A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Moussaka
A layered eggplant casserole, often with meat, pronounced moo-SAH-kuh.
moussaka
moo-SAH-kuh
/muˈsɑːkə/ · mou · sa · ka
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's a popular dish discussed when people talk about comfort food or traditional European cuisine.
Where the word comes from
The word 'moussaka' comes from Greek, ultimately derived from the Turkish word 'musakka', which itself is a borrowing from Arabic 'musaqqa' meaning 'cooled'.
Common ways people get it wrong
- moo-SAK-uh The stress falls on the second syllable, 'SAH', not the last one. Think of it like 'moo-SAH-kuh'.
- MOO-suh-kuh The 'ss' is not a separate syllable. It's a single 's' sound in the middle of the word, with the stress on 'SAH'.
Frequently asked
What is moussaka made of?
Traditional moussaka typically features layers of eggplant, a spiced meat sauce (often lamb or beef), and a creamy béchamel topping. Variations exist, with some using potatoes or zucchini.
Is moussaka a Greek dish?
While strongly associated with Greece and considered a national dish there, moussaka has variations found throughout the Balkans and Middle East. The Greek version is perhaps the most internationally recognized.
