Must-Try Mezes When Visiting Turkey

When exploring the vibrant culinary landscape of Turkey, indulging in mezes is an absolute must. These small dishes, typically served as appetizers, provide a delightful introduction to the rich flavors and textures that Turkish cuisine has to offer. Here’s a list of must-try mezes when visiting Turkey, ensuring an authentic dining experience.

1. Hummus
Hummus is a creamy blend of chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. This beloved dip is often served with warm pita bread, making it a perfect starter. Its smooth texture and rich flavor profile are a satisfying prelude to any Turkish meal.

2. Babaganoush
This smoky, flavorful eggplant dip is made from roasted eggplant, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. Traditionally served with soft or warm flatbreads, babaganoush offers a unique taste of the Mediterranean, showcasing the love for grilled vegetables in Turkish cuisine.

3. Dolma
Dolma refers to vine leaves stuffed with a savory mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes minced meat. These bite-sized delights are rolled into neat parcels and cooked to perfection, offering a burst of flavor with every bite. Different variations can include nuts and spices, enhancing their complexity.

4. Mukabele
This traditional dish consists of various ingredients, often including yogurt, cucumbers, and garlic. It provides a refreshing contrast to spicier mezes and is a great way to cool down your palate. Mukabele is particularly popular during the summer months.

5. Kofta
These seasoned meatballs, typically made from lamb or beef, are deliciously aromatic. Kofta can be grilled or fried, and served with a side of yogurt or a fresh salad. Their spices and herbs give them an irresistible flavor, making them a perfect addition to any meze platter.

6. Sigara Böreği
These crispy, cigar-shaped pastries are filled with cheese, minced meat, or spinach. Frying them gives them a golden and flaky texture that is utterly addictive. Often accompanied by a side of yogurt or a dipping sauce, they are the ultimate comfort food.

7. Cheese Platter
Turkey offers a diverse range of cheeses that vary by region. A typical cheese platter might include beyaz peynir (white cheese), tulum, or aged kasar. Served with olives, tomatoes, and cucumbers, it provides a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

8. Tarator
This tahini-based dip combines ground walnuts, garlic, and yogurt to create a rich and nutty flavor. Often enjoyed with bread or vegetables, tarator is both nutritious and delicious, making it a staple on Turkish meze tables.

9. Spinach and Cheese Börek
Similar to sigara böreği but often shaped in layers, börek filled with spinach and cheese is a delectable pastry that embodies the heart of Turkish comfort food. The flaky pastry paired with savory filling makes it a favorite among locals and travelers alike.

10. Piyaz
This bean salad is made with white beans, onions, parsley, and a dressing of olive oil and vinegar. Sometimes topped with boiled eggs and served cold, piyaz is both refreshing and hearty, ideal for complementing the variety of flavors on your meze platter.

Sampling these must-try mezes is essential for experiencing the essence of Turkish gastronomy. Each dish tells a story of tradition, culture, and the art of sharing good food. So when you find yourself in Turkey, be sure to embrace the delightful world of mezes.