Meze - Definition and Overview

Mezes (pl. Mezedes) is the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern version of Spanish tapas.

Mezedes are little dishes designed to complement a beverage, tease the tastebuds and encourage diners to linger around a table for good conversation. In Iran, they are used while serving alcoholic drinks in houses or parties. In Greece, they are served in a tsipouradiko or ouzeri, (café-like establishments that serve tsipouro or ouzo respectively). Likewise in Turkey meze are served in similar establishments called meyhane along with raki. The word meze is of Persian origin. The Persian word مزه mazze meaning flavour is a noun from the verb مزیدن mazzidan i.e. to taste.