Dish guides
What is tzatziki?
Τζατζίκι · Tzatzíki
Tzatziki is a cold Greek dip made from thick strained yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil and a little vinegar, often with dill or mint. It's ordered as a meze or starter with bread, and it's the sauce that goes into souvlaki and gyros pitas. Expect a lot of garlic.
- At a glance
- Tzatziki
- Greek dip of strained yogurt, cucumber, garlic and olive oil.
- Pronunciation
- Say it like dzah-DZEE-kee · IPA /dzaˈdzici/
- Also written as
- tsatsiki, tzaziki, zaziki, homemade tzatziki, tzatziki with pita
What’s in it
Core ingredients
- strained (Greek) yogurt
- cucumber, grated and squeezed
- garlic
- olive oil
- salt
Often added
- red wine vinegar or lemon juice
- dill
- mint
- a black olive on top
- pita or bread on the side
Allergens
| Allergen | How likely |
|---|---|
| Dairy | Typically contains |
| Sulphites | Sometimes contains |
| Gluten | Rarely contains |
| Eggs | Rarely contains |
| Peanuts | Rarely contains |
| Tree nuts | Rarely contains |
| Shellfish | Rarely contains |
| Fish | Rarely contains |
| Soy | Rarely contains |
| Sesame | Rarely contains |
| Diet | Suitable? |
|---|---|
| Vegetarian | Usually |
| Vegan | No |
| Pescatarian | Usually |
| Halal | Usually |
| Kosher | Depends — It's a dairy dish: it can only fit kosher rules away from meat and in a kosher kitchen. |
| Gluten-free | Usually |
Allergen and calorie details are AI estimates based on the menu and typical recipes. They can be incomplete — if you have a serious allergy, always check with the staff.
What goes into tzatziki
Good tzatziki starts with strained yogurt, so it's thick enough to scoop with bread rather than pour. Cucumber is grated, salted and squeezed dry so it doesn't water the dip down. Raw garlic is crushed into it, then olive oil, salt and a splash of vinegar or lemon juice are stirred through. Dill is the most common herb, though some cooks use mint. The result is cool and creamy, with a sharp garlic bite that can be strong.
Greek yogurt can be made from cow's, sheep's or goat's milk. All of them are dairy, so tzatziki isn't suitable if you avoid milk products, whatever the animal.
A dip with many cousins
The name comes from Turkish cacık, and yogurt-and-cucumber dishes appear across the Balkans, Turkey and the Middle East. Some are thin enough to drink, and the Bulgarian tarator is a cold soup. The thick, garlicky, strained-yogurt version is the Greek style.
How to order it
| Phrase | Romanization | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Ένα τζατζίκι, παρακαλώ. | Éna tzatzíki, parakaló. | One tzatziki, please. |
| Έχει πολύ σκόρδο; | Échei polý skórdo? | Does it have a lot of garlic? |
| Μπορώ να έχω ψωμί χωρίς γλουτένη; | Boró na écho psomí chorís glouténi? | Can I have gluten-free bread? |
Not to be confused with
- Cacık (Turkey) — Turkish yogurt and cucumber dish, usually thinner and sometimes served like a cold soup.
- Taramosalata (ταραμοσαλάτα) — Pink or beige dip of fish roe with bread or potato: contains fish and usually gluten.
- Raita (India) — Thin, spiced yogurt side dish served with curries; not a Greek meze.
Frequently asked questions
Is tzatziki vegan?
No, traditional tzatziki is made with yogurt, which is a dairy product. Some restaurants, especially outside Greece, offer a vegan version made with plant-based yogurt, but it's not standard in Greek tavernas. If you avoid dairy, also ask for souvlaki and gyros pitas without tzatziki, since it's the standard sauce inside them.
Is tzatziki gluten free?
Usually yes. Yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, vinegar and herbs don't contain gluten, and the dip isn't thickened with flour. It's almost always served with bread or pita, which do contain wheat, so ask for it with vegetables instead or bring your own gluten-free bread. As with any restaurant food, cross-contact is possible.
How do you pronounce tzatziki?
Say dzah-DZEE-kee, with the stress on the second syllable: in IPA, [dzaˈdzici]. Both "tz" sounds are like the "ds" in "kids", not a hard "t". Many English speakers say tsat-SEE-kee, which waiters in Greece will understand. Keep every vowel short and clear, including the final i.
What's the difference between tzatziki and cacık?
Both are yogurt with cucumber and garlic, and the Greek name comes from the Turkish one. Greek tzatziki is made with thick strained yogurt and served as a dip with bread. Turkish cacık is often thinner, diluted with water, and can be eaten with a spoon like a cold soup, especially in summer.
