Meze represents a traditional way of serving small dishes in Turkish cuisine. It is a diverse selection of appetizers that are served as a prelude to the main course in restaurants or as part of social events and family gatherings.
Meze can consist of dozens of small dishes, with the number and types varying by region, season, and occasion.
Turkish Meze: Small Dishes for Sharing
The Importance of Meze in Turkish Gastronomy
The term “meze” originally comes from the Persian word “mazze,” which means “taste” or “savor.” Over the centuries, the concept of meze spread throughout the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and the Balkans.
In Turkey, meze is an integral part of life and gastronomy. Historically, meze has roots dating back to the Ottoman Empire, and in modern Turkey, it is a common feature of both family and social gatherings.
Meze symbolizes Turkish hospitality, generosity, and sharing. In Turkish homes, it is customary for the host to encourage guests to try every dish. It is considered polite to taste at least a small amount of each meze.
Meze is most often served before the main course or as an accompaniment to alcoholic beverages, particularly Turkey’s traditional alcoholic drink rakı. This practice is referred to as “rakı sofrası,” which translates to “rakı table.” On such occasions, various types of meze are laid out on the table, allowing guests to choose and taste as they wish.
Do You Pay for Turkish Meze?
Yes, in restaurants, Turkish meze served before the main course is usually charged, even though its price is often not listed on the menu. Meze is often served automatically to make the wait for the main dish more pleasant. However, the price for meze is generally not very high. In specialized restaurants called meyhane, meze is always charged.
Popular Dishes in Turkish Meze
Turkish meze includes a wide variety of dishes.
Cold Meze
Cold dishes form the foundation of any meze serving. These are usually prepared in advance and served at room temperature or chilled.
- çoban salatası (vegetable salad)
- maydanoz salatası (parsley salad)
- cacık (refreshing yogurt salad with cucumber and garlic)
- ezme (spicy vegetable mix)
- haydari (yogurt dip with garlic and herbs)
- patlıcan salatası (roasted eggplant salad)
- hummus (chickpea paste)
- muhammara (spicy walnut and pepper paste)
- kısır (bulgur salad)
- yaprak sarma (vine leaves stuffed with rice)
- çiğ köfte (spicy bulgur balls)
Hot Meze
Hot meze consists of dishes that are freshly prepared, often fried, grilled, or baked.
- sigara böreği (thin rolls filled with cheese)
- mücver (fried zucchini)
- kalamar tava (fried calamari)
- karides güveç (shrimp baked in a clay dish with tomatoes and cheese)
- Arnavut ciğeri (fried liver prepared Albanian style)
- paçanga boreği (rolls filled with pastırma and cheese)
Seafood
In Turkey’s coastal areas, seafood is an essential part of meze.
- midye dolma (mussels stuffed with rice and spices)
- lakerda (marinated fish, usually tuna)
- balık köftesi (fish patties)
- ahtapot salatası (octopus salad)
Cheeses
Cheeses are a popular part of Turkish cuisine and often appear in meze selections.
- beyaz peynir (white salty cheese similar to feta)
- kaşar peynir (semi-hard yellow cheese)
- tulum peynir (aged cheese stored in goat or sheep skin)
Beverages Served with Turkish Meze
The traditional beverage consumed with Turkish meze is rakı. It is an anise-flavored alcoholic drink mixed with water and ice. Turkish wine, especially white and rosé, is also popular, as are non-alcoholic beverages like ayran or tea.
Meyhane: Restaurants Specializing in Meze
In Turkey, there are specialized restaurants called meyhane that focus on serving meze and alcohol, particularly rakı. Meyhane have a long history dating back to the Ottoman era, when they were gathering places for intellectuals, artists, and merchants.
Even today, they are popular for their relaxed atmosphere (unfortunately, I haven’t yet had the chance to visit a meyhane 😢). In meyhane, it is common for a waiter to bring a large tray or cart with displayed dishes for guests to choose from.
Serving meze is deeply rooted in Turkish cultural traditions. Meze is not just about satisfying hunger; it is primarily about strengthening interpersonal relationships. The concept of meze encourages sharing food, creating space for long conversations, and enjoying pleasant moments with family and friends. Therefore, in Turkey, meze is seen as a social activity as important as the food itself.
If you haven’t had the chance to try meze in Turkey yet, make sure to do so. You will definitely enjoy it!
Bon appétit!
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