To be honest, Greek cooking has a lot of elements very similar to those cuisines of Italy, Turkey, Bulgaria, the Middle East, and even northern Africa. The reason is really simple. All Mediterranean countries share common culture, history, climate and food resources.

The ingredients of any Greek dish are the most important thing. Here are some basic ones:

Olive Oil - The basic ingredient of almost every Greek dish. The only exception is corn oil, which is used for deep-frying.

Fresh Vegetables - Using fresh vegetables is another factor to successful cooking. Of course I often have to use some tomato paste or canned tomatoes when they are not in season.

Herbs and Spices - Herbs are used in almost every Greek dish. The foremost of all herbs is dried oregano (rigani) which adds a distinct taste of freshness. Thyme, dried mint, parsley, bay leaves, fennel, and basil. Some of the herbs are used dried and some fresh, depending on the recipe.

Greek Youghurt - There is Greek Yoghurt and Greek-Style Yoghurt. They are two different things!.. If you are using the yoghurt for cooking on fire (i.e. bechamel sauce) you can use the cheaper Greek-style yoghurt. If you are making a dessert, a sweet, or a salad, you MUST use the original Greek Yoghurt.

Fish and Seafood - Fresh fish and seafood are an integral part of Greek cooking. When choosing fish look for things like sea bass, calamari, mussels,and fresh cod. Also try small fishes that are simple to cook.

Meats and Poultry - Change your diet by trying different meats. Certainly beef, pork, or chicken are nice but when was the last time you tried lamb, or some nice game. Greek dishes rely on different tastes created by different meats.

A few words about the cooking procedure:

Try to use fresh onions instead of dried or paste

Cook slowly; the slower you cook, the better the food will taste

Play with the spices and herbs, with quantities and proportions. Read the recipe the first time, and try to figure out you own recipe the next time

Always cook with olive oil

Always try to make your own pastry

When you need white cheese in a recipe,always use Greek Feta cheese

Make you own sauce by putting some tomatoes, onions, and green peppers in the blender

Always fry on medium heat

Remember to taste the dish while cooking, and adjust to taste

Baklava

Cheese Filled Pastry
Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce
Chickpea Balls

Egg, Lemon and Rice Soup (Avgolemono Soupa)

Fried Calamari
Fried Kefalotiri Cheese

Greek Butter Cookies
Greek Chicken with Oregano and Potatoes
Greek Coleslaw
Greek Lamb and Pasta Casserole
Greek Potatoes and Tomato Sauce
Greek Salad
Greek-Style Potatoes with Lemon
Greek-Style Scampi
Greek-Style Yogurt with Honey and Walnuts
Greens-and-Cheese Pie

Hot Cheese Pastries

Lamb with Orzo

Mini Onion Bulbs with Dressing
Mussels with Tomatoes and Garlic

Orange Cake in Orange Syrup

Pan-Fried Cheese
Pastitsio
Pastitsio 2
Potato Balls

Saint Basil's New Year's Cake
Sausage with Tomatoes and Red Peppers
Spanakopita
Spanakopita 2
Spicy Cheese Spread
Spinach Pie
Split Pea-Garlic Dip

Tsatziki