Cyprus is a beautiful destination for weddings, offering stunning landscapes, rich culture, and a blend of Mediterranean flavours. When planning a destination wedding on this island, one of the most exciting elements is the food. Traditional Cypriot cuisine is a feast for the senses, with its fresh ingredients, bold flavours, and centuries-old recipes. Whether you're hosting a small, intimate celebration or a grand reception, incorporating local dishes into your wedding menu can give your guests a unique taste of Cyprus and enhance the overall experience.

Here’s a guide to some of the most popular traditional Cypriot wedding menu options that will leave your guests raving.

Meze: The Ultimate Cypriot Wedding Starter

Meze is a traditional way of serving food in Cyprus and often makes up the bulk of a wedding reception meal. It’s a variety of small, delicious dishes meant to be shared, allowing your guests to enjoy a range of flavors. Think of it as a feast in miniature—a great way to showcase the diversity and richness of Cypriot cuisine.

Popular Meze Dishes:

Why it's perfect for a wedding: Meze allows your guests to enjoy a variety of flavours throughout the evening, creating an interactive and lively dining experience. It also suits a casual, relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for a destination wedding.

Souvla: Cyprus’s Signature Roast

Souvla is another traditional Cypriot dish that is commonly served at weddings. It involves large pieces of meat (typically lamb, pork, or chicken) that are slowly roasted on a spit over an open flame, giving it a smoky and juicy flavour. This is a hearty and satisfying dish, often served as a main course alongside traditional side dishes.

Why it's perfect for a wedding: The sight, and succulent aroma, of the meat being cooked on the spit adds an element of entertainment to the reception, and the delicious, tender meat is sure to be a hit with guests.

Kleftiko: Slow-Roasted Lamb

Kleftiko is a traditional Cypriot dish that involves slow-roasting lamb with herbs, garlic, and lemon, often wrapped in parchment paper to keep all the flavours in. The result is a tender, juicy dish with a deliciously rich flavour. This dish is a favourite at many Cypriot weddings and is often served alongside potatoes and vegetables. BUT if you like your lamb with mint sauce remember to ask for it specifically when booking!

Why it's perfect for a wedding: Kleftiko is a classic Cypriot dish that feels special and festive. The slow-cooked lamb is tender and flavourful, perfect for a formal wedding meal.

Meaty Mains: Pork and Chicken Dishes

Pork and chicken are common choices for the main dishes at a Cypriot wedding. Whether it's pork chops, roast chicken, or chicken souvlaki, these dishes are often served with sides like oven-baked potatoes, rice pilaf, and vegetables. They are delicious, simple, and satisfying, making them a great choice for a wedding meal.

Why it's perfect for a wedding: These dishes are comforting and can easily cater to a wide range of guests, including those who may not be fond of lamb. They are also versatile enough to be paired with a variety of sides.

Cypriot Wedding Desserts

No wedding in Cyprus is complete without some traditional desserts. Cypriot sweets are often rich and made with locally sourced ingredients, such as honey, almonds, and nuts. These desserts are the perfect sweet ending to your wedding meal.

Popular Cypriot Wedding Desserts:

Why it's perfect for a wedding: These desserts are sweet and indulgent, offering a memorable finish to the meal. They also highlight the local flavors of Cyprus, making them a perfect fit for a destination wedding.

Wine Pairings: Cypriot Wines to Complement Your Menu

Cyprus has a long history of winemaking, and its local wines should definitely be included in your wedding menu. Cyprus is famous for its Commandaria (a sweet, fortified wine) and its crisp, refreshing Maratheftiko red wine. Offering a selection of local wines alongside your wedding meal will not only complement the food but also give your guests an authentic taste of the island’s rich winemaking heritage.

Why it's perfect for a wedding: Wine is an essential part of the Cypriot culture, and pairing local wines with your meal adds authenticity to the experience. It also enhances the dining experience, making it even more special.

Cypriot Wedding Bread: A Symbol of Prosperity

In many Cypriot weddings, a traditional round loaf of bread, called "artos", is baked and served to guests. This bread is a symbol of abundance and prosperity in the couple’s new life together. It’s often blessed during the ceremony, and pieces of it are shared with the guests, signifying unity and good fortune.

Why it's perfect for a wedding: The bread adds a meaningful and symbolic touch to the meal. It also allows guests to feel connected to the cultural traditions of the island.

Conclusion: A Feast to Remember

A destination wedding in Cyprus offers a unique opportunity to indulge in the island's rich culinary traditions. From the shared experience of meze to the hearty mains like souvla and kleftiko, Cypriot wedding menus are designed to delight and satisfy. Incorporating these traditional dishes into your wedding will not only treat your guests to delicious food but also provide an authentic and memorable experience.

By choosing local ingredients and dishes that reflect the culture and history of Cyprus, you’re giving your wedding a personal touch that will be cherished for years to come. Whether you're planning a grand reception or an intimate gathering, a traditional Cypriot wedding menu is sure to be the highlight of your celebration. #wedding #cyprus #menu #meze #planning