APPETIZERS

With the name originating from ‘mazidan’, which means ‘to taste’ in Farsi, the meze, in both concept
and interpretation, is an important gift from the Middle East to the world. As meze dishes were brought
to other countries, each dish gained new and unique touches across diverse culinary traditions. As a
small dish served with alcoholic drinks, the meze first gained prominence in wine houses and taverns
throughout the Mediterranean. In our modern era, ‘mezes’ are also considered a meal’s starting
dishes.