Greece

Country Name:

Greece (capital city Athens) - home of the modern day Olympics and host city for 2004 Olympic Games.

Location:

Southern Europe

Climate Description:

Mediterranean climate - mild temperatures with cool breezes during winter (but with snow in some areas), hot and dry during summer (with temperatures often exceeding 40 degrees)

Is it likely that residents in this country will speak English?

Mostly, yes

What are the staple foods of the country?

Seasonal produce features heavily in recipes and menus. Traditional Greek dishes are offered at the plentiful tavernas, restaurants and cafes. Increasing presence of Westernised fast food franchises, in addition to local Greek fast food outlets.

What is a typical daily intake and timing for each meal in this country?

Greeks rarely eat breakfast - it consists of perhaps a coffee or two and a pastry. The main meals are lunch and dinner which are eaten later in the day. Dinner is usually not until after 8pm, however most restaurants will serve you at any time. Greek dishes feature heavily for lunch and dinner meal choices at home. Grocery stores, cafes, tavernas and restaurants are open until late, so meals can be consumed to your own preference.

What food items are readily available?

Breads and Cereals: Many types of breakfast cereals are readily available in supermarkets, as well as dried (and fresh) pasta, rice, couscous and noodles. Fresh bread served in restaurants / cafes is mostly white, but bakeries and supermarkets can offer a broader selection of fresh bread.

Fruit& Vegetables: Seasonal produce available throughout the year. Readily available in major supermarkets, corner shops and also open-air markets

Dairy products: Both fresh and UHT versions of milk are available readily in Greece. Low fat and skim varieties of milk and diary products are also sold. Specialties include delicious Greek-style yoghurt (full cream and reduced fat available) and creamy (high fat!) feta - made from cow's milk, sheep or goat. Wide range of dairy products are available in major supermarkets and street tabiacs.

Meat: Good range of products available -beef, lamb and chicken, and seafood.

What food products are not readily available?

Protein alternatives for vegetarians are difficult to find, and legumes are generally in dried form only in supermarkets. Best choices are bean or lentil dishes, egg, cheese (e.g. spinach and fetta combination) and a small quantity of imported (shelf-stable) tofu. In general, Asian ingredients are more difficult to find than in Australian supermarkets.

What are typical methods of preparation of foods in this country (e.g. smoked meats, fried foods, rich sauces etc)
Typically a good range of food preparation is used including baking, grilling and BBQ. However, most dishes are made with plentiful olive oil which tends to increase the overall fat content of meals and salads.

Is food reasonably priced in this country? What is the best (i.e. freshest/safest) and most economical way to purchase foods?

Depends on where you are. There are some quite expensive areas of Athens (and popular Greek Islands), and other more affordable ones. Buying food items from large supermarkets and open-air markets can be the cheapest way to eat while travelling in Greece. Smaller "corner stores" can be quite expensive. When eating out, it is common to order 3-4 entrée sized dishes (called Mezze) - these can include grilled fish or seafood, meat balls, pita bread and dips, dolmades. Main dishes might include moussaka, grilled chicken with lemon and potatoes, spanikopita, pasta and tomato sauce, baked stuffed capsicums or tomatoes. Most places will serve fresh crusty bread and water, as well as offer traditional Greek salad on the menu.

Don't expect to be able to buy food at petrol stations (e.g. bread, milk, top up things) - most will not stock drinks and icecreams, let alone anything else. Bakeries do stock drinks and milk, and are open often when corner stores / grocery stores are not.

Are there any food safety concerns?

Tap water appears to be quite safe to drink. However, bottled water is available readily and is inexpensive. Standard food hygiene practices should be followed while in Greece similar to in Australia.

Can you see any likely issues/concerns regarding nutrition for athletes travelling to this country?

There is sufficient range of fresh foods available both in supermarkets and eating out to make good choices from menus. Vegetarians and athletes with food intolerances (allergies) may have particular difficulty finding suitable choices. Heavy use of olive oil in most dishes makes weight gain a possible concern if travelling in Greece for an extended period.

What are the customs requirements for this country regarding food? What food items can athletes safely and legally bring into the country?

No restrictions aware of.

What sports supplements foods are available in this country?

There is a limited choice of cereal bars are available in large supermarkets (eg Corny bars, and some Kellogg products Special K bars, and Alpen cereal bars). Sports drink is available as RTD (Powerade, Isostar) and also as powder (Isostar). Other sports products are more difficult to locate and are mostly available from health food stores or specialist sports stores/bike shops. They can therefore be harder to find and are usually more expensive. When travelling to Greece, it is recommended to bring sports products of choice from the home environment to minimise possible concerns or stress over the limited availability and unfamiliar range of products.