Pastitsio
Athens, Greece
This beloved baked pasta dish features layers of tubular bucatini-style noodles and a deeply spiced minced beef and tomato sauce. It is crowned with a thick, velvety layer of baked bechamel sauce that turns golden brown in the oven.
Why locals eat it
Heavily influenced by Italian culinary traditions through the Ionian islands, pastitsio is a cornerstone of modern Greek comfort food. It was famously adapted by early 20th-century Greek chefs to incorporate classic French techniques.
Local tip
Look for places that bake and serve it in individual clay dishes, which often yield the best caramelized edges.
Typically made with
pasta, ground beef, tomato sauce, cinnamon, milk, butter, flour, kefalotyri cheese. Recipes vary — always check with the vendor if you have allergies.