BEYOND SOUVLAKI:
5 Modern Twists on Cypriot Classics You Can’t Miss in Nicosia
You’ve tried the souvlaki. You’ve had the sheftalia. But have you tasted the real, modern Cyprus?
At Tsipouraki Mezedaki, we respect tradition, but we love to play with it. We take the island's most ancient ingredients: Commandaria wine, Carob syrup, Zivania spirit, and reimagine them into dishes that surprise your palate.
If you are looking for a dining experience that goes deeper than the standard tourist menu, here are 5 signature dishes you need to try tonight.
1. The "Cypriot Carbonara"
Forget the Italian classic for a moment. We reinvented this beloved pasta dish using Smoked Lountza (cured pork loin) instead of pancetta. The result? An intensely smoky, creamy flavor profile that is distinctly Cypriot. It’s comfort food, upgraded.
Must try if: You love pasta but want a local kick.
2. Salad with a Spirit: The "Zivanomelo" Dressing
Salads can be boring—ours isn't. We take fresh greens, goat cheese, and dried figs, and dress them with Zivanomelo. This is a unique blend of Zivania (Cyprus’s fiery grape pomace spirit) and honey. It adds a sweet, boozy warmth that transforms a simple salad into a cocktail of flavors.
3. Halloumi 2.0: Grilled with Carob & Poached Pear
You can find grilled Halloumi everywhere. But have you had it paired with Carob Syrup (the "black gold" of Cyprus) and delicate poached pear? The saltiness of the cheese meets the deep, chocolate-like sweetness of the carob for a perfect balance.
Pair it with: A glass of white Xynisteri wine.
4. Mushrooms in Ancient Wine
Commandaria isn't just for drinking. We sauté fresh mushrooms in Commandaria wine—the oldest named wine in the world, still in production. The sweet, rich wine creates a glaze that makes the earthy mushrooms taste like luxury. A simple starter, but an unforgettable taste of history.
5. Feta Wrapped in Beirut Filo
We borrow a touch from the Middle East. Salty Greek Feta cheese is wrapped in crunchy Beirut Filo pastry, fried until golden, and drizzled with honey and poppy seeds. It’s crunchy, creamy, salty, and sweet all at once. The ultimate starter to share (or keep for yourself!).
Ready to Taste the Twist?
Don't settle for the usual. Come taste the unexpected.
