What to Eat in Antiparos
Antiparos is an embarrassment of culinary riches. With the open fields of Kampos and the breezes of the Aegean Sea, the island has a unique microclimate that has favoured grapes, tomatoes, lamb and seafood since antiquity. Whether you hire Private Chef Antiparos or strike out on your own, these are the top ten foods we suggest you eat while visiting our beautiful island of Antiparos. Kali Orexi and Buon Appétite!
Grilled Octopus
Here is a little tip. While you are visiting Antiparos, do yourself and big favour and wake up early one morning. Enjoy the stillness and muted sounds of this island. While you walk the in the magical morning hours, you will notice men (they are always men), making dramatic whacking motions against the craggy rocks surrounding the Port of Antiparos and beyond. They are tenderising octopus. These native cephalopods are harvested from the rocks around Antiparos, tenderised through repeating slamming against rocks, grilled and marinated in vinegar. They are smaller, brinier and tastier than farmed octopus. Enjoy a plate of grilled octopus with an astringent Assyrtiko wine from the island of Santorini for a perfect afternoon aperitif.
Briam
This colourful casserole of eggplant, tomato, peppers and potatoes is a summer standard. As the vegetables gently cook in a clay casserole, they absorb each other’s flavours and melt into a piquant celebration of island abundance. Briam is colourful, savoury and healthy– a true expression of Mediterranean culinary excellence. A triumph of simplicity.
Golden Grouper
Antiparos is surrounded by water, and one would assume is therefore full of fish. Be careful when ordering seafood though. Much of the fish you find on menus is not native to these waters. If you are lucky, you will have the opportunity to sample the island’s Golden Grouper. Often found off the open shores on the neighbouring ancient island of Despotiko, Golden Grouper is a larger native fish. We grill over an open flame, stuffing with seasonal aromatics including lemon, dill, peppers and thyme. Tender and mild, the golden grouper is an island delicacy. No Private Chef Antiparos event is complete with our a party grouper!
xinomizithra Cheese
This tart local soft goat cheese is a must eat while visiting Antiparos. While feta may be more famous outside of Greece, Xinomizithra is the way to eat when in the Cyclades. It is a soft more spreadable cheese and in Antiparos you can order your greek salad with feta or xinomizithra. Get the mizithra friends! When in Antiparos, eat as the local do.
Horiatiki Greek Salad
Sure this salad is available all over Greece. Yet on a blissful summer day after a long swim, there is nothing more refreshing than a vibrant horiatiki salad on Antiparos. Literally meaning from the garden, this salad is Greek soul food. You will notice that rarely do we make with lettuce in Greece. You will instead find a colourful composition of cucumbers, olives, red bell peppers and the amazing Antiparos tomatoes. All topped with a generous hunk of xinomizithra or feta cheese and a sprinkle of local oregano. Simple island food is the best way to eat when on Antiparos.
Chickpeas
The humble chickpea, when slowly stewed in a terracotta casserole become a dish of subtle elegance after several hours. This is the alchemy of the Cycladic kitchen. Called revithada in Greek, stewed chickpeas are a viscerally nostalgic dish. Dunk with toasted bread and delight in the simpler pleasures of life.
Taramosalata
Don’t be frightened by the word local fish eggs. This briny spread of mullet eggs, garlic and crustless bread is an explosion of flavours. Sometimes you might see psychedelic pink version that often features synthetic dyes. Better to stick to super traditional and avoid the wildly coloured tarama. A true Greek yiayia dish, taramosalata heightens the sense of summer and sea. Smear taramosalata on toasted bread drenched in olive oil. Even better, enjoy with a chilled glass of Moraitis Parian Rosé
8. Gemista
Pat of the ladera style of Greek olive oil cookery, Gemista are an indispensable component of the Antiparos summer table. Stuffed vegetables gently cooked in olive oil and tomato pasta, Gemista can be both vegetarian and meat filled. Here is a little secret–they taste better the next day. Even better at room temperature. Let those flavours just meld together as you enjoy this ostensibly seasonal island treat.
9. Spanakopita
Maybe spanakopita is one of the most famous Greek dishes in the world. If you are lucky, you can enjoy a home made Spanakopita here on the island of Antiparos. Literally meaning pita and spinach, these spinach feta pies are a perfect snack for a day at the beach. They are hearty, soothing and best eaten with your hands. Beware of crumbs!
10. Kontosouvli
What could be more carnal than the aroma of spit roasted meat? In the summer months, families across Antiparos slowly spit roast large hunks of pork over open charcoal barbecues. If the aroma wafts in your direction, just follow your nose. Enjoy with potatoes. Be prepared to lick your fingers.