How to Find Greek Specialty Foods

Greek cuisine is one of simplest, most healthy and easiest to cook of the world's cuisines. Few special ingredients and kitchen utensils are required, but any Greek meal is enhanced by authentic Greek pastries, wine, spices and cheese. Below are a few tips on finding Greek speciality foods in your hometown.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Seek out your city's Greek neighborhood. The best place to find Greek speciality foods is in the heart of your city's Greek neighborhood, if it has one. Cities such as Detroit, Cleveland, Chicago and Baltimore all have thriving Greektowns. Look for the local markets here. If you don't know what the different ingredients are, ask. Most Greek shop owners are eager to assist you.
2. Ask your favorite Greek restaurant. If you frequent a particular Greek restaurant, it's appropriate and even flattering to ask the chef or proprietor where to buy Greek ingredients.
3. Consult a Greek cookbook. Many Greek cookbooks include a section on ingredients and where to buy them at markets around the country and by mail. Take a trip to your local bookstore or library for a selection of Mediterranean cookbooks.
4. Order by mail. Several online retailers specialize in ethnic ingredients, including Greek olive oils, feta cheese, spices and herbs and pastries. Two leading sources are igourmet.com and the Ethnic Grocer.
5. Make it an excuse for a trip to Greece. If you enjoy Greek food and cook it often, use shopping for ingredients as an excuse to visit Greece. Most canned, jarred and dried foods may be brought back into the United States.