Souvlaki in Cyprus — what it is, history, and varieties

Souvlaki is one of the most recognizable dishes in Greek and Cypriot cuisine. You have probably seen it, tried it, or at least smelled it from street grills. Below, we explore what souvlaki is, where it came from, the different types, and how the Cypriot version differs from the Greek one.

• What is Souvlaki
• History of the Dish
• Types of Souvlaki
• Souvlaki in Cyprus
• Frequently Asked Questions

What is Souvlaki

Souvlaki is a popular Greek fast food consisting of small pieces of meat (sometimes with vegetables) grilled on a skewer. It is most often eaten directly from the skewer or served in pita bread — with vegetables, lemon, sauces, and fried potatoes.

In Cyprus, as in Greece, pork is traditionally used, but lamb and chicken versions are also popular.

The name comes from the medieval Greek word souvla — "skewer," which in turn is borrowed from the Latin subula.

It is important to distinguish: in Cyprus, souvla refers to large pieces of meat on metal skewers (often with bone), while souvlaki are small pieces, usually on wooden sticks.

History of the Dish

Souvlaki is both an ancient and modern dish.

Cooking meat on a spit or skewer in Greek culture has been known since the Bronze Age. Evidence includes:

• stone supports for skewers on Santorini;
• special trays for souvlaki in Mycenaean Greece;
• mentions of meat roasted on spits in Homer's "Iliad";
• similar descriptions by Aristophanes, Xenophon, and Aristotle;
• The French writer Gustave Flaubert in 1850 described how Greeks roasted meat on bamboo sticks during his travels in Central Greece.

Souvlaki became mass fast food after World War II and spread widely in the 1960s.

Types of Souvlaki

Kalamaki

Kalamaki is the Athenian name for souvlaki. In Athens, the word "souvlaki" often refers to any meat dish in pita, while kalamaki specifically refers to meat on a skewer.

Kalamaki is usually served with vegetables (tomatoes, onions, peppers), sauces, and lemon wedges.

However, for example, in Thessaloniki, the terminology may be reversed — there "souvlaki" refers to what Athenians call kalamaki.

Souvlaki-Merida

Merida translates from Greek as "portion." Souvlaki-merida is a full meal served on a plate.

It includes meat, fried potatoes, vegetables, sauces, and quarters of pita. It is most often served with tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki.

Souvlaki in Pita

Souvlaki-pita is grilled meat wrapped in lightly toasted pita with vegetables, tzatziki, and French fries.

In recent years, souvlaki in pita has increasingly become similar to gyros — the distinction between these dishes in street food is gradually fading.

Souvlaki in Cyprus

In Cyprus, the word "souvlaki" can refer both to the meat pieces and the entire dish. It is served using a large pita with an improvised pocket.

The meat (traditionally lamb or pork, increasingly chicken) is cut into larger pieces than in the Greek version. Typical accompaniments include tomatoes, cucumbers, and shredded cabbage.

Sometimes on menus, under the name "souvlaki," you may find sheftalia — a special Cypriot meat sausage. You can read more about this dish in our article about the Cypriot delicacy.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cypriot Cuisine

What famous cheeses are there in Cyprus?

The most famous is halloumi. But it has a serious competitor — anari cheese, which is becoming increasingly popular.

What is meze in Cyprus?

It is the traditional serving of many small appetizers before the main dish. Here is what meze consists of and how to eat it properly.

Which alcohol should you try in Cyprus?

In Cyprus, you should try two traditional grape-based drinks: the famous Commandaria wine and the strong drink zivania.

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