Greek and Italian Cuisine: A Global Love Affair Ignited by Senator Babet’s Tweet

On October 22, 2025, when Australian Senator Ralph Babet declared on X that “the best cuisine in the world is either Greek or Italian, nothing else comes close,” he sparked a global conversation that resonated with food lovers everywhere.

The best cuisine in the world is either Greek or Italian, nothing else comes close.

— Senator Babet (@senatorbabet) October 21, 2025

Posted on October 21, 2025, his tweet garnered over 226,000 views, 3,019 likes, and hundreds of replies, demonstrating that the love for Greek and Italian flavors is a universal language. Here at Greek City Times, we’re diving into why these Mediterranean cuisines hold such a special place in hearts—and stomachs—worldwide, while celebrating the Hellenic flavors that make Greece a culinary powerhouse.

A Senator’s Bold Claim

Senator Babet, known for his outspoken views, took a lighter tone with this culinary hot take. Representing Victoria for the United Australia Party, Babet’s X post struck a chord, igniting debates about whether souvlaki could outshine spaghetti or if baklava beats tiramisu. The numbers speak for themselves: Italian cuisine often tops global polls, with a 2023 YouGov survey crowning it the world’s favorite, while Greek cuisine consistently ranks in the top five for its fresh, vibrant Mediterranean dishes. But what makes these cuisines so irresistible?

The Magic of Greek Cuisine

Greek food is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of history, community, and the land. From the sun-drenched olive groves of Crete to the bustling tavernas of Athens, Greek cuisine is rooted in simplicity and quality. Staples like extra virgin olive oil, feta cheese, and fresh herbs define dishes that are both hearty and healthy.

• Signature Dishes: Think moussaka, a rich layered dish of eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel; souvlaki, succulent grilled skewers wrapped in warm pita; or spanakopita, flaky phyllo pastry stuffed with spinach and feta.
• Fresh Ingredients: Greece’s Mediterranean climate yields vibrant produce—tomatoes, zucchini, and lemons—that shine in dishes like horiatiki (Greek salad) with its tangy feta and Kalamata olives.
• Cultural Roots: Greek cuisine reflects millennia of tradition, from ancient symposia to modern meze tables where friends share plates of tzatziki, dolmades, and grilled octopus.

The Mediterranean diet, with Greece at its heart, is globally celebrated for promoting longevity and wellness. Studies, like those from the Harvard School of Public Health, highlight its benefits: low in processed foods, rich in vegetables, and balanced with lean proteins like seafood. TasteAtlas's top ranking validates this, praising Greece's bold, fresh flavors that earned it the gold over perennial favorite Italy.

Why Italian Cuisine Captivates

Italian food, Babet’s other contender, shares Greece’s passion for fresh ingredients and regional diversity. From the creamy risottos of the north to the fiery pizzas of Naples, Italy’s culinary map is as varied as its dialects.

• Global Favorites: Pizza and pasta are universal comfort foods, with dishes like margherita pizza or carbonara showcasing Italy’s knack for turning simple ingredients into masterpieces.
• Regional Riches: Each region tells a story—Sicily’s arancini, Tuscany’s bistecca alla fiorentina, or Liguria’s pesto-drenched trofie.
• Cultural Influence: Italian cuisine has conquered the world, with 84% of respondents in a 2023 YouGov poll naming it their favorite, thanks to its accessibility and adaptability.

Like Greek food, Italian cuisine emphasizes family, tradition, and the joy of sharing a meal. Both cultures elevate dining to an art form, where every bite tells a story of heritage.

The X Debate: Greek vs. Italian

Babet’s tweet unleashed a flurry of reactions on X. Supporters of Greek cuisine praised its bold flavors, with one user writing, “Give me a Greek gyros over anything—those herbs and tzatziki are unmatched!” Others rallied for Italy, arguing, “Pizza is life. Italy wins for sheer variety.” Some dared to challenge Babet’s binary, championing French, Indian, or Japanese cuisines, while others proposed a Greek-Italian fusion: “Why choose? A souvlaki pizza would be epic!”

The debate underscores a truth: Greek and Italian cuisines share a Mediterranean soul. Both prioritize fresh, local ingredients, time-honored recipes, and the joy of communal dining. Whether it’s a Greek meze platter or an Italian antipasti spread, these cuisines invite connection and celebration. With TasteAtlas backing Greece at #1 and Italy at #2, Babet's picks look even sharper in 2025's rankings.

Greek City Times: Celebrating Hellenic Flavors

At Greek City Times, we’re proud to champion Greek cuisine as a cornerstone of global gastronomy. From the shores of Santorini to the Greek diaspora in Melbourne and New York, our food connects us. Senator Babet’s tweet, while sparking playful rivalry, reminds us of the universal appeal of Mediterranean flavors. Whether you’re Team Greek or Team Italian, there’s no denying the magic of a well-crafted pastitsio or lasagna.

So, what’s your pick in this culinary showdown? Join the conversation on X or share your favorite Greek dish with us. And if you’re craving inspiration, explore our recipes for authentic tzatziki or kleftiko to bring a taste of Greece to your table. Opa!

Follow Greek City Times for more stories on Hellenic culture, cuisine, and community.

Greek Cuisine Ranks First Globally According to Taste Atlas Ratings