The Heart of Greek Cooking
A Story from My Village
At Urban Greek, food isn’t just something we serve; it’s a reflection of who we are, shaped by traditions passed down through generations. Today, I want to take you on a journey to my village—a place where my grandmother’s love for cooking taught me the true essence of Greek cuisine.
Growing up in a small village, my grandmother, like many Greek women of her time, lived to cook. She took immense pride in raising chickens for fresh eggs and tending to her lush vegetable garden. The taste of homegrown tomatoes picked straight from the vine, still warm from the sun, and tossed into a simple Greek salad is a flavour that’s hard to beat.
My mother often tells me stories about life in the village, where my grandmother would rise before dawn to prepare meals for the family. There were no breakfast cereals in those days, just hearty, homemade food. After breakfast, she’d prepare lunch for my family to take to the fields, where they would break from their work to eat together.
Fast forward to my childhood, and I’d spend my summers in that same village, staying with my grandmother. Even as time passed, her routine remained unchanged. Every morning, she would wake at 6 a.m. to cook lunch using fresh ingredients from her garden, just like she had always done.
One of my most cherished memories is waking to the smell of her Gemista—vegetables like tomatoes, zucchinis, and capsicums, stuffed with rice and herbs, slowly baking in the oven. The scent of parsley and roasted vegetables would fill the house, lingering in the air as we set off for a day at the beach.
When we returned, the flavours had melded together beautifully. Served with feta and crusty bread to soak up the sauce, it was the perfect summer meal—light, flavourful, and completely vegan, though no one called it that back then. It was simply how we ate.
At Urban Greek, we continue to honour these traditions—bringing the flavours of my grandmother’s kitchen to your table. And today, I’m excited to share her treasured Gemista recipe, so you too can enjoy this authentic taste of Greece.
My Mum’sAuthentic Greek Gemista Recipe
- 4 tomatoes
- 4 peppers
- 4 zucchinis
- 4 eggplants
- 2 onions, grated
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
- 1 bunch of parsley, finely chopped
- 1 cup of glutinous rice
- 1 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup of tomato purée
- 1 teaspoon of tomato paste (diluted in 1 cup of water)
- 3 potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
Instructions:
Step 1: Using a knife, cut off the tops of the vegetables, creating a “lid.” Carefully scoop out the insides of the vegetables, and grate the flesh of the tomatoes, eggplants, and zucchinis using a grater or a food processor.
Step 2:
Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F) with the fan on. In a bowl, mix the grated vegetable flesh, onions, garlic, parsley, rice, tomato purée, half of the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well with a spoon and fill the vegetables about 2/3 full with the mixture.
Step 3:
Place the stuffed vegetables in a baking dish. Arrange the quartered potatoes in between the vegetables. Drizzle everything with the remaining olive oil and the diluted tomato paste, and season with salt and pepper.
Step 4:
Bake the Gemista and potatoes in the oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Serve warm or cold.
Enjoy a taste of tradition and experience the true flavors of my village with this beloved family recipe!
Exploring the Flavours of Greece
A Journey Through Our Menu
At Urban Greek, we take pride in offering an authentic taste of Greece right here in Hobart. Our menu reflects the rich culinary traditions of Greece, a country known for its love of food, community, and celebration. Each dish we serve is a testament to our passion for Greek cuisine, prepared with the finest ingredients and inspired by time-honoured recipes. Join us as we take you on a journey through some of our most popular dishes and discover the flavours that make Greek food so beloved around the world.
Moussaka
A cornerstone of Greek cuisine, our Moussaka is a hearty dish layered with perfectly spiced ground meat, tender eggplant, and a creamy béchamel sauce that melts in your mouth. Each bite tells a story of Greek tradition, where comfort food brings people together. At Urban Greek, we add a touch of Tasmanian freshness by using locally sourced lamb and fresh, seasonal eggplant to create a dish that’s both authentic and unique to our restaurant.
Souvlaki
This iconic Greek street food is a favourite among our guests. We marinate our chicken and lamb in a blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a secret mix of herbs and spices to infuse each skewer with maximum flavour. Grilled to perfection, our Souvlaki is served with warm pita bread, fresh tzatziki, and a side of crisp salad, making it a complete meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. The simplicity of this dish highlights the quality of our ingredients, allowing the flavours to shine through.
Spanakopita
Our Spanakopita is a savory pastry that combines the earthy flavours of spinach with the creamy tang of feta cheese, all wrapped up in flaky, golden phyllo dough. This dish is a popular choice for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. It’s light yet satisfying, offering a taste of Greece that’s perfect as a starter or a side dish. We pride ourselves on the delicate balance of flavours, ensuring that each bite is packed with the essence of Greece.
