Exo Chora Foodie Paradise: Top 5 Tastes to Try!
Picture this: you’re in Exo Chora, that tiny village tucked away on the Greek island of Zakynthos, and that you’re wanting something incredible to eat. It’s not just seeing ancient olive trees, yet you also get a real taste of what Greek life is all about in the tavernas and local shops there, too. But where to start? Right, that is what this guide is all about; I’m sharing the top five food and drink experiences you absolutely should try when visiting Exo Chora, so your trip is both memorable *and* scrumptious.
1. Tasting Liquid Gold: Local Olive Oil
Exo Chora is, of course, famously home to one of the oldest olive trees around, apparently it’s over 2,000 years old!, yet you can’t leave without tasting the liquid gold that comes from the surrounding groves, too. The olive oil here isn’t just an ingredient; it’s really a way of life. That first taste is just so peppery and rich, which makes pretty much every other olive oil you’ve tasted kind of pale in comparison. You’ll get an education in what great olive oil should be at the little shops in the village; and in some you’ll be able to watch the pressing too. I guess that is something you don’t see every day!
Don’t be shy about trying different types, so that you know that grassy flavor versus a more robust profile; apparently, the variations really depend on the olive variety and harvest time, as well as other factors, too. It’s almost like wine tasting, but way more versatile because, that is, you can drizzle this stuff on everything. Bring a bottle home, or, alright, a few – your taste buds will absolutely thank you later.
Read our full review: Exo Chora Olive Oil Full Review and Details
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2. Loukoumades: Honey-Drenched Delights
Next, who doesn’t like sweet stuff?! Loukoumades are, I guess, like tiny, golden doughnuts soaked in honey and sprinkled with cinnamon; and if you spot them anywhere around Exo Chora, that is, get them. Really! These little puffs of fried dough aren’t just dessert; yet, they’re, arguably, a warm hug on a plate, too. The contrast of the crispy outside with the soft, airy inside is just kind of perfect, and that’s a textural thing. Apparently, finding a local café that makes them fresh is almost like hitting the foodie jackpot.
Watching them being made, by the way, is kind of cool, too; they are dropped into hot oil, puffed up, and then drenched in a syrup that seems to sparkle in the light. Trust me when I say this, you might have every intention of just having one, so, too, prepare to lose that battle. They’re totally addictive, almost that they define happiness in bite-sized form, really.
Read our full review: Loukoumades Exo Chora Full Review and Details
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3. Village Taverna Fare: Horiatiki Salad and More
Want the real Greek experience?, Alright, then head to a village taverna for some traditional fare. You absolutely must try the Horiatiki salad, and so that isn’t just a salad; it’s almost a celebration of freshness, too, with juicy tomatoes, crispy cucumbers, onions, and olives, that, frankly, are all topped with a huge slab of feta and drizzled with, surprise!, local olive oil. Each taverna pretty much has its own take on family recipes; that, also, often passed down through generations.
Consider looking out for other local items, that may, really, be on the menu, so as things such as slow-cooked lamb, grilled octopus, and stuffed vine leaves. These spots are so wonderful for lingering over a long lunch, chatting with locals, and soaking up the village vibes, so, too, it’s about feeling like a temporary member of the community while experiencing authentic flavors.
Read our full review: Horiatiki salad Exo Chora Full Review and Details
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4. Local Wine: A Taste of Zakynthos
While you are at it, skip the imported stuff and sample the local wines; that are also produced on Zakynthos; many small vineyards operate, yet in the area. Sure, you could be offered a range of reds, whites, and rosés, yet they, I guess, often have unique flavors based on local grape varieties. Many of the tavernas source their wines directly from these local producers, and so that really means you’re getting a pretty authentic taste of the island.
Why not try asking your server for recommendations? Then it is likely you might discover something you wouldn’t have otherwise, maybe something, also, that pairs really nicely with your meal. Remember that wine isn’t just a drink; it is a way to enjoy local agriculture. That is, it’s the perfect complement to a great meal.
Read our full review: Zakynthos wine Full Review and Details
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5. Mandolato: A Sweet Souvenir
So, you are still looking for something to take home? Mandolato, that is a type of nougat made with almonds, honey, and egg whites, may, just, be the perfect sweet souvenir, really showing that memory of Exo Chora. It is almost traditionally made and sold in Zakynthos, and I suggest finding it at local shops where it’s still made by hand using techniques, probably passed down for years. Each bite offers a blend of textures and flavors: that chewiness, that sweetness, as well as that nutty crunch is great!
Beyond just being delicious, that Mandolato keeps quite well. I suggest this being a superb way to carry that memory of your trip with you, for, at the least, the next few weeks when, actually, you get back home, if, also, you can resist eating it all on the plane. Wrapping some in a bag is a really good present. Just for your loved ones…or maybe only just for you?
Read our full review: Mandolato Exo Chora Full Review and Details
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After savoring each one of these tasty options, you’re actually bringing more than just those delicious flavors home, you’re also bringing great, tasty, reminders, so too, they might include the liquid sunshine in that olive oil, that comfort food hug from the loukoumades, some friendly local vibes that surround taverna food, great conversations during wine tasting, as well as that sweet sense from your Mandolato. I suggest trying and discovering all that great grub Exo Chora, in Greece, that is, has on offer. Just do it.
