Greeks love their bread. It is a staple in their diet all over the country. The method of preparation, the shape, the texture, and the taste change from one region to another in the country. But the love for bread is constant.

Some varieties of bread have olives and nuts while others are plain. Some are cooked with olive oil and others without it. Some varieties of bread have seeds sprinkled on the top for extra flavor. You will find that the Greeks have special bread for every occasion apart from the numerous ones they prepare and serve every day.

Bread making is an ancient art in Greece and can be baked in an oven, on coal, on a special type of grate, basted in oil, or even cooked floating on water.

• Pita bread
  • This is the most widely used bread in Greece. It is famous not just in the Mediterranean regions but all over the world.
  • Pita bread comes from the Arab countries and is known as Arabiki Pita in Greece. The Greeks use the flat and compact variety of pita as it is flexible and easy to stuff and wrap.
  • Pita bread has a pocket (the two layers of the bread can be opened to resemble a small pocket or purse), in which the stuffing is placed.
  • Stuffed with meat, cheese, and other delicious ingredients, the bread becomes tasty gyros or souvlaki (wraps or sandwiches) that can be eaten almost any time.
• Horiatiko psomi
  • This is one of the most popular types of bread in Greece. Originating in the villages, the bread is usually baked in outdoor ovens and uses extra virgin olive oil.
  • The bread is dense as it is made of more than one type of flour. Favored in villages and cities, Horiatiko psomi is perfect with olive oil dressing and creamy toppings.
  • The best way to enjoy this bread is by cutting it into thick slices, drizzle fresh olive oil, adding a dash of oregano, and baking it for 3-4 minutes. It makes a great appetizer.
• Eliopsomo
  • Eliopsomo is yet classic Greek bread. The name typically translates to bread with olives. Elies means olives, and psomi means bread.
  • Olive oil and herbs also play a major role in enhancing the taste of this bread.
  • Flour, yeast, black olives, salt, water, rosemary, and honey are usually used to make the bread.
  • Though some claim that a dash of orange juice is added for that special flavor, we can safely say that olives do their bit to impact the taste of this bread.
  • You can simply drizzle the bread with olive oil, sprinkle some salt and pepper and serve. Or, you can make sandwiches by pairing it with feta cheese and olive oil.

Many restaurants, pubs, and bars in Greece serve a wide array of bread with olive oil and herbs as a side dish to enjoy with the main cuisine.