Seasonal Specials
We love to celebrate the seasons with special dishes that highlight fresh, local ingredients. From a winter warming lamb stew infused with herbs and red wine to a summer grilled octopus salad, our seasonal specials bring a taste of Greece to the heart of Hobart, with a nod to the bounties of Tasmanian produce.
Whether you’re craving the hearty comfort of Moussaka, the fresh zest of Souvlaki, or the light, flaky joy of Spanakopita, Urban Greek has something to delight every palate. We invite you to join us and experience the rich flavours of Greece, lovingly crafted with the finest ingredients and a passion for perfection. Come, take a culinary journey with us, and let your taste buds travel to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean.
A Day in the Life of an Urban Greek Chef
Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at Urban Greek? Our kitchen is the heart of our restaurant, where culinary magic happens every day. Join us as we follow our head chef and his team through a typical day, from the crack of dawn to the final dish of the evening. This is a glimpse into the passion, dedication, and artistry that goes into every plate served at Urban Greek.
Morning Routine
The day begins early for our chefs. As the city of Hobart wakes up, our team is already hard at work. Fresh produce arrives daily from local markets and suppliers, ensuring that every ingredient used is at its peak. The head chef personally inspects each delivery, selecting only the finest vegetables, meats, and herbs to use in our dishes. This commitment to quality is the first step in creating the authentic flavours that our guests love.
Preparation
Once the ingredients are selected, the real work begins. The kitchen buzzes with activity as the team preps for the day. Vegetables are washed, chopped, and seasoned; meats are marinated; sauces and dressings are prepared. Every task is performed with precision, ensuring that each element of a dish is ready for the busy service ahead. It’s a symphony of sights and smells, with each chef playing their part to bring the menu to life.
Cooking
As lunchtime approaches, the kitchen shifts into high gear. Orders come in, and the team moves with practiced efficiency. Each dish is prepared with care, following recipes that have been honed over years of experience. From grilling skewers of souvlaki to baking trays of Spanakopita, the chefs work with a rhythm that’s almost musical. The kitchen is a place of energy and focus, where every movement is deliberate, and every dish is crafted to perfection.
After-Service
As the last guests of the evening enjoy their meals, the kitchen begins to wind down. Chefs clean their stations, prepare for the next day, and reflect on the service. It’s a time to review, to learn, and to plan. The head chef gathers the team for a quick debrief, discussing what went well and where improvements can be made. It’s this commitment to continuous improvement that keeps Urban Greek at the top of its game.
The life of a chef is demanding, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. At Urban Greek, our chefs are passionate about their craft, dedicated to creating dishes that bring joy to our guests. The next time you dine with us, know that each plate is the result of a day’s worth of hard work, creativity, and love for Greek cuisine. Come taste the passion for yourself.
Celebrating Greek Traditions
Urban Greek's Take on Festive Dishes
Greek culture is rich with traditions, and many of these revolve around food. At Urban Greek, we celebrate these traditions by bringing festive Greek dishes to Hobart, allowing our guests to experience the joy and warmth of Greek celebrations. Whether it’s Easter, Christmas, or a family gathering, food plays a central role in Greek life. In this post, we share some of the traditional festive dishes you can enjoy at Urban Greek and the stories behind them.
Baklava
This sweet, flaky pastry is a favourite during Greek Easter celebrations. Layers of phyllo dough are filled with a mixture of nuts and spices, then baked to perfection and soaked in a sweet honey syrup. At Urban Greek, our Baklava is made with a family recipe passed down through generations, using a blend of walnuts, almonds, and a touch of cinnamon. It’s the perfect dessert to end a meal, offering a taste of Greek tradition with every bite.
Kleftiko
A dish with a story, Kleftiko is a slow-cooked lamb dish that dates back to the time of the Greek resistance fighters, known as “klephts.” The lamb is marinated in garlic, lemon, and herbs, then wrapped in parchment and slow-cooked until it’s tender and flavourful. Traditionally served at celebrations, Kleftiko is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the rich flavours of Greek cuisine. At Urban Greek, we prepare it just as it’s done in Greece, with a touch of Tasmanian flavour.
Loukoumades
These small, round doughnuts are a popular treat at Greek festivals and celebrations. Fried until golden and crispy, then drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon, Loukoumades are a sweet delight that brings a smile to everyone’s face. At Urban Greek, we serve them fresh and hot, perfect for sharing with friends and family. They’re a reminder of the joyful, celebratory spirit that’s at the heart of Greek culture.
Food is more than just sustenance; it’s a connection to our culture, our traditions, and our loved ones. At Urban Greek, we are proud to bring the festive spirit of Greece to Hobart, sharing the dishes that have been a part of Greek celebrations for centuries. Join us and be a part of our celebration, where every meal is a tribute to the joy of Greek life.