This glossary defines the terms used consistently across this site’s food and restaurant pages, distinguishing protected products from general dish names and regional traditions.
Kopanisti
- A spicy, spreadable fermented cheese with Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, distinct from softer, milder Cycladic cheeses.
Louza
- A cured, spiced pork product traditional to Mykonos and nearby islands, typically served thinly sliced.
Mostra
- A dried-rusk dish typically topped with tomato, cheese and olive oil, common across the Cyclades with local variations.
Product, recipe or place
- Some terms name a specific protected product (like kopanisti), others name a general dish style that varies by kitchen — this distinction matters when evaluating a menu’s claims.
Protected status
- PDO and similar protections apply to specific named products under EU law; not every “traditional” item on a menu carries this status.
FAQ
What does PDO mean on a Mykonos menu?
Protected Designation of Origin — a legal status confirming a product, like kopanisti, is genuinely produced in its named region under defined standards.
Is mostra unique to Mykonos?
No — variations of the dried-rusk dish appear across the Cyclades; Mykonos has its own version rather than exclusive ownership of the dish.