Meze facts for kids
Meze (pronounced "MEH-zeh") is a collection of small, tasty dishes, like appetizers, that people enjoy before a main meal. They are often served with a drink. You'll find meze especially popular in countries around the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, like Greece, Turkey, and many Middle Eastern nations. Think of them like the "tapas" of Spain or other "finger foods" – lots of little bites to share and enjoy!
What is Meze?
The word meze comes from the Persian language word maze, which means 'taste' or 'snack'. These dishes are designed to be small, flavorful bites that get your taste buds ready for the main meal. They are perfect for sharing with friends and family, allowing everyone to try a variety of different flavors.
Where is Meze Popular?
Meze dishes are a big part of the food culture in many countries. They are very common in the Eastern Mediterranean region. This includes countries like Greece, Turkey, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. You can also find meze in the Caucasus region, especially in Azerbaijan and Georgia.
In these places, meze is often served as an important part of any big meal. When meze is served without alcohol, especially in the Arab world, it is sometimes called muqabbilat. This Arabic word simply means "starters" or "appetizers."
Meze and Drinks
Meze is often enjoyed with certain drinks. In many countries, people pair meze with special anise-flavored drinks. These include arak, ouzo, or raki. Different types of wine are also popular choices to go with these delicious small dishes.
Images for kids
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Different Meze plates from Turkey
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Meze plate in Albania
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Tzatziki, a popular meze in Greece
See also
In Spanish: Meze para niños
