FREE Turkish Meze Guide

Atom (Red peppers and yoghurt)

Dried cayenne peppers in rich, creamy butter, unlock their fiery essence. These blazing peppers are then delicately placed atop a velvety bed of garlic-infused strained yogurt, creating a tantalizing contrast of heat and coolness. Atom is not for the faint of heart! Prepare to be dazzled by the explosive combination of flavors as you embark on a spicy adventure like no other.

Fava (Bean puree)

Although its appearance may not win any beauty contests, this meze delivers where it counts – in flavor! Despite its humble presentation, fava pairs perfectly with fish and seafood. If you love hummus, you should definitely try this one too! To enjoy it with red onions, you should specifically order "tekmilli fava" rather than the standard fava meze.

Acılı Ezme (Spicy Tomato Salad)

For this meze, the tomato, onion, garlic, parsley, and spicy red peppers are finely chopped. While each restaurant may have its unique twist, this dish truly shines with the addition of vibrant red pepper paste and as much chili as your taste buds can handle. It is a very popular meze all around the country, served in almost every restaurant!

Köpeoğlu (Eggplant meze)

This traditional Turkish meze features velvety eggplant, succulent peppers, and tomatoes cooked to enhance their sweet-tart essence, all crowned with a dollop of cool, creamy yogurt infused with garlic. This mix of eggplants, peppers, and tomatoes, an absolute must-have in our Mediterranean repertoire, showcases the best of our culinary tradition!

Hummus (No clarification needed)

True to its reputation, hummus speaks for itself. This beloved meze features a creamy blend of chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, resulting in a smooth, flavorful dip. But if you haven't experienced Turkish-style hummus, you're in for a treat. Unlike its counterparts, Turkish hummus boasts a unique blend of flavors and textures, elevating this beloved meze to new heights. For a tantalizing twist, opt for the hummus with pastırma (Turkish salt cured beef), I promise that you will not be disappointed!

Muhammara (Red Peppers and Walnut)

Savor the exquisite taste of muhammara, a Turkish meze bursting with flavor. Made from roasted red peppers, walnuts, and spices, it's refreshingly fresh and very popular. With its slight fiery kick, muhammara is a beloved appetizer in Turkish cuisine, offering a delightful balance of bold flavors.

Girit Ezmesi (Shredded Cheese Meze)

Meet the fresh face of the mezze scene! Girit ezmesi is a chilled mezze perfect for cheese enthusiasts. It combines shredded Ezine and Tulum cheeses with feta for a delectable blend. This is a newfound favorite among cheese aficionados. But, this innovative blend of different kinds of shredded local cheeses has quickly risen to popularity on the culinary scene!

Deniz Börülcesi (Samphire Salad)

If you find yourself in the enchanting Aegean region, don't miss the chance to indulge in this delectable mezze. But remember, it is a seasonal delicacy best enjoyed during the summer months. Typically sourced from the wild, making it organic by nature, this summer specialty thrives in the sea. It's the perfect complement to fish and seafood dishes, especially when enhanced with the zesty flavors of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic, if you're fortunate enough to come across it.

Bonus mezes:

Babagannuş (pureed eggplant with tahini), Haydari (Garlic yoghurt meze), Havuç tarator (Carrot yoghurt meze), Şakşuka (Sauteed vegetables), Biber borani (Green pepper with yoghurt).

Afiyet olsun! Bon appetite!