One of the best parts of our vacation time is when after a long day at the beach we all gather around the table to taste the food, the wine, the desserts and every known local delicacy under the sun. At Heliades Villas, we know this fact and we often indulge in the culinary delights of Andros Island and that is why we share it with our guests. Andros is a world of flavors with rich culinary tradition influenced by the Cyclades. Local produce such as Andros Cheese, fava, almonds, capers, and honey add a distinct flavor to the island’s cuisine. Andros is also well-known for its wine production, with varieties such as Vilana, Mandilaria, and Aidani, which are rich in flavor and popular among both locals and visitors.
The culinary adventure at Heliades Villas can begin with a tantalizing pre-taste of the local cuisine, which includes traditional dishes like froutalia, patatato, and kolokythopita. Enjoy an omelet made with local sausages, potatoes, and cheese seasoned with garlic, onion, and lemon juice. Savory pies wrapped in phyllo pastry with zucchini, onions, and feta cheese, or Louza, a type of cured meat made from pork and seasoned with spices like cloves, allspice, and cinnamon. Satisfy your sweet tooth with thin and crispy pancakes made with flour, water, and yeast and served with honey or sugar, or try the famous figs of Andros Island.
The cuisine of Andros Island is a celebration of its rich history and distinct local flavors. There is something for everyone, from the creamy dip made with yellow split peas, onions, and olive oil to the popular local crop, almonds. Try Vilana, with its fresh and fruity flavor, or Mandilaria, with its deep red color and rich, fruity flavor, which is often served with meat dishes. Another popular wine to try is Aidani, a white wine made from the Aidani grape variety.
If you wish to discover the history and culture of the island through its food and wine, our expert cook will take you on a fascinating palate journey experience featuring the best local foods and products in the region. We can also let you in on the best places to visit in Andros to get to taste, buy and learn the history behind our traditional dishes and products. Heliades Villas is the ideal destination for foodies and those looking for an exciting gastronomic getaway.
Don’t miss out on Heliades Villas’ unforgettable culinary adventure. Check availability and book directly online, or contact the operations team, who are always available to discuss your specific needs. We can arrange dinners with local foods and goods, as well as tours that cover not only how typical dishes and products are made, but also their historical and cultural significance, at Heliades Villas. The resulting experiences are both mentally and physically stimulating.
If you want a taste of Heliades Villas Gastronomic adventure, our operations team is always available to discuss further, or you can go ahead and check availability and make a booking directly online.
Local Dishes:
Froutalia is a hearty omelet made with locally sourced sausages, potatoes, and eggs. This dish is ideal for breakfast or a light lunch, and the scrambled goodness will leave you wanting more.
Patatato: A traditional stew made with tender lamb or goat meat that is seasoned with garlic, onion, and lemon juice and served on special occasions. Every bite carries the love and care that has been passed down through generations.
Kolokythopita: A savory pie wrapped in crispy phyllo pastry with zucchini, onions, and feta cheese. The flavors in this dish will tantalize your taste buds and are ideal as a meze or appetizer.
Lampriatis: A traditional Easter dish, made of lamb stuffed with a mixture of three different types of cheese, eggs, rice, spearmint and parsley.
Louza: A type of cured pork meat seasoned with fragrant spices such as cloves, allspice, and cinnamon. Enjoy as a meze with bread and cheese, and let the unique blend of flavors dance on your palate.
Tiganites are thin and crispy pancakes made with flour, water, and yeast that are frequently served with honey or sugar. These pancakes are a popular breakfast food that even the Greek philosopher Socrates enjoyed!
Local produce:
Andros Cheeses: For centuries, cheese has been a staple of Andros cuisine. These are just a few examples of the many cheeses made on Andros, each with its own distinct flavor and texture.
Some of the cheeses made on Andros, as well as their names:
- Kopanisti: A spicy and creamy cheese made from a combination of sheep and goat milk. It has a distinct flavor and is aged in special containers.
- Tyrovolia: This is a semi-hard cheese made from sheep’s milk. It has a slightly salty taste and is often used in salads or grated over pasta.
- Volaki: This is a soft, white cheese made from sheep’s milk. It has a mild taste and is often served as a dessert with honey and walnuts.
- Manoura: This is a hard cheese made from sheep or goat milk. It has a slightly sweet taste and is often grated over pasta or used in salads.
- Anevato: This is a soft, white cheese made from a mixture of sheep and goat milk. It has a slightly tangy taste and is often used in sauces or served as a dessert.
- Kalathaki: This is a small, soft cheese made from sheep or goat milk. It has a creamy texture and is often served with bread or crackers.
- Ladotyri: This is a hard cheese made from sheep or goat milk. It is aged in olive oil, giving it a distinctive taste, and is often served as a table cheese or grated over pasta.
Fava: A creamy dip made with yellow split peas, onions, and olive oil that is commonly served as a meze with bread and olives. This dip is a traditional Greek dish that has been enjoyed for centuries.
Almonds: Use the local crop of almonds in sweets and desserts like amygdalota to experience the distinct flavor and texture that only fresh, locally-grown almonds can provide.
Capers are small flower buds that grow wild on Andros and are commonly used to flavor salads and meat dishes. Capers’ tangy, salty flavor adds a unique twist to any dish.
Honey: Savour the sweetness of local Andros honey, which is commonly used as a sweetener in desserts as well as savory dishes such as loukoumades.
Wines:
Vilana: A light, fruity white wine made from the Vilana grape variety that is ideal as an aperitif.
Mandilaria: A rich, fruity red wine made from the Mandilaria grape variety that pairs well with meat dishes.
Aidani: A crisp and refreshing white wine made from the Aidani grape variety that pairs well with seafood.
Sweets:
Amygdalota: These traditional almond cookies have a light, delicate flavor and are made with ground almonds, sugar, and egg whites. For a tasty snack, pair them with a cup of coffee or tea.
Pasteli: This sweet snack made from sesame seeds and honey is ideal for refueling during hikes and other outdoor activities.
Loukoumades are fried dough balls that are drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon. In Greece, they are a popular dessert that is frequently served at festivals and special occasions.
Kaltsounia are small pastries filled with a sweet cheese mixture, typically made with Andros Cheese. They are a popular dessert on the island and are frequently served with coffee or tea.
Andros figs – Andros is famous for its delectable figs, which are frequently dried and eaten as a sweet snack. For centuries, figs have been a staple of the island’s cuisine.
Contact us and let us introduce you to the authentic dinners of Heliades Villas