What to Cook on a Traditional Cypriot BBQ?

If you’ve ever wondered what makes a traditional Cypriot BBQ so special, you’re in the right place. The food, the method, and the flavours are unlike any other BBQ you’ve tried. Cyprus-style grilling is all about slow cooking over charcoal, using a rotisserie setup, and serving hearty, juicy Cyprus-style BBQ meat that’s packed with Mediterranean flavour.

This blog walks you through the must-try dishes, helpful tips, and everything you need to know about classic Cypriot BBQ recipes. Whether you’re firing one up for a family gathering or your first backyard BBQ, you’ll find useful info here to make the experience authentic and delicious.

Why Is the Traditional Cypriot BBQ Different?

A lot goes into why a Cypriot BBQ is unique. At its heart is the rotisserie style of cooking. Unlike regular grills where food sits still, Cypriot BBQ uses rotating skewers called a "foukou." This spins the meat slowly above hot charcoal. This slow rotation helps the meat cook evenly and soak up smoky, rich flavours.

The key benefits of this method are:

• Even cooking on all sides- No burnt spots or raw patches.
• Juicy meat- Natural juices are sealed inside, so the meat stays tender.
• Variety on one grill- Multiple skewers can cook at once, meaning you get different meats and vegetables ready together.
• Perfect for big gatherings- Easy to feed a lot of people with delicious food.

The Best Cypriot BBQ Recipes to Try

1. Lamb Souvla: The Crown Jewel

When you say traditional Cyprus BBQ food, you have to mention lamb souvla. This dish is all about big chunks of lamb, slowly cooked on a rotisserie. It’s simple but stunning once it’s ready.

How to Prepare Lamb Souvla:

• Cut the lamb shoulder or leg into large, even pieces.
• Marinate with olive oil, salt, pepper, and oregano. Some people add a little lemon juice.
• Thread these chunks onto a large skewer evenly spaced apart.
• Slowly roast over charcoal for around 90 minutes.
• While cooking, baste regularly with the marinade or lemon juice to keep it moist.

This dish will fill your BBQ with mouthwatering smells and give your guests tender, juicy meat that falls apart in your mouth.

2. Pork Souvla: A Family Favourite

If lamb feels too “heavy” for you, pork is a fantastic alternative and is loved across Cyprus.

Steps for Pork Souvla:

• Take pork shoulder or neck, cut into big cubes.
• Marinate with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and herby spices like oregano.
• Skewer and cook just like lamb, slow and steady over charcoal.
• Baste often and keep those juices flowing.

Pork souvla is flavorful with a nice balance of fat and lean meat, giving you that juicy bite every time.

3. Chicken Souvla: For a Lighter Taste

Not everyone loves red meat, which is why chicken souvla beautifully rounds out traditional Cyprus BBQ meat options.

How to Cook Chicken Souvla:

• Use bone-in chicken pieces for more flavour and moisture.
• Marinate with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and a pinch of paprika.
• Skewer and rotate over medium heat.
• Chicken cooks faster than lamb or pork, about 50-60 minutes.

Serve fresh with wedges of lemon. The citrus really brings out the smoky notes.

4. Sheftalia: The Cypriot Sausage

One dish that’s impossible to miss at a Cypriot BBQ is sheftalia, a traditional Cypriot sausage wrapped in caul fat.

To Make Sheftalia:

• Combine minced pork or lamb with finely chopped onions, parsley, salt, and pepper.
• Shape into small sausage patties.
• Wrap tightly in caul fat.
• Place on smaller skewers and cook over low-medium heat.

Sheftalia is soft and juicy with a mild onion and herb flavour. It’s best eaten hot, fresh off the grill, wrapped with pitta bread and salad.

5. Souvlaki: The Smaller Skewers

If you want smaller, quicker bites, souvlaki (small meat skewers) work great.

• Cube pork, lamb, or chicken into bite-sized pieces.
• Marinate lightly with olive oil, herbs, and salt.
• Skewer small amounts on metal sticks.
• Grill for about 10-12 minutes.

Souvlaki is great as finger food and perfect for BBQ starters.

6. Halloumi and Vegetables

No Cyprus BBQ is complete without halloumi, the salty cheese that grills like a champ. Cut it thick, brush with olive oil, and grill until golden and crispy on the outside but just soft inside.

Add colourful grilled vegetables like peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, and onions. They pair perfectly with the meat.

7. Potatoes Cyprus-Style

Side dishes are important! Wrap little potatoes in foil with a bit of olive oil, salt, and oregano. Cook them in the coals beside the meat, turning often. Creamy, herby potatoes come out soft and smoky.

Tips for Perfect Cyprus-Style BBQ Meat

• Use good quality charcoal, natural lump charcoal burns hotter and longer.
• Don’t rush the cook! Slow and steady wins the flavour race.
• Turn skewers regularly for even browning.
• Keep basting the meat for moistness.
• Use fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary to season.
• Let the meat rest for a few minutes before serving.

Planning Your Cypriot BBQ Party

When you want to host like the locals, keep in mind:

• A Cypriot BBQ setup lets you cook lots of food simultaneously.
• Prepare salads with fresh cucumber, tomatoes, onion, and herbs dressed in olive oil and lemon for a perfect side.
• Offer warm pitta bread or crusty bread to accompany.
• Keep everyone gathered around the grill for the social fun, it’s as much about the gathering as the food.

FAQs About Cypriot BBQ Food

Q: Can I use a regular grill instead of a rotisserie?

A: You can, but the slow turning on a Cypriot rotisserie helps with even cooking and locking in juices. It’s worth having if you can.

Q: Which meats are best for a traditional Cyprus BBQ?

A: Lamb, pork, chicken, and sheftalia are most common. Halloumi and grilled veggies add flair.

Q: Can I prepare marinades ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! Marinating overnight helps the meat soak up all the flavours.

Q: How long does the cooking take?

A: Large meat cuts like lamb or pork can take over 90 minutes. Smaller skewers like souvlaki cook in 10-15 minutes.

Q: Is halloumi suitable for grilling?

A: Definitely. It grills nicely without melting and adds a salty, chewy bite.

Final Thoughts

A traditional Cyprus BBQ is about more than just cooking — it’s about friends, family, and sharing good times. With simple ingredients, a rotisserie grill, and charcoal, you can recreate the authentic tastes and smells of Cyprus at home.

You don’t need expensive spices or fancy sauces. All you need is fresh meat, good olive oil, and fresh herbs. Taking the time to cook slowly on a rotisserie will bring out the best flavour in every bite.

If you want to dive deeper into the tools and grills that can help you master this style, check out the full range of Cypriot BBQ options at Sunshine BBQs. You’ll find everything from manual to motorised rotisserie kits to help turn your backyard into a Mediterranean feast.

Ready to bring traditional Cyprus BBQ food into your home? Fire up those charcoal embers and gather your nearest and dearest. Great food and great memories await.