Saganaki is a popular
starter for many
visitors to Crete.
Saganaki is grilled or fried breaded cheese. It is served, still hot, on a plate
with a big slice of lemon, which you then squeeze all over the cheese. The acid
from the lemon cuts through the cheese making for a deliciously tangy, if
fattening, taste explosion.
The cheese is generally a special one which does not melt completely, instead
holding its body. There are many types of cheese which are good for saganaki.
The most common are the hard, yellow cheeses (this is common in mainland Greece)
and feta cheese (more or less only found in Cretan saganaki). A starter costs
around €2.50 in a taverna, making it a good option for a simple, delicious
appetiser.
There are some more expensive special saganakis on offer with seafood; mussel
saganaki, shrimp saganaki and the more exclusive lobster saganaki are worth a
try.