Join the Expatify Community
Don't miss out on exciting events, local treasures, and exclusive updates — right in your inbox!
Moving to a new country comes with a long checklist, and near the top of that list is figuring out where to buy your groceries. In Cyprus, whether you’re after fresh produce, local delicacies, or international brands, supermarkets across the island have you covered. But beyond just knowing where to shop, understanding what to eat in Cyprus is part of embracing the local lifestyle. From village bakeries to modern hypermarkets, here’s your friendly guide to Cyprus food and the best places to buy it.
Cyprus is home to several supermarket chains that cater to every taste and budget. Most towns and cities have at least one major chain nearby, often with generous opening hours and plenty of parking.
AlphaMega is one of the largest supermarket chains in Cyprus, known for its wide variety of local and international products. You’ll find fresh fish, organic fruit, imported cheeses, and an extensive wine section.
Lidl is popular with locals and expats for its competitive prices and weekly deals. While it offers fewer Cypriot speciality items, it’s great for household basics and quick grabs.
Sklavenitis has large stores stocked with international brands and local products. Their bakery section is excellent, and their produce is fresh and affordable.
Mostly found in Paphos and surrounding areas, Papantoniou is a favourite for fresh meats, Cypriot cheeses, and daily baked goods. Their well-stocked deli and fish counter make them a standout for everyday shopping.
Metro Supermarkets: A long-standing local chain with a strong reputation for customer service and fresh local produce.
Stelios Supermarket: A convenient neighbourhood option for affordable prices and household essentials.
Smart Supermarket: Well-stocked with local delicacies and international favourites, perfect for weekly family shopping.
Sunfresh Bakeries & Supermarkets: Great for daily bread and snacks alongside basic grocery needs.
Papas Hypermarket: Known for a broad selection and helpful staff, with a strong emphasis on both imported and local goods.
Kolios Supermarket: Smaller than the hypermarkets but praised for high-quality meats and fresh produce.
Stelios Supermarket (Faneromeni Area): Loved by locals for friendly service and great selection.
Kritikos Supermarket: A clean, well-stocked store with fresh produce and good weekly offers.
Mas Supermarket: Offers a nice mix of local and branded goods, including a solid bakery and deli section.
Papantoniou Supermarkets: Several locations across the region with one of the widest selections of Cypriot and international products.
Orthodoxou Supermarket: Smaller but well-equipped with everyday groceries and known for its excellent butcher section.
Philippos Supermarket (Coral Bay): A well-loved local favourite for its extensive selection, including fresh fish, Cypriot wine, and a good mix of international brands. Their delivery service is especially useful for residents and holidaymakers alike.
Savvas Supermarket: Tucked away in residential areas, great for everyday essentials and known for personal service.
Best Value Supermarket: Conveniently located near tourist areas, it offers both everyday items and regional snacks.
Zorbas & Sons: A bakery with supermarket-style service, ideal for a quick grab of both baked and packed food.
FreshPlus Supermarket: Popular with expats for its clean layout and mix of local and international items.
For a more authentic experience of what to eat in Cyprus, head to local markets or specialty grocers. Every town usually hosts a weekly fruit and vegetable market where farmers bring fresh, seasonal produce. Prices are reasonable, and the quality is often unbeatable. Markets are also great places to practice your Greek, get cooking tips, and discover seasonal foods that may not even make it to supermarket shelves.
Nicosia: The OHI Farmers Market near the city centre operates several days a week and offers an impressive selection of organic produce, nuts, herbs, and cheeses.
Limassol: Try the Saturday market near the old hospital for fresh local fruits, vegetables, herbs, and even plants. Street vendors nearby often sell homemade preserves, olives, and dried herbs.
Larnaca: The municipal market, close to the city centre, is great for fresh herbs, olives, and traditional Cypriot goods. On Saturdays, local producers bring rare finds like carob syrup and wild greens.
Paphos: The Old Town Market combines a produce section with local crafts and souvenirs—great for mixing shopping with sightseeing. Check out the butcher stalls for local sausages and offal cuts used in Cypriot recipes.
Ayia Napa/Paralimni: Local pop-up fruit stalls and village markets often appear on weekdays, especially during the summer season. These are fantastic for discovering locally grown watermelon, figs, and mountain herbs.
Halloumi: A must-try. This iconic Cypriot cheese is perfect for grilling.
Olives and Olive Oil: Cyprus produces rich, peppery olive oil that’s perfect for drizzling over salads or fresh bread.
Commandaria: A sweet dessert wine with roots going back to the Crusaders.
Lountza and Sheftalia: Local cured meats and sausages you’ll find at traditional butchers or deli counters.
Carob products: From syrup to energy bars, Cyprus’s local “black gold” is used in everything from desserts to health food.
Every neighbourhood has a local bakery (“phournos”), and they’re not to be missed. Try fresh tiropita (cheese pastries), koulouri (sesame bread rings), or traditional Cypriot village bread. Many bakeries double as mini-markets, selling milk, eggs, and sweets.
Larger bakeries like Zorbas or Pandora have multiple branches across the island and offer hot meals, coffee, and a wide variety of sweet and savoury snacks. You can also find beautifully decorated celebration cakes and traditional seasonal treats like tsoureki and flaounes.
Delicatessens and butcher shops are ideal for exploring Cyprus food on a deeper level. Friendly staff often give tips on how to cook local dishes or pair meats with wines. Many delis stock homemade dips like tzatziki, taramosalata, and fresh hummus alongside marinated olives and pickles.
Organic produce is increasingly available in Cyprus, especially in cities like Nicosia, Limassol, and Larnaca. Stores like Bioluc Organic shop, Biopafos, Hadjipieris organic farm, M.I. All Organic Market, BioHeaven Health Food Store and Green Monday carry gluten-free, vegan, and health-conscious products.
Smaller health stores are also popping up in coastal towns, offering everything from nutritional supplements and dairy alternatives to natural cosmetics and eco-friendly cleaning products.
Most major supermarkets in Cyprus now cater to the growing expat population. You’ll find UK favourites, Eastern European goods, and even Asian condiments on many shelves. AlphaMega and Sklavenitis in particular have robust international food aisles.
British residents will appreciate the availability of PG Tips, Marmite, and digestive biscuits, while Eastern Europeans will find staples like pickled cabbage, rye bread, and Polish sausages. Asian cooking enthusiasts can find soy sauce, curry pastes, noodles, and sushi rice in larger supermarkets or visit Asian grocery stores in Limassol or Nicosia.
Bring your own bags: Cyprus supermarkets charge for plastic bags, encouraging reusable ones.
Shop early: For the best selection of produce and bakery items.
Look for “Cyprus Made” labels: These indicate local products, which are fresher and often cheaper.
Explore village shops: They might be smaller but often carry amazing homemade items you won’t find elsewhere.
Compare prices: Weekly offers can differ between chains, so checking circulars or online flyers can save you money.
Part of discovering what to eat in Cyprus is about going beyond the shelves. Shopping in local stores connects you with the community, introduces you to new ingredients, and helps support small businesses. Whether you’re after a fresh slab of halloumi or a bottle of Cypriot wine, the island’s food scene has something for everyone.
So, if you’re planning on moving to Cyprus, know that your weekly shop can be a lot more than a chore—it’s a gateway into Cypriot culture and cuisine. You’ll learn what’s in season, how locals prepare their food, and maybe even make a friend or two while you’re at it.
1. Are supermarkets open on Sundays in Cyprus?
Most are closed, especially smaller ones. Some larger stores in tourist areas may open in the morning.
2. Can I find vegan or gluten-free products in Cyprus?
Yes, especially in larger chains like AlphaMega and health food stores.
3. Is Cyprus food expensive?
It depends where you shop. Imported items can be pricey, but local produce and traditional foods are usually very affordable.
4. Where can I find traditional Cypriot ingredients?
Try local markets, village stores, and the specialty aisles of larger supermarkets.
5. Are contactless payments accepted in supermarkets?
Yes, most major supermarkets accept credit cards and contactless payments, including Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Copyright 2024. Expatify. All rights reserved.
