A Taste of Greece Trivia Quiz

Answer: A Greek city

Kalamata is a city in the south of Greece on the Peloponnese peninsular. It is situated near the shores where the Nedon River empties into the Messenian Gulf. It is famous for its olive groves as well as being the place where the Greek folk dance, kalamatianos, originated. The plump kalamata olives are large and almost black in colour, and its uses in cuisine are diverse. They are made into olive oil and are also a popular choice for an aperitif.

Answer: Beans

Traditional fasolada soup is simply made by cooking white beans, olive oil, water and vegetables, which include tomatoes and celery. It is considered to be the national dish of Greece because of its nutritional value and due to the low cost of buying the ingredients.

Answer: Souvlaki

Small pieces of pork, chicken or lamb are marinated overnight in lemon juice, oil and herbs, and then grilled on a skewer. Souvlaki dates back as far as Ancient Greek times. Meat was cooked on barbeque spits over an open fire with the juices basted over the meat to keep it moist. The cooked meat was often served in pita bread.

Answer: Cheese

Halloumi is a semi-hard cheese, originating from Crete and is a favourite part of Greek cuisine. The slightly salty mixture is made from cows, goats, or sheeps milk, or even all three. The texture means it can be cooked at a high temperature without melting, and this is why halloumi is often grilled or deep fried before serving.

Answer: Aubergine and tomato

Moussaka translated into English means "chilled". The stew is made by layering a mixture of sliced aubergine, tomato, minced lamb and a variety of spices. This is sometimes topped with white sauce and cheese before cooking. The best way to serve Moussaka is with chunks of crusty bread.

Answer: Garlic

Tzatziki is very simple to make by combining plain yoghurt, garlic, cucumber, salt and olive oil. The longer the ingredients marinate together, the stronger the garlic intensifies. Lemon juice, mint or dill can also be added dependent on personal taste. It is always served as a starter and can be eaten with sticks of vegetable, or pieces of meat.

Answer: Pastitsio

Pastitsio is similar to lasagna but uses tubular instead of sheets of pasta. It is taken from the Italian word 'pasticcio' which roughly translates as 'mess' or 'hodgepodge'. It is a very simple but satisfying meal to eat, with layers of pasta, meat filling and creamy bechamel sauce layered in a baking dish before cooking until golden brown. It is comfort food at its best especially if served with crusty bread to soak up the juices.

Answer: New Year

An alternative name for Vasilopita is "king pie" or "Basil pie", named after St Basil's Day which is celebrated on 1st January. It is a light sponge cake with a hint of orange and lemon flavour. A coin is hidden in the cake mixture before baking and the sign of a cross is made on the top of the cake, although some versions have the New Year number instead.

Answer: Loukoumades

Loukoumades, or lokma, is a Greek doughnut made by deep frying balls of dough. Honey is drizzled over the cooked doughnut with a sprinkling of cinnamon on top. Winners of the Ancient Greek Olympic games were awarded an olive wreath as well as 'honey tokens'; a serving of loukoumades.

Answer: Brandy and wine

Metaxa is an aromatic amber spirit which is made from brandy, wine and a hint of bitter citrus fruits, flowers, vanilla and honey. It can be served neat or with ice. Entrepreneur Spyros Metaxes created the drink in 1888 after initially founding the first brandy distillery on Greece. While excavating his new factory, Metaxes found an Ancient Greek coin of a Salamina fighter, and it is this image which is shown on the Metaxa bottle label.