The History of Greek Meze

Meze is a term that describes a custom in Greece and other Mediterranean nations. Although it is similar to how we think of “appetizers” in the United States, it is much more than that in Greece. Meze consists of little dishes created to be shared and savored over an extended time by friends and family.

What is a meze?

Known variously as mezedes or meters, a meze platter is a collection of little nibbles that makes an ideal appetizer or light meal before dinner. It hits the perfect balance between being fair enough to enable you to enjoy your meal and being substantial enough to satisfy your appetite. It can be consumed before the main course or as a full dining experience. It can be grouped into the following basic groups:

• Hot meze
• Vegetable meze
• Sweet meze
• Cold meze
• Fish meze

History of Greek meze

Meze originated in the Balkans, Greece, Turkey, and nations further south, like Lebanon and Syria. This long-standing custom shows a value Greeks hold: conversing with friends over a few dishes of delectable, straightforward food while enjoying different meals. The Greeks rarely eat without drinking, and they seldom drink without eating.

The practice of savoring mezethes is still very much alive in the capital of Greece, and on any given day of the week in the mid-afternoon, the city’s downtown mezethopoleia are crowded with workers taking a break or stopping by before returning home for a full midday meal. 

What consists of a meze?

Nearly anything can be served as a meze, ranging from a straightforward dish of olives, sliced cucumber, and bread to hearty preparations like spicy sauces or even yesterday’s leftover supper. The type of meze provided will depend on the kind of booze being consumed. For instance, dishes with strong flavors like pickled vegetables, strong cheeses, olives, and salted fish accompany less flavored wine.

Why meze?

Greek culture still holds fast to the ancient Greeks’ emphasis on the communal nature of eating, as eating with family, friends, or coworkers is more advantageous since you can ensure everyone eats enough and that there are no leftovers after the meal. Making time to eat with others might be challenging in today’s hectic world. Thankfully, Greeks worldwide offer various services, including catering and in-store dining, to allow indigenes and tourists to share a meal. The history of Greek meze goes beyond the cuisine alone; it also reflects the customs and values that make up Greek civilization. Meze symbolizes friendliness, charity, and the pleasure of dining with loved ones and exemplifies the culture of loving the embrace of a family or stranger.