στα κάρβουνα | Charcoal-grilled |
| Στη σχάρα | Grilled |
| Στον φούρνο | Oven-baked |
| Τηγανητό | Fried |
| Λαδερό | Cooked in olive oil and tomato |
| Κοκκινιστό | Braised in tomato sauce |
| Λεμονάτο | With lemon sauce |
| Στιφάδο | Stewed with small onions |
| Γεμιστό | Stuffed |
| Σπιτικό | Homemade |
| Greek | English |
|---|---|
| Πιάτο ημέρας | Dish of the day |
| Χύμα κρασί | House wine (carafe) |
| Για 2 άτομα | For two |
| Μερίδα / Μισή μερίδα | Portion / Half portion |
| Ψωμί | Bread |
| Χορτοφαγικό | Vegetarian |
| Χωρίς γλουτένη | Gluten-free |
| Πικάντικο | Spicy |
| Εποχής | Seasonal |
| Τοπικό προϊόν | Local produce |
“Mageirefta” and “tis oras” have no exact English word: describe what they mean, as above.
Your menu in 11 languages, no copy-paste
In Platoo you write each dish once in Greek. For every dish you choose how it appears in other languages:
- No translation — the name stays as you wrote it, e.g. “Moussaka”
- Automatic translation — name and description in 11 languages in one click
- Your own translation — write or edit any language yourself — including with the texts on this page
FAQ
How do you write a Greek menu in English?
Keep the Greek dish names with a one-line description and translate the categories: Orektika = Starters, Salates = Salads, Kyrios piata = Main courses, Thalassina = Seafood, Glyka = Desserts. The “Greek menu words in English” table on this page lists the most common terms.
Should Greek dish names be translated on a menu?
No. Keep the Greek name in Latin letters (e.g. Stifado) and add a short description in the guest’s language. Tourists recognise the dish and understand what’s in it.
Which spelling is right: souvlaki or souvlakia, gyros or yiros?
Both are understood. Use the spelling tourists see most often (souvlaki, gyros) and keep it the same everywhere: on the menu, on signs and on your Google profile.
What is the difference between souvlaki and gyros?
Souvlaki is cubes of meat grilled on a skewer. Gyros is thin slices shaved from meat roasted on a vertical spit. Both are served on a plate or wrapped in pita with tzatziki.
What languages should a menu in Greece have?
English is a must. Then add your guests’ languages — usually German, French and Italian. On a digital menu extra languages cost no printing: Platoo translates into 11 languages and each guest sees their own automatically.
Can I use these descriptions on my menu?
Yes, freely and at no cost. Adapt them to your recipe: if your moussaka also has potato or your gemista have minced meat, say so.
Are the listed allergens accurate?
They are the usual ones for a typical recipe and are only a guide. The venue is responsible for correct allergen information: check every ingredient, including sauces, breadcrumbs and ready-made products.
A menu every tourist understands
Send us a photo of your menu. Within 24 hours it’s ready, translated into 11 languages, with a QR code to print.
