How to make Meze Platter

Why cooks start here

Meze Platter is cooked the way Istanbul meyhane tables cooks it — salt judged by hand, fat used generously, and the table set for sharing. This is the home version, written down the way a turkish family cook actually puts it on the table.

The Meze Platter finds its roots in the bustling meyhane tables of Istanbul, where flavors are crafted with a generous hand. Each dish in this spread reflects the care and tradition of Turkish home cooking, where salt is not measured but felt, and the richness of olive oil is celebrated. This home version captures the essence of a shared meal, bringing together family and friends around a table filled with vibrant, small plates. Expect a symphony of textures and tastes: creamy hummus and haydari, the refreshing coolness of cacık, and the fiery kick of ezme. Briny olives and warm, soft flatbread complete the platter, offering a balance of flavors that is both satisfying and deliciously varied. Generous drizzles of olive oil enhance each component, inviting you to savor every bite.