The Wildly Underrated And Breathtaking Island Boasting Some Of The Best Food In Greece

Deciding on a Greek destination to explore can be daunting. Whether you're a history buff or a beachcomber, each village has its own unique vibe, and every single one of them is magnificent in its own way. Looking to embark on some beach time sans the crowds? Try the under-the-radar island of Lesbos. Prefer to bask in Greece's best ancient sites? Try Epidavros. But if you're looking to take your taste buds on an experience they won't forget, look no further than Sifnos.

The island of Sifnos might be rather teeny, coming in at 9.3 miles long by 4.7 miles wide, but what the area lacks in size it makes up for in noteworthy Greek cuisine. Here, food is a pivotal part of the culture. The island's culinary fame all started with Chef Nikolaos Tselementes, who is best known for penning the very first Greek cookbook to exist commercially. Born on the sparsely populated island — even today, fewer than 3,000 people call it home — Tselementes was also the country's first chef to become a "celebrity," putting his hometown on the map for Greek food aficionados for decades to come.

The roads to Sifnos' long history of culinary excellence all point to one man: Chef Nikolaos Tselementes. After writing and publishing Greece's first cookbook in 1932 titled "Odigos Mageirikis," he quickly gained notoriety around the world. The book provided a never-been-done-before documentation of traditional Greek cuisine, and included a few of his more modern interpretations. His work left a lasting impact on the culinary world that is still felt decades later.

While the famed chef may have put the island on the map, the culture of next-level cuisine existed long before that. Since 3000 BC, pottery has been a big part of Sifnos' residents day-to-day, as well as one of their sources of income. Locals would carefully craft ceramics in their pottery workshops, often spending Monday to Saturday sculpting, painting, and waiting for traders to arrive on boats to buy and ship their pieces. When potters came home after a long week of work, they often arrived hungry, which led to the birth of Sifnos' most well-known local dish, revithada. This coveted chickpea stew is a lazy-day favorite since all you need to do is throw the ingredients (chickpeas, onions, olive oil, water, salt, and bay leaves) into a clay pot, and let it cook overnight. Back in the day, it was a way for the wives to have a "day off" from cooking, according to George Narlis of Sifnos' Narlis Farms (via National Geographic).

Revithada isn't the only Sifnian dish that has been passed through generations. In fact, much of the cuisine on the island today has been tried and tested throughout time. The food on Sifnos is simple, but the flavors are never lacking. With a bounty of fresh produce like olives, honey, capers, and chickpeas, the island's residents don't typically need much more than their locally-sourced ingredients to create savory delights.

The palette of Sifnos' culinary delights are equal parts refreshing and bold, focusing on a simple ingredient list of local goods. Aside from the more-famed revithada stew, another must-try classic is mastelo. The slow-cooked lamb gets a lot of its rich, juicy flavor from locally-sourced wine, which is used to marinate the meat. For a sweet treat, try a melopita. This airy confection blends honey and cheese — both sourced locally — for a delightfully decadent dessert that will leave you wanting seconds.

While some of the best food may come from a nonna's kitchen, Sifnos has no lack of amazing restaurants and tavernas to try. Omega3 is a tiny fish and wine bar that boasts some of the best seafood on the island. Here your dish will feature fish, caught fresh from the ocean nearby, and will often be offered either grilled or cured with olive oil and capers. If you're looking for a more traditional taverna experience, give Manolis Taverna a try. Established in 1976, this popular al fresco spot offers open-air seating, ocean views, and some excellent farm-to-table fare. Or stumble upon literally any local taverna for a delectable treat, they're honestly all amazing. Just pick a place, sit back, and relax. In Sifnos, meals are meant to be savored slowly and accompanied by a glass–or a bottle–of local wine.

There are so many must-visit destinations in Greece, we'd have to take way more than a few weeks to properly discover them all. But if you're a food lover, looking to indulge your taste buds with some of the most mouthwatering Greek food you've ever had, the answer is Sifnos.