Ioannina, the capital of Epirus, unfolds around the picturesque Lake Pamvotida, which shapes the town’s landscape, climate, and character. With its still waters and small island, this serene lake is a natural landmark and breathes life into the surrounding area. Ioannina’s strong cultural heritage, with celebrated novelists and poets, and its array of year-round artistic and intellectual events invite visitors to explore the philosophical roots of Epirus.
Walking through Ioannina feels like stepping back in time, with hidden corners and enduring legends to discover. Notable sites include the House of Matei Hussein, Veli Pasha’s Ottoman mosque, and the historic city centre, each a unique attraction.
Historically multicultural, Ioannina has been shaped by Christian, Islamic, and Jewish influences, a blend visible in its historic core. The Stoa Louli arcade, once an inn and later a significant mercantile hub for Epirus, is one of the places where these communities thrived together.
The city boasts a vibrant culinary heritage that combines Greek, Ottoman, and local Epirot flavours, making its cuisine distinct and flavorful. Here are some highlights of Ioannina’s unique gastronomic offerings:
Traditional Pies
Epirus, the region where Ioannina is located, is particularly famous for its pies, known as pita. These pies are staples of Ioannina’s cuisine and come in many varieties, each showcasing local ingredients. Some well-known examples include:
- Blatsaria: A wild greens pie, often combined with fresh herbs and sometimes cheese, baked in thin layers of homemade phyllo.
- Tiropita: A cheese pie featuring tangy, local cheeses like feta or mizithra.
- Kreatopita: A meat pie that is hearty and satisfying, often made with minced meat, onions, and herbs.
The skill in preparing these pies has been passed down through generations, making each one unique to the cook’s family recipe.
Lake Fish Specialties
Ioannina’s proximity to Lake Pamvotis makes freshwater fish a highlight in local cuisine. Some popular lake fish dishes include:
- Smoked Trout: This dish is light but full of flavour and often served with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon.
- Grilled Eel: Another local delicacy, eel is grilled and served, allowing its delicate flavour to shine.
- Frog Legs: Surprisingly, frog legs have become something of a specialty in Ioannina, often prepared in a savory sauce or lightly fried.
Slow-Cooked Meats
Ioannina is known for its deliciously tender, slow-cooked meat dishes, which reflect the Epirus region’s hearty, mountain-influenced cooking style.
- Kokoretsi: A traditional dish made from lamb or goat intestines wrapped around seasoned organ meats and then grilled.
- Kontosouvli: Large chunks of pork marinated with herbs and spices, skewered, and slowly roasted.
- Bakaliaros (codfish) with Skordalia: While more commonly a coastal dish, this fried salted cod served with a potent garlic puree has also become a staple in Ioannina.
Local Cheeses
Epirus produces some of Greece’s most famous cheeses, and Ioannina offers many ways to enjoy them.
- Feta: A staple in many dishes, often crumbled on top of pies, salads, or served with olives.
- Mizithra: A soft, fresh cheese that pairs well with honey or can be used in savoury pies.
- Graviera: A hard cheese with a nutty flavour, often served as a table cheese or grated over dishes.
Desserts and Sweets
The influences of Ioannina’s Ottoman history are strongly evident in its desserts, which are rich, syrupy, and spiced sweets.
- Baklava: Layers of phyllo dough filled with nuts, drenched in syrup or honey.
- Galaktoboureko: A custard-filled dessert made with philo, soaked in syrup, and served warm.
- Kataifi is similar to baklava but made with shredded philo, giving it a unique texture.
Tsipouro and Local Drinks
No meal in Ioannina is complete without tsipouro, the region’s beloved spirit, typically distilled from grape skins and consumed in small glasses alongside mezze. Many locals and restaurants in Ioannina produce their tsipouro, giving it a unique character depending on the maker.
In Ioannina, eating is an experience that celebrates the region’s history, traditions, and natural resources. With diverse flavours from mountains to lakes, Ioannina’s culinary offerings make it a must-visit destination for food lovers.
