The Best Hot Mezes from Turkey You Should Try

When it comes to Turkish cuisine, hot mezes are a delightful way to start any meal. These appetizers, rich in flavor and variety, showcase the diverse culinary heritage of Turkey. If you're venturing into the realm of Turkish dining, here are the best hot mezes you should definitely try.

1. Kumpir
Kumpir is a popular street food in Turkey. This dish consists of a baked potato that is expertly pushed and mixed with butter and cheese, creating a creamy and luxurious base. It is then topped with an array of delicious ingredients such as olives, pickles, sausage, and vegetables, making it a customizable delight.

2. Börek
Börek is a beloved pastry made from thin layers of dough, typically filled with cheese, spinach, or minced meat. These flaky pastries can be baked or fried, and are often served hot. The contrast of crispy layers and rich fillings makes börek an irresistible choice for any meal or gathering.

3. Sigara Böreği
A variation of börek, sigara böreği, features thin pastry rolled into a cigar shape and filled with feta cheese or ground meat. These delightfully crispy bites are typically deep-fried, making them an addictive appetizer ideal for sharing.

4. Zeytinyağlı Enginar
This dish, while it technically can be served cold, is often enjoyed warm. Zeytinyağlı enginar consists of artichokes cooked in olive oil, along with carrots, peas, and herbs. This light, flavorful meze brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables and the richness of the olive oil.

5. Mücver
Mücver are zucchini fritters that are both crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Made with grated zucchini, eggs, flour, and herbs, these tasty bites are perfect for starting a meal or as a snack. Typically served with a yogurt dip, mücver is a must-try for anyone enjoying hot mezes.

6. Pide
Often referred to as Turkish pizza, pide is a boat-shaped flatbread topped with a variety of ingredients. Popular toppings include minced meat, cheese, or vegetables, all baked to perfection. The warm, fluffy bread combined with flavorful toppings makes pide an irresistible choice for any meze selection.

7. İskender Kebab
This is a play on traditional döner kebab, consisting of sliced lamb or beef served atop a bed of pita bread, and drenched in a rich tomato sauce and melted butter. It is often accompanied by yogurt, making it a hearty hot meze that will satisfy your hunger.

8. Kısır
Although typically a cold dish, kısır can also be served warm. Made with bulgur wheat, tomatoes, parsley, and spices, this salad is flavorful and refreshing. When served warm, it can be paired with warm pita bread for a delightful experience.

9. Sucuk
This spicy Turkish sausage is often grilled or pan-fried, releasing a savory flavor that pairs wonderfully with cheese or bread. Served hot, sucuk delivers a rich taste that exemplifies the robust flavors found in Turkish cuisine.

10. Tarator
Tarator is a yogurt-based dip made with finely chopped walnuts, garlic, and cucumbers. When served warm, it enhances the creamy texture and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. It’s an excellent accompaniment to other meze dishes like fried vegetables or bread.

Sampling these hot mezes gives you a taste of the rich flavors and traditions of Turkish cuisine. Each dish offers a unique experience and can be a perfect start to your meal, showcasing Turkey's incredible culinary diversity.