Mezze is an assortment of cold and hot foods, including vegetables, meat, dips, and breads served with alcohol and non-alcohol drinks. This style of dining resembles a lot to ‘Tapas’ which is a Spanish style of enjoying appetizers and snacks that are served to stimulate the appetite.
Dips
Thick dips are used to enhance fresh vegetables and flatbreads such as pita. These include the Eastern Mediterranean eggplant dish baba ghanoush as well as the chickpea, lemon, and garlic dip called hummus, which may have started in ancient Egypt. Next, theres tzatziki, a cucumber and yogurt dip with Persian roots thats popular in Greece. And theres muhammara, a spicy, bright red Syrian dip made with red pepper and walnuts.
Mezze Vs. Tapas
Often mezze is compared to tapas, but while both types of foods are served as a spread of small plates and finger foods, they arent eaten the same way. Spanish tapas are meant to inspire the appetite and are eaten often as bar food before the main meal. Mezze, on the other hand, is the meal and usually consists of even more items.
Tapas, which are unique to Spain, often feature roasted and salted nuts, olives, ham croquettes, patatas bravas (fried potatoes), grilled octopus, hard Spanish cheeses, slices of cured meat like chorizo, and pan con tomate, also known as tomato toast. Mezze has fewer fried options and usually consists of more dips like hummus and baba ganoush, fresh pita or flatbread, kebabs, dolmas, herb-filled salads, olives, fresh cheeses, and cured fish and meat.
What does Mezze mean?
FAQ
What is mezze in English?
What is the difference between mezze and meze?
What does a meze consist of?
How do you eat a mezze platter?
What does Mezze mean?
What is mezze? Mezze is a Middle Eastern tradition that has spread to many cultures. The word mezze (meaning in English “small plates” or “appetizers”) refers to dishes served before a meal. For example, in Greece, mezze is called mezedes and they’re eaten with drinks rather than with meals.
What is a Greek mezze?
Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado of Greek food or a curious newcomer, this journey through the world of mezze promises to be both informative and delicious. In Greece, “mezze” refers to a collection of small dishes served as appetizers or a meal.
What is a mezze in Islam?
A mezze may be served as a part of a multi-course meal or form a meal in itself. In non- Islamic countries, or in areas without alcohol restrictions, mezze are often served with spirits such as arak, raki, oghi or grappa .
What is Mezze & what is it used for?
Bread is used to scoop up dips, and can also work as a vessel for grabbing falafel and grilled meats. Mezze consists of many delicious small plates to make a whole meal. It is a popular way of eating in the Mediterranean and Middle East.