Taverna lets food do the talking

This wasn’t the first place I intended to write about after moving to the area a couple of months ago. That spot will have its moment soon, but after my meal at Ttasis, I couldn’t pass up the chance to write about one of the most memorable, simple and genuine meals I’ve had in a long time.

An institution in Dali, and surprisingly well-known across Nicosia, Ttasis is the very definition of a humble taverna. There’s nothing elaborate here – basic wooden chairs, tables with no frills, and just one cook with a helper and two waiters. When you see a place like this, and you know it’s got a reputation, nine and a half out of ten times, the food does all the talking. I’m happy to say it did – and then some.

Accompanied, as always, by my faithful dining companion, the decision to try Ttasis came after a long, tiring week of work. We craved the simple pleasures of a taverna meal. With just the two of us, ordering more seemed a bit excessive, so we went for loukaniko sausages, grilled halloumi, a village salad, and a souvlaki in pita each – mine with extra sheftalies.

It might sound hard to mess up such a basic order but there are plenty of ways to ruin simple food. The meat has to be top notch, the halloumi needs to be grilled perfectly to reach that soft, squeaky consistency, and the pita must be fluffy and tender – though, I admit, that’s just my preference. And when you’re as hungry as I was that night, the food had better arrive quickly.

A cold beer, or a zivania if that’s your preference (definitely not mine, as I found out), makes the perfect complement.

Ttasis delivered on every front. The sausages were lightly spiced, unlike the overpowering versions found in most tavernas, with a fragrant, slightly piquant flavour. The halloumi was more delicate than I’m used to, offering a surprising contrast to the rustic surroundings. The souvlakia were juicy and moist, with just enough crispiness and fattiness to make it a pure culinary indulgence.

As for the sheftalies? Honestly, some of the best I’ve had on the island so far.

Even the cook grumbling at his helper, on the phone, at the waiters, and even at the stack of pittas in front of him – apparently “too many to slice open” – didn’t detract from the experience. If anything, it added to the rowdy, authentic charm of the place.

Ttasis won’t ever win awards or be featured by influencers on social media. And frankly, that doesn’t matter. Simple things that work so well should never be tampered with. Fans of House of Cards will remember how Freddy lost it all when he tried to franchise his BBQ joint.

So, for me, for your loyal customers, and for those who will stumble upon you in the future, I beg you: never change, Ttasis!

VITAL STATISTICS

SPECIALTY Cyprus food

WHERE Ttasis taverm, Dimitri Chamatsou 4, Dali 2540

WHEN Tuesday to Saturday 10.30am-4.30pm and 6.30pm-12.30am, Sunday 6pm-12.30am, Monday 10.30am-4.30pm

CONTACT 22 521203

HOW MUCH starters €3-5, pitta souvlaki €7