Heraklion, Galatas Village: Cretan Cured Meat Tasting & BBQ

Enjoy the rich culinary heritage of Crete with a unique cured meat tasting and BBQ experience in the picturesque village of Galatas. Hosted by fourth-generation charcutier Manolis Kassakis, this intimate affair promises an array of traditional cured meats, fresh seasonal dishes, and local wines, all set within a serene courtyard setting. Sustainable and authentic, this gastronomic journey offers foodies an opportunity to delve deeper into the flavors that define Cretan cuisine. Discover the stories behind each delectable morsel as you savor the essence of this captivating island.

This experience made our list of the 6 Best BBQ Experiences In Crete.

Good To Know

• Immersive 1.5-hour experience in Galatas village, Crete, featuring a tasting of traditional Cretan cured meats and an oven-baked feta and vegetable-based BBQ.
• Intimate group setting limited to 10 participants, with facilitated interaction with local producer Manolis Kassakis, a fourth-generation charcutier.
• Menu includes an assortment of Cretan cured meats, stuffed zucchini flowers, fava beans, freshly baked bread, seasonal salad, and Cretan cheese platter.
• Serene courtyard setting of the Kassaki Cold Cuts facility, with the option to purchase traditional cured meats as souvenirs.
• Activity not suitable for wheelchair users, vegans, vegetarians, or those with insect allergies, as the menu and venue are not tailored to specific dietary needs.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Location and Duration

The activity takes place in Galatas village, located in Heraklion, Crete.

It lasts for 1.5 hours and is limited to a group size of 10 participants.

Both English and Greek are spoken during the experience.

Guests can cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot without paying anything upfront.

Group Size and Languages

With a limited group size of 10 participants, this Cretan cured meat tasting and BBQ experience offers an intimate and personalized setting.

The activity is available in both English and Greek, ensuring an accessible experience for visitors from various backgrounds.

This small-group format allows for a more focused and enriching interaction with the local producer, Manolis Kassakis, as he shares his expertise on traditional Cretan foods and sustainability practices.

The language options and restricted group size contribute to the overall exclusivity and tailored nature of this culinary adventure, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a unique and immersive gastronomic experience in Crete.

Cancellation and Reservation

Cancelling this Cretan cured meat tasting and BBQ experience up to 24 hours in advance allows for a full refund, providing flexibility for participants.

The activity also offers a "reserve now, pay later" option, enabling guests to secure their spot without any upfront payment.

Additionally:

1. Participants can book their spot and pay nothing today, making it convenient to plan ahead.
2. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the event, granting peace of mind in case plans change.
3. By reserving now and paying later, guests can lock in their attendance without immediate financial commitment.

Meet the Producer

At the heart of this Cretan cured meat tasting and BBQ experience is Manolis Kassakis, a fourth-generation charcutier whose family has been practicing the art of traditional Cretan food production for decades.

Guests will have the opportunity to meet Manolis and learn about his commitment to sustainability and the preservation of Cretan culinary heritage.

Through his expertise and passion, you will gain a deeper understanding of the Cretan diet’s historical significance and the benefits it offers.

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Culinary Offerings

The culinary offerings at this Cretan cured meat tasting and BBQ experience showcase the rich flavors and traditions of the region. Guests can savor:

1. An assortment of traditional Cretan cured meats, including kapriko, apaki, sausage with vinegar, and sygklino.

2. Iconic Cretan dishes like stuffed zucchini flowers and fava beans with Cretan Apaki.

3. Freshly baked bread, a seasonal salad, a Cretan cheese platter, oven-baked feta with tomato and oregano, and roasted potatoes.

The menu is complemented by a glass of Cretan wine and seasonal fresh fruit, all sourced from local producers.

The offerings may vary based on the availability of seasonal ingredients.

Venue and Setting

The activity starts and ends at the Kassaki Cold Cuts facility in the charming Galatas village.

The dining area is located in the courtyard of the charcuterie, providing a serene setting for the Cretan cured meat tasting and BBQ experience.

Guests have the option to purchase the traditional cured meats, such as kapriko, apaki, and sausage with vinegar, as souvenirs to take home and savor.

The venue’s rustic ambiance and the opportunity to interact with the local producer, Manolis Kassakis, a fourth-generation charcutier, add to the authenticity of the culinary journey.

Accessibility and Restrictions

This activity isn’t suitable for certain individuals due to specific requirements.

Wheelchair users, vegans, vegetarians, and those with insect allergies won’t be able to fully participate in this Cretan cured meat tasting and BBQ experience. The menu and venue aren’t tailored to accommodate these dietary needs or mobility restrictions.

However, extra wine and refreshments are available for purchase for those who wish to enjoy the setting and ambiance.

The activity is limited to 10 participants, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience for those who can partake.

The Sum Up

This Cretan cured meat tasting and BBQ in Galatas village offers an intimate and authentic gastronomic experience. Hosted by a fourth-generation charcutier, it showcases the rich flavors and sustainable culinary heritage of Crete. With a small group setting, seasonal dishes, and local wines, it’s an ideal choice for foodies seeking an immersive exploration of Cretan cuisine.

You can check availability for your dates here: