The procedure for granting the Special Quality Label for Greek Cuisine (ESPEK) is updated, with Decision No. 450/2025 of the Ministry of Tourism.
The Special Quality Label for Greek Cuisine granted by the Ministry of Tourism is as follows:
The Decision, which was published in the Official Gazette, provides that the acquisition of the ESPEK is optional and is granted for a period of three years in the name of the business (catering and leisure) by the Ministry of Tourism, upon request of the business and provided that the conditions are met and the procedures of the decision are followed.
The Label certifies that the specific business:
offers a satisfactory level of dishes that follow or are based on the Greek gastronomic tradition with an emphasis on local cuisines,
uses Greek products to a significant extent, with an emphasis on local products and PDO products,
promotes the Greek gastronomic and wine tradition and production overall and
offers a satisfactory level of overall service provision.
How is it granted
The E.S.P.E.K. is granted by the Ministry of Tourism after checking the necessary supporting documents as well as completing the checklist, which describes the mandatory criteria for obtaining the Label. The competent service for granting the E.S.P.E.K. is the Department of Quality Control & Quality Standards Development of the Quality Standards Directorate of the Central Service of the Ministry of Tourism and the label is granted within 28 days from the date of submission of the relevant application and supporting documents.
At the same time, inspections are also provided for by special collective bodies established by decision of the Minister of Tourism and carry out sample on-site inspections of at least 20% of the annual quality labels granted.
When is it revoked
If it is established during the on-site inspection that the conditions for granting are not met, the Label is immediately revoked by the competent Service and the business may resubmit a request for the granting of the E.S.P.E.K. after the lapse of 5 years.
In addition, the Label is revoked in the following cases:
a. Change in the operating license of the catering business.
b. Relocation (in this case, the Label is granted with a short procedure, provided that the conditions relevant to the establishment are met and that the conditions relevant to the other terms and conditions of this Agreement have not changed in the new business).
c. Changing the nature of the catering business (e.g. from Greek to Chinese cuisine) or changing the entire menu of dishes without informing the Quality Standards Directorate of the Ministry of Tourism (e.g. from Greek to international menu).
The Quality Standards Directorate of the Ministry of Tourism maintains an Electronic Register of Special Quality Marks for Greek Cuisine.
The criteria
In parallel, 13 criteria are provided as minimum mandatory conditions for its granting. The criteria are as follows…
Offering at least seven dishes of Greek or local cuisine that follow or are based on Greek traditional recipes depending on the geographical map of the business/region. In any case, the “Greek Cuisine” dishes provided must use Greek products, with an emphasis on local products and PDO products.
Offering a “Greek salad” during the summer months. The “Greek salad” is included in the seven mandatory dishes
In addition to the seven dishes, at least one three-course set menu is offered that follows or is based on Greek traditional recipes and uses Greek products, with an emphasis on local products and PDO products.
Offering at least four Greek cheeses, with an emphasis on local productions as the case may be. In case feta is offered, it is only of Greek production and exclusively PDO, while the offer of cheese substitutes for feta (e.g. white cheese) is excluded.
Use exclusively good quality olive oil of Greek production for cooked dishes (provided that the recipe and tradition provide for the use of olive oil) and extra virgin olive oil of Greek production for fresh or boiled salads, with a relevant mention in the price lists of catering businesses (consumer information).
If the businesses applying for the Label offer french fries, they must offer “Greek fried potatoes” in olive oil or extra virgin olive oil with the mandatory indication in the price lists, while pre-fried potatoes are excluded.
Offer Greek coffee prepared on fire or embers and not steamed.
Businesses applying for the Label must have at least 3 bottled wine options and 3 bottled spirits options from Greek producers preferably from the wine-growing zone in which the restaurant is located.
The list of businesses applying for the Label includes a brief description of the traditional dishes for any allergens.
The list of wines and spirits includes a brief description of Greek wines and spirits.
Impeccable cleanliness in the dining rooms and outdoor areas, the facilities and equipment, the areas where food is prepared, stored, and distributed, as well as in the sanitary areas.
EFET guides, compliance with food safety standards, and staff training in hygiene conditions as described in the guides.
Compliance with hygiene rules by staff
The business is encouraged to adapt the menu to seasonal products and dishes, provided that the relevant terms and conditions of article 2 and article 7 of this document are met and after informing the competent Service of the Ministry of Tourism.
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